50% found this document useful (2 votes)

2K views317 pages

2nd Niger Bridge

The document is a scoping report for the proposed construction of a second bridge over the River Niger in Nigeria. It was prepared by Aurecon Consulting Engineers Nigeria Limited for NSIA Motorways Investment Company & Julius Berger Consortium. The report provides an overview of the project which involves constructing a new bridge parallel to the existing bridge to address increasing traffic volumes. It outlines key project components including the bridge design and alignment options considered. The report also establishes the legislative framework for environmental assessment and outlines the proposed environmental and social impact assessment process and methodology.

Uploaded by

Adegboyega Adeyemi

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

50% found this document useful (2 votes)

2K views317 pages

2nd Niger Bridge

Uploaded by

Adegboyega Adeyemi

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 317

THE PROPOSED SECOND RIVER NIGER

BRIDGE, NIGERIA
Scoping Report
1 July 2014
Report Number: 9151
Prepared by:

Prepared for:

Aurecon Consulting Engineers

Nigeria Limited
Block 20 Plot 32B
Admiralty Way
Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1
Lagos, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +234 1 710 1481

NSIA Motorways Investment

Company & Julius Berger
Consortium
4th Floor Clan Place Plot 1386A
Tigris Crescent
Maitama, Abuja
Nigeria

Page left intentionally blank

Document Control Record

Document prepared by:
Aurecon Consulting Engineers Nigeria Limited
Block 20 Plot 32B
Admiralty Way
Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1
Lagos, Nigeria

T
F
E
W

+234 1 710 1481

+27 86 233 9530
[email protected]
aurecongroup.com

A person using Aurecon documents or data accepts the risk of:

a)
b)

Using the documents or data in electronic form without requesting and checking them for accuracy against the original hard copy
version.
Using the documents or data for any purpose not agreed to in writing by Aurecon.

Document control
Report Title

Scoping Report for the Proposed Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Document ID

9151

File Path

P:\Projects\110042
ESIA 2nd River Bridge\03 PRJ Del\4 REPORTS\4 SCOPING
REPORT\Niger Bridge Scoping Report_Final.docx

Client

NMIC

Client Contact
Prepared by

Project Number

Rev

Date

Revision Details/Status

13 June 2014

Client copy

1 July 2014

Final copy

Current Revision

Kirsten Jones
and Nelis
Bezuidenhout
Kirsten Jones
and Nelis
Bezuidenhout

110757

Vivianne Infante
Author

Verifier

Diane
Erasmus

Pieter
Botha

Diane
Erasmus

Pieter
Botha

Approver

Approval
Author Signature
Name
Title

Approver Signature
Diane Erasmus
Associate

Name
Title

Andries van der Merwe

Technical
Director:
Environment & Advisory
Services

This report is to be referred to in bibliographies as: AURECON. 2014. Scoping Report for the Proposed
Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria: Scoping Report. Report No. 9151.

Scoping Report

Page | 1

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page left intentionally blank

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 2

CONTENTS
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.2 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE SCOPING REPORT AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
1.4 ROLE PLAYERS

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
2.2 NEED AND DESIRABILITY
2.3 PROJECT COMPONENTS
2.4 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
2.5 OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
2.6 DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES
2.7 ALTERNATIVES

3 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
3.1 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
3.2 NIGERIAN LEGISLATION
3.3 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

4 ESIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

4.1 PROCESS OVERVIEW
4.2 SCOPING PHASE
4.3 ESIA PHASE
4.4 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
4.5 GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND UNCERTAINTIES

5 BASELINE DESCRIPTION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
5.3 LAND USE
5.4 TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY
5.5 AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY
5.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
5.7 GEOHYDROLOGY
5.8 HYDROLOGY
5.9 AIR QUALITY
5.10 NOISE
5.11 VISUAL
5.12 SOCIAL
5.13 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT
5.14 VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION
5.15 WASTE MANAGEMENT
5.16 SUMMARY OF BASELINE DESCRIPTIONS
5.17 RISK

8
18
18
21
21
23

26
26
26
27
33
39
40
40

46
46
52
52

56
56
56
59
60
63

66
66
66
68
69
72
75
78
79
83
85
86
87
93
95
96
96
98

6 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

100

7 TERMS OF REFERENCE

104

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 PURPOSE OF THE ESIA AND ESMP
7.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
7.4 ALTERNATIVES
7.5 ISSUES AND IMPACTS
7.6 METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
7.7 ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
7.8 MITIGATION MEASURES
7.9 TIMELINE
7.10 CONCLUSION

8 REFERENCES

Page | 3
104
104
105
105
105
110
114
114
115
116

118

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 | Locality map indicating proposed infrastructure .......................................................................................... 19
Figure 2 | Overview map indicating proposed infrastructure ........................................................................................ 20
Figure 3 | Visualisation of bridge from the north .......................................................................................................... 29
Figure 4 | Visualisation of bridge looking from the east to west ................................................................................... 29
Figure 5 | Longitudinal section of the bridge showing the three sections ..................................................................... 30
Figure 6 | The Scoping and ESIA process (adapted from Roughton, 2012) ................................................................ 57
Figure 7 | Stakeholder engagement methodology ....................................................................................................... 61
Figure 8 | Land cover of the project area ..................................................................................................................... 69
Figure 9 | Part of the study area at Onitsha showing clearance of vegetation for farming and housing construction
(Source: Bamidele, 2014) ............................................................................................................................ 70
Figure 10 | A view of part of the freshwater swamp forest in the study area showing Hallea ciliata (Abura) (Source:
Bamidele, 2014)........................................................................................................................................... 71
Figure 11 | Fisherman inspecting his fishing gear (Source: Prof Anthony E. Ogbeibu) ............................................... 74
Figure 12 | Dredged sand being offloaded by hand (Source: Perold and Boersema, 2014) ........................................ 78
Figure 13 | Niger River annual flow series 1970-1992 at Lokoja gauge ...................................................................... 81
Figure 14 | Niger River monthly flow distribution as a percentage of the MAR ............................................................ 82
Figure 15 | Flow Duration curve average daily flow (1970-1992) at Lokoja gauge ...................................................... 82
Figure 16 | Season Flow Duration curves average daily flow (1970-1992) at Lokoja gauge ....................................... 83
Figure 17 | A typical focus group in progress (Source: Perold and Boersema, 2014) ................................................. 88
Figure 18 | Typical wattle-and-daub structure (Source: Digby Wells) .......................................................................... 91
Figure 19 | Multi-story residential buildings (Source: Aurecon).................................................................................... 92
Figure 20 | A road in the study area with no hard shoulder lane or line markings and pedestrian walkways (Source:
Aurecon) ...................................................................................................................................................... 94
Figure 21 | The contribution of risk assessment to the risk management process (source: ISO 31000: 2009) ........... 99
Figure 22 | Hierarchy of mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 115

