Integrated Nutrition, WASH, and Protection Response: DRC and Syria
Document reference number: 1
Integrated Nutrition, WASH, and Protection Response: DRC and Syria –Public Comments Invited
February 07, 2025 – Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the proposed Integrated Nutrition, WASH, and Protection Response: DRC and Syria, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.
Written comments must be submitted by March 10, 2025 to:
Environment Specialists
Global Affairs Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau (QC) J8X 4B7
Email:?CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca
With a duration of 24 months, the project "Integrated Nutrition, WASH, and Protection Response: DRC and Syria – Save the Children Canada – 2024-2026" aims to address unmet critical needs in nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, as well as sexual and gender-based violence.
Implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Ituri province, specifically in the Djugu territory, the project targets the most vulnerable populations, including children, individuals suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition (MAM/SAM), and those exposed to sexual and gender-based violence.
Covering eight (8) health areas distributed across two (2) health zones (Lita and Fataki), the project aims to improve the availability of water, hygiene, and sanitation services. Specifically, the project will involve the construction of five (5) placenta pits, six (6) incinerators, and the installation of six (6) bottle crushers.
The province of Ituri in the eastern part of the DRC, particularly the Djugu territory, is a region of high plateaus scattered with a large tropical rainforest, but also with savannah landscapes. This province has rich wildlife with rare species such as the Okapi. The anarchic mining activities and the activism of armed groups are among the major causes of the destruction of its fauna and flora. The terrain of the Ituri province is rugged, dominated by Mount Bleu and other massifs. It is situated between the basins of the Nile and Congo rivers. The province is governed by a territorial administrator and subdivided into various decentralized entities, including chiefdoms, groupings, villages, and local notables, each managed by chiefs of the chiefdoms, group leaders, local notables, or customary chiefs at the village level. These areas and settlements face significant sanitation challenges, including solid and liquid waste, proliferation of mosquitoes and flies that spread malaria and typhoid fever, and the lack of an appropriate waste management policy.
The health facilities involved in the construction projects are owned by the Congolese state through the Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene. The soil characteristics are clay-rich at lower altitudes and sandy at higher altitudes. In terms of phytogeographic vegetation, the Djugu territory is covered by two main types of vegetation: forest (a mix of natural and reforested areas) and savanna.
For these projects, environmental considerations will include:
- Deforestation:
- It is essential to assess the environmental impact and mitigate the risks of deforestation and habitat loss. Measures will be implemented, such as protecting sensitive areas and reforestation after the work is completed.
- Soil Erosion and Degradation:
- Construction activities, particularly those involving excavation (such as for placenta pits), can lead to soil erosion, especially in steep areas or where soil management practices are insufficient. This can reduce soil fertility in surrounding areas and increase the risk of flooding.
- Water Pollution and Contamination:
- Construction sites can lead to water pollution from the runoff of materials like cement, oils, and other pollutants into nearby rivers and water bodies. Effective drainage and wastewater management systems should be implemented during construction to minimize these impacts.
- Waste Generation and Disposal:
- Construction projects generate significant waste, including building materials, plastics, and other non-biodegradable items. Proper waste management must be implemented to avoid illegal dumping and the resulting pollution.
- Air Pollution and Dust:
- Construction activities, such as demolition, excavation, and transportation of materials, can release dust and particulate matter into the air, contributing to pollution. Managing the dust will be essential to minimize disruptions and limit it's impact.
- Noise Pollution:
- Construction activities can lead to high noise levels, disturbing local wildlife and surrounding communities. Managing noise levels and scheduling activities to minimize disruptions are essential to limit this impact.
- Use of Local Materials and Sustainability:
- Using local materials for construction, such as stone, timber, and clay, can reduce the environmental footprint related to transporting materials. However, it is important to ensure that these materials are sourced sustainably to avoid over-exploitation of local resources.
- Mitigation Measures and Sustainability:
- It is crucial to include effective environmental mitigation strategies in the construction planning process. This includes erosion control methods, waste recycling, pollution prevention plans, and measures to protect nearby water resources. By ensuring the project follows sustainable practices, Save the Children can minimize the long-term environmental impacts.
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Physical activities |
Description |
|
Construction of placenta pits |
This involves:
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|
Construction of incinerators |
This incinerator will be coupled with an ash pit to avoid handling the ashes.
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Construction of bottle grinders |
This involves the manufacturing of a bottle grinder with a simplified design, approved by Save the Children. |
Geographic coordinates
|
Name |
Location |
Geographical Coordinates Format |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Lita Health Zone, Virakpa Health Center |
Lat : 1.6779697 Long : 30.3385996 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Lita Health Zone, Katoto Health Center |
Lat : 1.6529518 Long : 30.3471849 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Lita Health Zone, Zumbe Health Center |
Lat : 1.4795286 Long : 30.3309955 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Lita Health Zone, Ezekere Health Center |
Lat : 1.5156939 Long : 30.3320684 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Fataki Health Zone, Duvire Health Center |
Lat : 1.9797287 Long : 30.6152341 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Fataki Health Zone, Dhendro Health Center |
Lat : 1.9183169 Long : 30.6267143 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Fataki Health Zone, Ngulo Health Center |
Lat : 1.9314898 Long : 30.6387842 |
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ituri Province, Djugu Territory, Fataki Health Zone, Djidha Health Center |
Lat : 1.9731545 Long : 30.5717026 |