March 26, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors: 

• community knowledge; 

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are: 

• Groundwater and surface water resources (aquifers, boreholes, and wells) are protected from over‑extraction through yield testing, monitoring of abstraction rates, and adjustment of pump capacity to sustainable yields, combined with the establishment and training of community‑based water management committees.
• Drinking water quality is safeguarded through careful site selection away from contamination sources (latrines, livestock areas, waste dumps), the construction of protected borehole headworks to prevent runoff infiltration, and regular water quality monitoring, including in flood‑prone contexts.
• Soils and land stability are protected by limiting excavation to necessary areas only, scheduling works during the dry season, applying proper backfilling and compaction after construction, and controlling dust emissions through water spraying.
• Local vegetation and biodiversity are preserved by avoiding forested areas where possible, minimizing vegetation clearance, and replanting native species or seedlings to compensate for vegetation loss and reduce erosion.
• Human health and soils are protected through the safe management of waste generated by health, construction, and distribution activities (including medical and construction waste), in accordance with national regulations and sector standards, ensuring proper segregation, storage, and disposal.
• Soils and water resources are protected from fecal contamination by constructing properly sealed and lined latrines located at least 30 metres from water sources, combined with controlled desludging, treatment, and safe decommissioning procedures.
• Air quality and the climate are protected by replacing fossil‑fuel‑powered pumping systems with solar or hybrid energy systems, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.
• Worker and community safety is ensured through pre‑construction risk assessments, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), enforcement of worksite safety protocols, and regular compliance monitoring.
• Long‑term environmental sustainability of WASH infrastructure is strengthened through the training and equipping of community water committees and local mechanics to ensure regular operation, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs, reducing water losses and associated environmental impacts.Therefore, Oxfam-Québec may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part. 

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, Oxfam Québec et Oxfam Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.