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 | Role players .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Table 2 | Environmental specialists ............................................................................................................................. 24
Table 3 | Environmental authority ................................................................................................................................ 25
Table 4 | Summary of alignment sections and design features ................................................................................... 32
Table 5 | Summary of resources .................................................................................................................................. 36
Table 6 | Summary of construction components and various metrics .......................................................................... 38
Table 7 | Alignment alternatives considered prior to this ESIA (Roughton International (Nigeria) Ltd, 2012) .............. 42
Table 8 | Outline of the IFC PS and their relevance in this ESIA ................................................................................. 47
Table 9 | Outline of the international standards and Nigerian legislation regarding ESIA, Stakeholder Engagement, social
impact assessment and resettlement .......................................................................................................... 48
Table 10 | Summary of discipline specific legislation ................................................................................................... 53
Table 11 | Scoping activities undertaken ..................................................................................................................... 58
Table 12 | Comments raised during the Stakeholder Engagement process ................................................................ 63
Table 13 | Specialists studies gaps in knowledge ........................................................................................................ 64
Table 14 | Population density and utility of dominant economic plant species along the proposed road and bridge ... 71
Table 15 | Guidelines for ambient air quality in Nigeria ............................................................................................... 85
Table 16 | Summary of land uses and assets in the road RoW ................................................................................... 90
Table 17 | Land uses to be displaced by other Project components ............................................................................ 90
Table 18 | Differences on each side of the river bank more disadvantaged communities are at more risk for climate
change variables.......................................................................................................................................... 96
Table 19 | Aspects requiring additional study ............................................................................................................ 106

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 4

Table 20 | Definition of intensity ratings ..................................................................................................................... 111

Table 21 | Definition of duration ratings ..................................................................................................................... 111
Table 22 | Definition of extent ratings ........................................................................................................................ 112
Table 23 | Definition of probability ratings .................................................................................................................. 112
Table 24 | Application of consequence ratings .......................................................................................................... 112
Table 25 | Application of significance ratings ............................................................................................................. 113
Table 26 | Project timeline ......................................................................................................................................... 115

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 5

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
As already described, the ESIA will be undertaken in accordance with Nigerian legislation as well
as the voluntary international best practice framework for ESIAs, known as the Equator Principles
and the IFC Performance Standards.
In terms of the Nigerian legislation, the Environmental Decree No 86 of 1992 is the primary
legislation that governs this ESIA process and makes EIAs mandatory for development projects
that are likely to have adverse impacts on the environment. The EIA Act stipulates that The public
or private sector of the economy shall not undertake or embark on public projects or authorise
projects or activities without prior consideration, at an early stage, of their environmental effects.
In terms of land acquisition and resettlement required for the project, the Land Use Act of 1978
(modified in 1990) gives the government the right to acquire land by revoking both statutory and
customary rights of occupancy for the overriding public interest. In doing so, the Act specifies that
the State or Local Government should pay compensation to the current holder or occupier with
equal value.
The Equator Principles are a framework for determining, assessing and managing environmental
and social risks in finance transactions for major projects. It comprises a set of principles adopted
by the Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) to ensure that the projects they finance are
developed and implemented in a manner that is socially responsible and environmentally sound.
Theses Equator Principles are a set of voluntary standards that commit the EPFI to the
Environmental and Social Performance Standards of IFC. These Performance Standards are
based on the World Bank Group Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines. The IFC Performance
Standards are therefore considered as the bench mark for environmental and social performance
in the financial industry and compliance is voluntary and managed by the IFC or the financier.
However, the national regulatory system also applies and the borrower is required to meet the
most stringent standards (in most countries worldwide, the IFC Performance Standards are more
stringent than national legislation).
The process has been undertaken in accordance with these Acts and associated guideline
documents. Other environmental and planning legislation applies to the project and have been
considered by the ESIA team and the environmental specialists in their studies.
ESIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

The ESIA has involved environmental screening which allowed the Federal Ministry of
Environment to establish that the project was a Category 1 project due to its scale.
A scoping process was undertaken which included wet and dry season sampling of the project
areas and Stakeholder Engagement with various sectors of society.
The findings of the sampling and consultation have allowed the environmental and social baseline
to be documented and also to capture any constraints, opportunities and potential impacts of the
project. This information is recorded in this Scoping Report which also sets out the Terms of
Reference for the ESIA.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 12

This scoping phase will be followed by an assessment phase whereby each specialist will assess
the significance of the potential impacts and will provide recommendation measures to reduce any
negative impacts and enhance any positive impacts. This will be the basis of the ESIA report and
the Environmental and Social Management Plan, which sets out how the social and biophysical
environment should be protected during the construction and operational phases. Further
stakeholder consultation will be undertaken to present the findings of the ESIA and gather further
comments.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The stakeholder engagement process included circulating a Background Information Document
and an Information Pamphlet translated into Igbo, as well as a radio and newspaper advert.
Meetings and workshops were held with Federal (National), State & Local Authorities, traditional
authorities (kings, paramount chiefs, town & village chiefs), affected landowners, associations such
as the Sand Dredging Association & Harbour Layout Association Fishermen Associations and
Non-Governmental Organisations such as environmental organisations & Community-based
Organisations (CBOs). The issues raised are summarised below.
Category

Comments Raised

Compensation

Local communities are expectant of compensation they might receive.

Air Quality

Request for air quality to be investigated.

Noise

A noise impact study should be undertaken.

Traffic

Request that a study be undertaken considering traffic impacts.

Road Network

How the new roads will connect to existing roads needs to be explained.

Right of Way (ROW)

There is confusion with regards to the positioning of the ROW.

Borrow Pits

The position of borrow pits needs to be indicated.

Flooding

There is concern that new roads will result in flooding of areas.

Land use

Need for land use plans to be considered.

Need for alternative land to be provided.
Alternative land is not easy to obtain.
Uncertainty if construction has started already.
The project should be undertaken as soon as possible.

Consultation

Time Frames

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 13

There is high unemployment.

The project should employ local people.
There are local skills available, and not only for manual labour.
Uncertainty on how employment will be arranged.
Employment of local youths is important.

Old Niger River Bridge

Uncertainty if how the old bridge will remain as it is.

Security

Uncertainty if the new bridge will have its own security or police post.

Resettlement

No settlements should be allowed near the road verge.

It will need to be explained to people why they need to be resettled.

Impact Assessment

Clarity needed if the ESIA will consider both Environmental and Social Impacts.

BASELINE DESCRIPTION, CONSTRAINTS, OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS

A baseline description has been compiled using desk based source of information as well as the
findings of the wet and dry season sampling by the team of specialists in September 2013 and
early March 2014. This allowed them to identify constraints, opportunities and potential impacts.
Baseline description
The study area falls across two states as the bridge connects Onitsha in Anambra and Asaba in
Delta State. On the Asaba side, the village of Oko-Amakom will be affected, whilst on the Onitsha
side the villages of Odekpe and Obosi will be affected. Specifically these villages are associated
with land uses such as agricultural fields, residential structures, graves and shrines, with a sacred
forest and shrine at Obosi as well. There are also industrial and business land uses along the
alignment, mostly at the Harbour Industrial Layout area, as well as the Metallurgical Institute. Much
of the alignment, especially along the eastern section, crosses natural vegetation, wetland and
swamps and these remaining natural areas are not suitable for human habitation.
The biodiversity of these natural areas is disturbed by farming and run-off of contaminated water.
Such areas can be described as a mosaic of farms, bush fallows, home gardens and swamp
forest, generally made up of a mixture of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses typical of lowland rain
forest of Nigeria. Many useful plants exist here, such as those used for timber, rope, fruit, wine, oil,
wrapper and dye. Common animals observed include birds (such as the egret, hornbill, pelican,
heron, and vulture), rabbits, monkeys and rodents (such as the grass cutter). Reptilian fauna is
apparently made up of crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards.
The vegetation on the river banks comprises mainly floating and emergent aquatic macrophytes,
perennial secondary grasses, shrubs and a few trees upland. However the biodiversity of the Niger
River itself has been negatively impacted by siltation, polluted runoff into the river from untreated
runoff water and waste and invasion by water hyacinth. The study area is primarily freshwater and
fishing is still carried out mainly by a few artisanal fishermen from the community.
In terms of geology, the site is situated in the low-lying flat Deltaic Plain. The river basin along the
route is covered in erosion gullies. Swamps in backwater areas off the main river often contain

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 14

broad drainage channels created when this area was an active delta. The swamps along the
alignment are critically dependent upon natural water level fluctuations.
The entire site is situated in a region built up by the sedimentation of the Niger Delta and is
generally covered by thick layers of recent sediments. The material present is of weathered
reddish brown, lateritic soils as well as alluvial deposits. Soil erosion is a major problem in both
urban and rural areas and results from a high volume of rainfall. It is made worse by indiscriminate
farming activities and the removal of trees and vegetation through bush burning, etc.
A primary aquifer is located in the unconsolidated deposits of the area. This aquifer is heavily used
by the local population as the main source of potable water. The type of the geology means that
the risk of pollution of the aquifer is high. As a result of the high rainfall in the area, drainage
problems cause ponding in low lying areas. The geology of the area, together with the lack of
formal waste management has led to high levels of contamination of the aquifer.
The surface water quality and flow is already impacted by extensive dredging and sand mining
activities in the river near the bridge. There are poor sanitation practices in the urban areas and
sewage is discharged into the stormwater system. This eventually drains into the river, or the
wetland on the southern edge of Onitsha, or streams draining into the Niger River. Used engine oil
from the many truck, car and motorcycle workshops spread throughout the area drains directly into
the soil or is discarded into stormwater drains. Litter is also a problem and many informal solid
waste dumps were observed on the banks of the Niger River or in water courses in the towns.
The general climate in the project area is humid and tropical with high temperatures and low wind
speed. The air quality in much of the region is not pristine, as it has been negatively affected by
commercial activities, mainly in the Delta State region. The location of industries within residential
areas is causing air and noise pollution. There are also high levels of air pollution from
automobiles, electricity generators, and industrial workshops and factories in residential areas.
Noise levels are representative of urban environments close to large road networks. The majority
of measurements taken indicate noise levels exceed the environmental noise limits for both
daytime and night time periods in residential areas.
The socio-economic survey found the study area is fairly uniform in terms of socio-cultural
characteristics, with most households being Igbo-speaking and Christian. Education levels are
generally low but this trend seems to be changing with the younger generation. Most villages have
a primary school in easy walking distance, although secondary schools are more widely dispersed.
There are few professional or technical training levels in the area.
The most common sources of income seem to be agriculture (including crop cultivation and
livestock rearing) and petty trading. Other important economic activities include dredging of sand
from the Niger River, fishing and industries. Most households earn income from at least two or
three alternative sources. Houses are generally either of traditional wattle-and-daub construction,
or are constructed of concrete brick with a number of multi-story residential buildings, mostly near
the proposed creek diversion and Atani Road.
Overall, the quality of infrastructure in the affected communities is poor. Electricity supply is
unreliable and in some cases, non-existent and kerosene is the most popular fuel. Access to water

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 15

for drinking and irrigation is a challenge and the roads used by communities are poorly maintained
and difficult to use during the rainy season. There is no formal removal of refuse and solid waste
tends to build up along roadsides and in drainage canals.
In terms of cultural heritage, there are a large number of (mostly Christian) places of worship in the
area. Traditional religious worship is important and is often practiced alongside other formal
religions. Some of these sacred sites are located within the communities but many are located in
small patches of forests elsewhere on community land. The sacred forest areas are important to
the communities and economic activity within them is forbidden. Traditional leaders are important
and no community-level consultation or survey activities may be undertaken without first seeking
the permission of the local traditional leader.
Traffic congestion and the standard of roads in the study area is poor. Roads are mostly single
carriageways with no hard shoulders or pedestrian walkways. Although some of the major roads in
the town have just been resurfaced, many are in bad condition and completely impassable. There
are not enough parking spaces and drivers must park on the roads. There are often no street
lights, footbridges, road signs, and lane markings. Most roads are not wide enough for vehicles
with many being encroached upon by traders and their stalls. A lack of formal bus stops means
commuter buses pick up and drop off passengers anywhere, causing congestion.
Overall the baseline study has shown that the area is characterised by high populations,
associated urbanisation and poor town planning, which has resulted in a number of physical and
social challenges. These include air, ground, water and solid waste pollution and over-exploitation
of natural resource which have all had a negative impact on the receiving environment.
Potential impacts
Potential impacts include any change, potential or actual, to (i) the physical, natural, or cultural
environment, and (ii) impacts on surrounding community and workers, resulting from the business
activity to be supported.
Against the context already described, the construction of the project may have a number of
potential impacts; the significance of which will be assessed in the ESIA. These impacts are
identified as:
Impact to air quality from an increase in pollutants;
Impacts to aquatic biodiversity from sedimentation, increase in water turbidity (reducing light
penetration), blockage of waterways, and pollution and waste entering the ecosystem;
Associated loss of livelihood for fisherman;
Groundwater contamination from construction wastes;
Impact to groundwater from borehole exploitation;
Liquefaction impacts (impacting the long term safety of the bridge if there is seismic activity);
Soil degradation from a number of disruptive or polluting activities;
Pollution of wetland with additional health risk to humans and to aquatic ecosystems arising
from increased barriers in the area; wastewater; and hydrocarbon pollution;
Climate change impacts and increased risk of disasters;
Noise nuisance;
Resettlement and compensation impacts;

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 16

Impacts of tolling;
Benefits such as job creation and local economic development;
Negative impacts on the community as a result of the presence of construction workers;
Traffic disruption and health-and-safety impacts from construction activities;
Socio-economic impacts from the transport of construction materials and equipment by
barge from Warri Port;
Loss of or damage to cultural and heritage resources;
Loss or damage to vegetation and habitats from clearing, trampling or fragmentation;
Impact on surrounding road network;
Impact on traffic and other pollution (noise, air etc) from construction vehicles;
Impact on views and scenic or cultural resources; and
Pollution from the generation of waste.

TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference provides a work plan for the process of conducting an ESIA and preparing
an Environmental and Social Management Plan. It allows stakeholders and the authority to
comment on the scope and methodology. Stakeholders will be able to review the document online
as well as access hard copies of the Non-Technical Summary before it is submitted to the
authority.
A standard assessment methodology will be applied by all the specialists in this study to assess
the significance of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed development and allow for
comparable assessment of these potential impacts. Depending on the significance of the impact,
appropriate mitigation measures can be proposed.
Both the Nigerian EIA legislation and the IFC Performance Standards also call for an assessment
of the potential cumulative impacts arising from the project. These are the impacts from the
combination of the project as well as other proposed developments.
Once the ESIA Report and Environmental and Social Management Plan have been drafted to
include all of this information, a second round of stakeholder meetings will be undertaken. The
Draft will be revised on the basis of these comments and submitted to the Federal Ministry of
Environment. They will make a decision after a public review period and hearing. It is planned that
the process would be concluded by November 2014 before construction commences.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 17

In order to provide stakeholders with more detailed information about the proposed project,
copies of the Scoping Report and Non-technical Summary will be made available from 3 July 24 July 2014 (21 days) to be viewed at the following places:
Federal Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report and a copy of the NonTechnical Summary (all in English);
State Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report and Non-technical
Summary at the Awka Office and a copy of the Scoping Report and Non-technical
Summary at the Asaba Office (all in English);
Local Government Chairmen: Copies of the Non-technical Summary will be placed at
the Local Government Councils of Idemili, Ogbaru and Oshimili (in English and Igbo);
and
Traditional Leadership: Copies of the Non-technical Summary will be placed at the
Asagba of Asaba, Obi of Onitsha, authorities of Obosi, Odekpe, Okpoko and Oko
Amakom (in English and Igbo).
Documentation will also be available for download on the following websites:
www.digbywells.com (Documentation filed under Public Documents)
www.aurecongroup.com (Documentation filed under Public Participation)
www.nsia.com.ng (Documentation filed under Downloads)

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 18

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this section is to briefly introduce the proposed Second River
Niger Bridge and to describe the environmental team and the proposed
process.
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) has
proposed the construction of a second bridge across the River Niger between Onitsha in Anambra
State and Asaba in Delta State. Refer to Figure 1. The bridge, which will be 1.59 km in length, will
be connected to a toll plaza on the Asaba side. The toll plaza is 1.5 km in length and has approach
roads on either side totalling 9.8 km. The total length of the road and bridge that is the subject of
this study is 11.9 km in length. The average width of the Right of Way (RoW)1 is 91.44 m but is
wider near the embankments (116 m) and the Toll Plaza. This will accommodate six lanes of
traffic, three in each direction.
This proposed infrastructure would be operated for a 25 year concession period by a Consortium
comprising the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Motorways Investment Company
(NMIC) and Julius Berger (the Consortium), together with the FMW Nigeria. This forms Phase 1 of
a wider project with later phases to include construction of connecting roads on either end. Refer to
Figure 2. The additional connection roads to the bridge section will form part of an independent
study and are thus not assessed in this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
The contract agreement for the construction of the bridge is in the form of a Design Build Operate
and Transfer (DBOT) / Public Private Partnership (PPP) . The Consortium has been appointed as a
private entity to Design, Build and Operate the project during the concession period, allowing it to
be transferred back to the FMW thereafter to operate.
An ESIA is required for such a project in terms of Nigerian legislation. Aurecon Consulting
Engineers Nigeria Limited (Aurecon) has been appointed as the lead Environmental Consultant to
undertake the ESIA in terms of the required legislation and to ensure the highest possible
compliance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards. In order to accommodate
the alignment and associated infrastructure, land acquisition is being led by the FMW, and is being
conducted in terms of Nigerian standards. The IFC standards are more stringent in this regard and
require the development of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that sets out a resettlement budget
and schedule, establishes the entitlements of all categories of affected persons, etc. before
resettlement is implemented. This process is also being managed by Aurecon. The ESIA and RAP
programme aims for completion of the ESIA study toward the end of September 2014.

The standard RoW for a dual carriageway expressway belonging to or occupied by the Federal government in Nigeria
is 100 yards (91.44 m) as stated in the Highway Manual of FMW.

Scoping Report

Page | 19

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

]
Figure 1 | Locality map indicating proposed infrastructure

Scoping Report

Page | 20

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Figure 2 | Overview map indicating proposed infrastructure

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 21

1.2 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The ESIA will be undertaken in terms of the relevant Nigerian environmental legislation,
specifically the Environmental Decree No 86 of 1992 known in the statute books as
Environmental Impact Assessment Act CAP E12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN)
(2004) (EIA Act). The ESIA will also take cognisance of the Equator Principles (EP) and the IFC
Guidelines and Performance Standards (PS).
The EIA Act is the primary piece of environmental legislation in Nigeria guiding Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIAs) and stipulates that the public or private sector of the economy
shall not undertake or embark on public projects or authorise projects or activities without prior
consideration, at an early stage, of their environmental effects. In accordance with the EIA Act,
this project was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) for the Initial
Environmental Evaluation (IEE) to determine the projects category. The FMEnv determined that
the project is considered a Category 1 project which requires a full EIA study (refer to Appendix
A). Considering the important social aspects of this project, an ESIA, as referred to by the IFC,
is to be undertaken to fully address social and biophysical environmental impacts (both positive
and negative).
Section 3 outlines the legislative requirements of this ESIA in more detail.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE SCOPING REPORT AND TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Federal Environment Protection Agency (FEPA) EIA Process Guidelines (FEPA, 1995: 2)
state that the scoping exercise should ensure that all significant impacts and reasonable
alternatives are addressed in the intended EIA. The proponent must submit a Terms of
Reference (ToR) indicating the proposed scope of the EIA study. A Screening Report was
undertaken by Roughton International (Nigeria) Ltd in November 2012 and submitted to the
FMEnv. The Roughton Report provided an overview of the affected environment, the predicted
impacts and outlined the alternatives considered. The report also provided a list of follow-up
actions that were required, which included the need for a baseline survey; community
consultation; detailed hydrological, geological and soil studies, a RAP and an Environmental
Management Plan. Based on this submission, the FMEnv indicated the wet and dry season
sampling requirements. The scoping exercise undertaken as part of the current ESIA process
will ensure that there is adequate Stakeholder Engagement in determining the ToR for the
ESIA. This Scoping Report will be submitted to the FMEnv together with the ToR for the ESIA.
The purpose of this report is therefore to document the scoping process and activities to date
and set out the way forward for the ESIA. The scoping process has investigated the potential
significant biophysical and socio-economic negative impacts associated with construction
activities of the project. The scoping process has also provided an opportunity for the public and
key stakeholders as Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to provide comment and participate
in the process. The ToR sets out how these issues and impacts will be assessed in the EIA.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 22

This report is structured as follows:

Section One:

Provides the introduction, summarises the purpose of environmental and social

scoping and details the ESIA team and other role players.

Section Two:

Describes the proposed project and reports on the need and desirability of the
project. It also describes the alternatives that apply to the project.

Section Three: Summarises the international and national legislative framework that governs
the project and ESIA process.
Section Four:

Provides a description of the approach to the environment assessment process

as well as the Stakeholder Engagement activities.

Section Five:

Provides a description of the social and environmental baseline of the project

area.

Section Six:

The environmental and social constraints and opportunities of the project are
summarised.

Section Seven: The ToR for the ESIA process are presented including the proposed
Stakeholder Engagement, alternatives for assessment, impacts that will be
assessed and the proposed methodology thereof

Scoping Report

Page | 23

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

1.4 ROLE PLAYERS

There are a number of role players involved in the environmental permitting process and these
have been described with their contact details set out in Table 1 below.
Table 1 | Role players

Role player

Applicant
The Consortium (comprising
NMIC and Julius Berger)

Name
Contact

4th Floor Clan Place Plot 1386A

Tigris Crescent
Maitama, Abuja
Nigeria

Address

Telephone
number
Email
address

1.4.1

Environmental assessment
practitioner

Environmental assessment
practitioner partners

Aurecon Consulting Engineers

Nigeria Limited

Waste Matters Nigeria Limited

and MacBenuz Enviros Ltd

Diane Erasmus

Ken Edike and Cliff Uzundu

c/o Block 20 Plot 32B

Admiralty Way
Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1
Lagos, Nigeria

c/o 71 Obga Arcade

Ogba
Lagos, Nigeria

+27 44 805 5428 /

+2349 461 0400

+234 802 308 5407 /

+23 906 211 7717

Diane.erasmus@aurecongroup.
com

[email protected] /
[email protected]

Proponent and Applicant

The FMW is the proponent for the project in that all federal roads and bridges fall within their
jurisdiction. The NMIC and Julius Berger have signed a Cooperation Agreement to act as
consortium partners to develop the Second Niger Bridge Project. A Special Project Company
will design, build, operate and transfer the Project in a public-private partnership with the FGN.
The environmental consultants have been appointed directly by the Consortium to apply for
environmental approval of the project on behalf of the proponent and can therefore be
considered as the applicant for this process.

1.4.2

Environmental assessment practitioner (EAP)

The role of the EAP is to manage the application for environmental approval on behalf of the
applicant. The contracting entity for the ESIA is Aurecon Consulting Engineers Nigeria Limited
(Aurecon) and is composed of a team of environmental practitioners mostly based in the Cape
Town office and supported by the Lagos office in Nigeria.
Aurecon Nigeria has partnered with two Nigerian companies namely Waste Matters Nigeria
Limited and MacBenuz Enviros Lt to provide environmental assessment expertise. Waste
Matters has a partnership agreement with MacBenuz Enviros where the two companies have
agreed to work jointly to provide expertise in the evaluation of ESIA, Environmental and Social

Scoping Report

Page | 24

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Management Plan (ESMP) and Environmental Monitoring. MacBenuz Enviros is registered with
the FMEnv to undertake EIA work in Nigeria.

1.4.3

Environmental specialists

The EAPs have a team of specialists who are responsible for the independent studies in relation
to the disciplines identified as relevant to this project. These are set out in Table 2 below.
Table 2 | Environmental specialists

Discipline

Company

Lead Specialist

Air Quality

Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Ben Begusa

Aquatic Biodiversity

Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Anthony Ogbeibu

Geohydrology

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Louis Stroebel

Geology and Soils

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Trevor Pape

Geographical Information
Systems (GIS)

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Hydrology

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Nico Rossouw

Land use

Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Andrew Nwachokor

Noise

WardKarlson Consulting

Richard Palmer

Risk

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Simon van Wyk

Social and Resettlement

Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Nick Mannie

1.4.4

Zelda Els

Environmental authority

The decision-making environmental authority is the FMEnv, Department of Environmental

Assessment. The Evaluation and Analysis Branch is responsible for EIA scoping, risk
assessment and the review/evaluation of ToR and EIA reports. Their details are as follows:

Scoping Report

Page | 25

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 3 | Environmental authority

Name
Contact

c/o The Director

Address

Environment House
Independence Way South
Central Business District
Abuja FCT

Telephone number

1.4.5

Department of Environmental Assessment, FMEnv.

+2349 2911 337

Project Financiers

Should finance be sought from any Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs), as may be
the case, such an institution would undertake a due diligence exercise to determine how the
project has complied with the IFC PS. These PS outline the standards that prospective
borrowers must meet throughout the lifecycle of the project to meet requirements for financial
assistance. The PS outline requirements for environmental and social assessment in the
feasibility and planning stages, pollution prevention, community health, safety and security, land
acquisition and involuntary resettlement and cultural heritage.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 26

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this section is to provide a technical description of the

activities associated with the proposed bridge over the River Niger. A
motivation follows the introduction to the proposed project, after which the
feasible project alternatives are described.
2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
The proposed 1.59 km bridge over the Niger River will form a strengthened link between
Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State, thereby linking south-eastern and southwestern Nigeria.

2.2 NEED AND DESIRABILITY

The consideration of need and desirability in environmental decision-making requires the
consideration of the strategic context of the development proposal along with the broader
societal needs and the public interest. This can be assessed by measuring the need and
desirability of the development against the contents of the credible development plans for the
study area, and the sustainable development vision, goals and objectives and the desired
spatial form and pattern of land use formulated therein.
The project was thus considered against the objectives of the following development plans/
policies which are described in more detail in Appendix B:
Nigerias Vision 2020 (2009);
Nigerias Agenda 21;
National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) (2014-2043);
National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) (2004);
Anambra State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS) (2004);
Delta State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS) (2005);
Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (2005-2020);
Onitsha Structure Plan (2009); and
Draft Green Paper on Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy (2013).
The first Niger Bridge was constructed in 1965 to achieve the Federal Governments policy of
expansion and upgrading of transport facilities in the country, to support the nations
development programmes and to economically link the regions. Being located on the eastwest
national main road from Lagos through Benin, the existing bridge forms the gateway between
the south-eastern and south-western Nigeria.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 27

However, since this time commuters and vehicles traveling on the roads in the south-east have
increased as a result of population growth, increased income and urbanisation. The existing
bridge no longer has capacity to sustain the increasing volumes of traffic. It has therefore been
identified that a new bridge is required to form an important link within this key national
transportation corridor, providing a strategic access point for people, goods and services
travelling between western Nigeria and the Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River
and Awka Ibom States. It is understood that the current bridge also represents a safety risk as it
is aging and was not designed to cope with current volumes of traffic.
It is envisaged that this new bridge will have the following advantages:
Reduce the strain on current bridge infrastructure;
Improve safety and security;
Ease traffic flow;
Improve health and security;
Create opportunities for local residents;
Improve the commercial viability of the immediate catchment area; and
Regenerate the social and economic life of the region.
It is considered that the analysis above and detailed in Appendix B provides sufficient motivation
for the project and demonstrates that the project aligns with federal, regional and state
development plans and policies as well as sector specific policies which both encourage public
private partnerships as well as recognise transport infrastructure as enabling for attracting
investment and growth within the country.

2.3 PROJECT COMPONENTS

The project comprises four sections described below, namely the Asaba Road, the Toll Plaza,
the Bridge and the Onitsha Road sections. This is depicted in Figure 5.

2.3.1

Asaba Road Section

The section of road on the Asaba side of the bridge has a total length of 2.8 km and will be
constructed in an area that is currently a floodplain. For this reason, the embankment has a
height up to 6 m to protect the road from floods. As described in Section 1.1 the road would be 6
lanes wide and would be accommodated mostly within a RoW with a width of 91.44 m.
The typical cross-section for this road as reflected in Drawing 1 of Appendix C depicts 17.3 m
on either side of the median, or centre line. It is proposed that 13.7 m of this would be paved
and surfaced in asphalt2 and would accommodate the main carriageway which comprises three
lanes of a width of 3.65 m each. In addition, it would include a hard shoulder which has a 2.75 m

The asphalt surface would comprise a 60 mm Asphalt Binder Course, with a 40 mm Asphalt Concrete Wearing
Course.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 28

width. This is bordered by an unpaved shoulder of 1.8 m that comprises a guard rail and
grassing and adjoins the embankment. On the inside lane, adjacent to the inside shoulder, there
is a concrete ditch and crash barrier to separate the opposite carriageway. There would be
street lighting installed along the carriageway along certain sections of the alignment.
This road would also pass through Amakom Village where resettlement is required, as
discussed in Section 5.12. Furthermore a secondary bridge, termed the village bridge would
need to be constructed to accommodate an existing local road to Amakom Village. The bridge
would be a single span flyover ( 21.7 m width) that would not be connected to the carriageway.

2.3.2

Asaba Toll Plaza and Approach

The toll plaza section is 500 m in length and would be wider than the typical road cross-section
described above as it would accommodate 20 lanes of traffic. The station will be equipped with
one toll cabin per lane. The outmost lane in each direction is widened in order to be adequate
for the passage of oversized trucks. This lane is also equipped with a weighing station. At its
widest point it would be 115 m across and would have a footprint of approximately 9 ha. The toll
plaza is located in the area of the bridge approach and has an embankment of up to 17 m.
Administrative and service buildings; a police station; a weight station and a garage for the
maintenance of vehicles will be located within the plaza. The proposed layout for the plaza is
provided in Drawing 2 in Appendix C.
The toll plaza would be located in the area of the Amakom Village. There is currently a water
channel in this area which would travel below the plaza in a north-east to south-west direction
and a culvert below the toll plaza is required to accommodate this.

2.3.3

Bridge

The bridge would be 1.59 km in length and can be divided into three different sections, namely
the west approach with a length of 755.25 m, the main bridge of 630 m and the east approach
of 205 m. Refer to Figure 5 below and Drawing 3 in Appendix C for more detail. These three
sections are designed differently and their construction methods are also different and
discussed in Section 2.4.2.7 below. Visualisations are provided in Figure 3 and Figure 4.
The west approach is the longest bridge section and has one span of 40.25 m and 13 spans of
55 m, most of the piers along this section are standard water piers, two of which are water pier
with fixed bearings with land piers near the abutment. Refer to Drawing 3 in Appendix C.
The main bridge has two spans of 90 m and three spans of 150 m. The eastern span of 150 m
allows for the shipping channel with a clearance of 120 m and vertical clearance of 15 m. The
piers along this section are water piers as per Drawing 3 in Appendix C which are wider than the
standard water piers.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 29

The east approach is the shortest bridge section and has three spans of 55 m and one span of
40 m. Two different types of land pier designs are used along this section.
There would be no public pedestrian access to the bridge, only an emergency walkway parapet
on the centre median between the two superstructures as depicted in Drawing 3 in Appendix C

Figure 3 | Visualisation of bridge from the north

Figure 4 | Visualisation of bridge looking from the east to west

Scoping Report

Page | 30

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

West approach

Main bridge

East approach

Shipping
channel
AA

Figure 5 | Longitudinal section of the bridge showing the three sections

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.3.4

Page | 31

Onitsha Section

The section of road on the Onitsha side of the bridge has a total length of 7 km and will be
constructed in an area that is mostly swamps. For this reason, it has a different design and
construction method to stabilise the road and this is discussed in Section 2.4.1.7.
As described above the road would be 6 lanes wide and would be accommodated mostly
within a RoW with a width of 91.44 m.
The typical cross-section is reflected in Drawing 1 in Appendix C. However where soil
improvement is required the dimensions will differ slightly. Refer to Drawing 4 of Appendix C
which reflects the cross-section for soil improvement.
The western part of this road, which is closest to the bridge, would pass through the
industrial area known as Harbour Industrial Layout as well as Okpoko which is more of a
residential and agricultural area. There is currently a creek in this area which would be
diverted. A single span flyover (21.7 m width) bridge, not connected to the carriageway,
would be constructed over Atani Road. A multi-box culvert would be constructed near the
transition between the industrial area and the swampy area to the east to allow for a main
recipient to pass below the road. The most easterly component of this carriageway is an
interchange at the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which can be described as a full clover leaf
design including a four span bridge over the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway (the detail design
for this is not yet available). It would connect to Onitsha to the north-west, Owerri to the
south-east, the bridge (Asaba) to the west and the future connecting road to the north-east
leading to Enugu.

2.3.5

Summary

Table 4 below and Figure 2 provide an overview of the features along the alignment and
their respective locations. The four broad sections described above have been further
broken down into more detailed sections 1-10 for the purposes of the table.

Scoping Report

Page | 32

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 4 | Summary of alignment sections and design features

Alignment
Sections

Chainage

Road section 1

23+000 25+154.750

Single box culvert

Triple box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Village bridge section 2 (road crossing bridge)

23+120
23+660
24+000
24+270
24+500
25+154.750 - 25+177.250

Toll plaza section 3

25+177.250 26+280

Double box culvert (west of plaza)

Toll plaza
Single box culvert (below plaza)
Bridge section 4

25+230
25+400 26+000
25+900
26+279.75 - 27+870

Shipping lane

27+350

Road section 5

27+870 28+293.250

Atani bridge section 6 (road crossing bridge)

28+293.250 28+315.75

2 x U-channel

28+300

Road section 7

28+315.75 28+900

Single box culvert

28+800

Road section 8

28+900 30+300

Multi box culvert (main recipient)

Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Road section 9

29+340
29+800
30+200
30+300 33+500

Single box culvert

30+450

Single box culvert

Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert
Single box culvert

30+700
30+900
31+250
31+550
31+900
32+210
32+550
32+900
33+160
33+430
33+500 34+900

Owerri interchange section 10

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 33

2.4 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

Construction will take place over a 41 month period commencing in November 2014 and
completed in March 2018. It will involve a number of phased activities both along the
alignment within the RoW as well as at locations outside the RoW.

2.4.1

Early Works II activities

Early Works II activities commenced in March 2014 and are currently underway. Completion
is expected in October 2014. These activities include the following components which are
reflected on Figure 2:
2.4.1.1

Expatriate Camp

The first part of the camp (46%) will be installed during Early Works II with the remaining
54% during the Main Contract. During Early Works II the camp will contain:
Accommodation;
Social facilities (preliminary clubhouse and canteen, laundry);
Power supply (Generator set);
Water supply;
Sewerage facilities;
Required earthworks;
Required storm water drainage; and
Required traffic ways.
2.4.1.2

Main Yard

The setup of the main yard and camp at Onitsha Port north of the A232 will be one of the
preliminary activities. The yard will be 4.1 ha in size and will include the following
components:
Site office;
Sanitary facilities;
Concrete mixing plant;
Site laboratory;
Storage facilities;
Equipment parking area;
Power supply (generator set)
Water supply (water well, water treatment plant)
Sewage installations;
Temporary roads; and
All required earthworks.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.4.1.3

Page | 34

Road Yard I

Road Yard I is located close to the Niger Bridge abutment in Onitsha. It will be partially
installed during the Early Works (approx. 80% Early Works, remaining 20% during Main
Contract). The yard will be 1.6 ha in size and includes but is not necessarily limited to the
following installations during the Early Works:
Site office;
Sanitary facilities;
Concrete mixing plant;
Site laboratory;
Storage facilities;
Equipment parking area;
Power supply (generator set);
Water supply (water well, water treatment plant);
Sewage installations;
Temporary roads; and
All required earthworks.
2.4.1.4

Temporary access road

A temporary access road of approximately 2 km is required to provide direct access from the
A232 (the existing Asaba-Onitsha Road) near the approach to the old bridge, to the area of
the proposed toll plaza near the Amakom Village. This construction of this access road has
commenced and involved compensation for agricultural fields and gardens. The road is
asphalt and is intended to be temporary and will therefore be rehabilitated upon completion
of the construction works.
2.4.1.5

Borrow pits

Mining of sand from borrow pits I and II will be necessary for supply of material, this includes
minor quantities of 200,000 m3 compared to what will be required as part of the main
construction works.
2.4.1.6

Clearance of vegetation

Bush clearing will take place in the area between CH25+300 and CH26+300, so that the
below mentioned earthworks can be facilitated.
The process will involve bush clearing and then loading, hauling, stockpiling, separation and
disposal of cleared material.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.4.1.7

Page | 35

Earthworks

Following bush clearing along the accessible areas between CH25+300 and CH26+300,
topsoil will be stripped and soil exchange3 will occur along this section of the route.
Refer to Drawing 4 in Appendix C for the cross section depicting the soil improvement
earthworks.
2.4.1.8

Piling Testing

This activity will involve the execution of four pile tests to verify and optimize the bridge
foundation design. One of these will be located in Asaba, with one other on the Onitsha
shoreline; and two others in Onitsha.

2.4.2
2.4.2.1

Main Construction activities

Construction period

The main construction period will commence upon completion of the Early Works II in
November 2014 and would be complete by July 2018.
2.4.2.2

Employment

There will be a number of temporary jobs available and affected communities will be
considered for these. Where necessary, temporary staff will be accommodated at the main
yard in Onitsha Port. The Consortium is current working on the Local Employment Policy.
2.4.2.3

Schedule

Activities will be undertaken along the entire line simultaneously, so the entire alignment will
form the construction site at any given point during the programme.
2.4.2.4

Ancillary locations

As described as part of the Early Works II activities, locations for activities outside of the
RoW include those associated with mining and stockpiling of material from borrow pits as
well as from dredging. These activities would continue at the locations depicted in Figure 2
during the main works.
An additional 1.8 million m3 of sand would be dredged from the river and stockpiled during
the main works; whilst an additional 2.2 million m3 of sand and laterite would be mined and
stockpiled.

Soil replacement/exchange involves excavating the soil that needs to be improved and replacing it. The
excavated soil can sometimes be re-compacted to a satisfactory state or it may be treated with admixtures and
then be replaced in a controlled manner. It can also be replaced with a different soil with more suitable
properties for the proposed application. Soft soil, mostly soft clay or highly organic clay under or near the
expected structure is removed and replaced by a good quality foreign material up to the extent required to
maintain stability or to avoid unfavourable settlement of the structure.

Scoping Report

Page | 36

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

The installation of the main camp and yards would be completed. In addition, smaller yards
would be installed, namely in the locations of secondary bridges which includes:
Road Yard II;
The Bridge Yard near Amakom Village; and
Two Bridge Yards near the proposed interchange.
2.4.2.5

Resources, materials and equipment

Table 5 below summarises the nature of the materials and resources required for the
different construction components. Such materials and resources would be sourced locally in
the region, as well as elsewhere in Nigeria and from abroad. Haulage would be in the form of
road and river transport.
Cumulatively the road transport of materials would account for the movement of a number of
heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) during the construction period.
The imported materials and equipment would be received at Warri Port, a cargo transit point
between the Atlantic Ocean and the Niger River, and would be transported from there to
Onitsha Port by barge. The travel time takes approximately 3 to 4 days and would need to
occur during the rainy season. Soil dredged from the Niger River is required for the project.
No dredging activities will be undertaken as part of the project works and sand will be
sourced from licensed operators in the area.
Table 5 | Summary of resources

Water

Energy

Asphalt

Sand for
concrete and
embankments

Stone/rock
Aggregate for

Scoping Report

Bridges, culverts,
diversions

Approach roads

Toll plaza

Material /
Resource

Concrete for
various use

Yards / Camp /
Temp roads

Use

Source

River and / or
boreholes

Power from
grid and
generator

Haulage
Transport

Partly local
and partly
imported

Ship and barge

from Warri
Port; locally
transported by
truck

Local sources
(dredging)

Transported by
truck

Quarry within
200 km of site

Transported by
truck

Page | 37

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Bridges, culverts,
diversions

Approach roads

Toll plaza

Material /
Resource

Concrete for
various use

Yards / Camp /
Temp roads

Use

Source

Haulage
Transport

concrete
Laterite

Cement

Bricks

Borrow pits
Transported by
close to Owerri
truck
Interchange

Ship and barge

from Warri
Partly local and
Port; locally
partly imported
transported by
truck

Abuja

Truck

Imported

Ship and barge

from Warri Port

Ship and barge

Partly local
from Warri
(Obajana) and Port; locally
partly imported transported by
truck

Imported

Ship and barge

from Warri Port

Equipment and
spare parts

Imported

Road and/or
Ship and barge
from Warri Port

Cabling,
bearings and
expansion joints
for bridge

Imported if not Road and/or

available
Ship and barge
locally
from Warri Port

Steel casings
(piling)
Imported
Cement (CEM
III)

Reinforcement

2.4.2.6

Road works

A typical cross-section of a road is depicted in Drawing 1 in Appendix C and characterises

the Asaba section as well as the Onitsha section.
Whilst construction of the road along the Onitsha section requires additional earthworks in
the form of soil exchange, it would also follow a similar methodology thereafter.
The construction methodology for the typical road includes the following:
Bush clearing;
Top soil stripping;
Sub-grade preparation;

Scoping Report

Page | 38

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.4.2.7

Earthworks; and
Construction of base course and asphalt layers.
Bridge works

The bridge is characterised by three different sections (refer to Figure 5), each with a distinct
construction methodologies, namely:
West approach: concrete box girder installed by incremental launching;
Main bridge: free balanced cantilever; and
East approach: in-situ box girder on shuttering.
The construction methodology for the bridge includes the following:
Piling;
Construction of pile caps;
Construction of piers;
Construction of abutments; and
Construction of superstructures including parapets, bridge bearings, expansion joints,
light poles and cabling.
2.4.2.8

Utilities

Street lighting and cable ducts are the only utilities or services to be accommodated along
sections of the alignment.
2.4.2.9

Summary

Table 6 below summarises the construction components and various metrics relating to
these.
Table 6 | Summary of construction components and various metrics

Construction
Activity
Early Works II
Construction period
Main Yard and Camp
Road Yard 1
Road Yard 2
Bridge Yard 1 (Village Road)
Bridge Yard 2 (Interchange)
Bridge Yard 3 (Interchange)
Temporary access road
Atani Road diversion
Temporary slipways
Borrow pits

Scoping Report

Unit
Duration
Duration
Size
Size
Size
Size
Size
Size
Length
Length
Number
Number

Quantity
(approximate)
8 months
24 months
4.1 ha
1.6 ha
0.3 ha
0.1 ha
0.1 ha
0.1 ha
2 km
200 - 300 m
2
5

Page | 39

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Construction
Activity
Borrow pits
Borrow pits
Dredging
Bush clearing
Soil exchange

Unit
Volume (sand)
Volume (laterite)
Volume (sand)
Length
Volume

Quantity
(approximate)
1.5 Mio m3
0.8 Mio m3
1.8 Mio m3
10.3 km
0.5 million m3

2.5 OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

This project is Phase 1 of a bigger project to accommodate forecasted growth in the wider
Asaba Onitsha area as described above and is only operational on completion of Phase 2
being the construction of the connecting roads, which are outside the scope of this study.
Although the design life of the bridge is approximately 50 to 60 years, the concession period
would be 25 years after which the construction of future phases would be considered.

2.5.1

Operational activities

Tolling is an integral part of the project as it is linked to the financing thereof. The nature of
the toll system is not yet decided but would probably be a mix of manual and electronic cash
collection.
When designing the toll plaza it has been estimated that by 2040, 17,545 vehicles per hour
will be travelling through the plaza in each direction with a split of 50% cars and 50% HGVs.
Time for payment by cars is assumed to be 10 seconds and time for HGVs is assumed at 15
seconds.
The toll plaza has a number of ancillary uses which were listed in Section 2.3.2, namely
administrative and service buildings; a police station; a weight station; and a garage for the
maintenance of vehicles. These will be located south of the toll stations.
The toll plaza will have specific speed limits, to be determined. However, the design speed
along the connecting roads is 110 km/hour and 70 km/hour at intersections. Overhead
gantry or signs, and cantilever signs, will guide the road user. In addition, single and double
traffic sign posts will be placed where necessary.

2.5.2

Maintenance activities

The infrastructure would require routine maintenance during the concession period and this
would include, but not be limited to the following:
2.5.2.1

Bridge and road maintenance

Clearing of culverts and trenches of rubbish and silt;

Regular checks of road surface;

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.5.2.2

Page | 40

Regular checks of exchange of wearing course after number of years;

Exchange of binder course after number of years;
Building maintenance of toll plaza;
Inspections of foundations, joins etc;
Routine pavement inspections;
Routine maintenance condition surveys e.g. inspections of foundations, joins etc; and
Routine maintenance condition surveys etc.
Other

Maintenance of road restraint systems;

Maintenance of traffic control and information systems;
Maintenance of road markings and studs;
Maintenance of traffic signs;
Maintenance of fencing walls screens and environmental barriers; and
Maintenance of the road verge (including landscaping and rehabilitation).

2.6 DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES

As mentioned in Section 2.5 above, the design life of the proposed infrastructure is 50 to 60
years, dependent on proper maintenance. It is part of a long term plan to meet the regions
anticipated future growth and therefore it is unlikely that this infrastructure would be
decommissioned at any stage. It would more likely be upgraded or rehabilitated if this is
found to be necessary in the future. As such no decommissioning phase has been
considered.

2.7 ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives must be considered during the ESIA process. Alternatives, in relation to a
proposed activity, mean different ways of meeting the general purpose and requirements of
the activity and may include the following types of alternatives:
Location alternatives;
Type of activity to be undertaken;
Design or layout of the activity;
Technology to be used in the activity; and
Operational aspects of the activity.
In terms of international best practice, an ESIA must assess, as a minimum, the impacts
associated with the preferred activity for the proposed project under consideration and the
alternative of not undertaking the activity, known as the no-go alternative. The goal of
considering alternatives is to ensure that the most environmentally and socially responsible
development alternative is selected. However, an ESIA can only deal with project related
alternatives. By the time an ESIA is undertaken, the strategic alternatives have already
been decided upon. In this case a strategic alternative may have been whether to locate a
second bridge close to the exiting bridge or in another section of the river or potentially even

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 41

considering alternatives to manage the traffic in such a way that there was no need for an
additional bridge.

2.7.1

Strategic Alternatives

Both Onitsha and Asaba, which are linked by the current bridge, are densely populated cities
located on the main road from Lagos to Benin. These cities are situated at the northern
most navigable (by large vessels) point of the Niger River which is also a major east-west
crossing point of the Niger River. As a result the area has developed as a major trade centre
between the coastal regions and the north, as well as between eastern and western Nigeria.
Onitsha is one of the four main potential industrial and commercial growth areas because of
its location, which combines both road and waterway access points. There is heavy traffic on
the existing bridge between Onitsha and Asaba which increases significantly during specific
times of the year (such as Christmas). The existing bridge is nearly 50 years old and there
are safety concerns as well as a need for better traffic management. The need for an
additional bridge has thus been identified and clearly vocalised from many parties for many
years. The significance of the area for trade and development indicates that the new bridge
should be located between Onitsha and Asaba, close to the existing bridge, and as such a
strategic decision was made to locate the 2nd Niger Bridge in this area.
A strategic decision was also made to undertake this project as in a PPP, with tolling as part
of the financial feasibility study. This ESIA will therefore not consider the alternative of tolling
of the road versus not tolling.

2.7.2

Alignment Alternatives

Four alignments for the bridge in the Asaba / Onitsha area were considered in the Screening
Report undertaken by Roughton in 2012 (Roughton International (Nigeria) Ltd, 2012). Such
alternatives are summarised in Table 7 to show how the current alternative being assessed
was selected. The preferred option for the current alignment, which is the only alignment
under consideration in this ESIA, was selected based on the fact that it presented the best
option from a design, technical and financial perspective. Constraints included the location
of communities and resettlement requirements and the location of existing infrastructure
such as the connecting roads and high tension lines in the areas. No other alignment can be
considered as part of this ESIA as the Early Works for the bridge have commenced, thereby
fixing the proposed alignment. This alignment will therefore be assessed against the no-go
option (i.e. the option of no second bridge across the Niger River) and the impacts
associated with the no-go alternative).

Scoping Report

Page | 42

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 7 | Alignment alternatives considered prior to this ESIA (Roughton International (Nigeria) Ltd, 2012)

Alternatives
Aspects considered Activity

Route

Description of Route way

Width of river at crossing

point
Approx. Length of access
road

Scoping Report

Option A (FMW Preferred Option)

South of existing bridge, linking Oko
communities with Harbour Industrial
Estate. Access roads run from
Asaba-Ibusa express road on the
western banks to Harbour Industrial
Estate-Ogbe Ukwu Ogbosi
interchange Ogidi Ugwu Asike
Enugu/Onitsha expressway.
The link runs south of the existing
bridge. Although the western section
is lightly populated, the eastern
banks of the route have several
heavily built up in sections.
Commercial, residential and mini
industrial activity taking place
especially in Onitsha, Ogidi and
Nkpor. Trailers are parked along
sections of the road at Nkpor.
Between Onitsha and Obosi, the
proposed route runs adjacent to a
stream.

Option B

Option C

Option D

North of the existing bridge, option C

Commencing East of Asaba Airport,
links the Benin/Asaba Expressway to
the route alignment is similar to
Marine beach in Onitsha Nkisi Side by side with existing bridge
Option A, with a slight diversion to
Nkwelle Ezunaka Enugu Onitsha
the East through Ogidi.
Expressway.

Located south of the existing bridge

and similar to Option A. However,
the diversion endeavours to avoid
heavily
built
up
traditional
communities outside Onitsha.

The route lies north of the existing

bridge. Running through the southeast section of Asaba, it joins
Onitsha at Marine Beach/Akpaka
road. Rising steeply adjacent to
Nkisi river, it runs in a NE direction to
link with the Enugu Onitsha
Expressway. With the exception of
Onitsha and 33 communities, the
road is bordered by a medium
density
traditional
residential/agricultural community.

The route follows the existing road

and bridge alignment. However,
Option D proposes the expansion of
existing
access
roads
and
conversion of the old and proposed
bridge to single direction lanes.

1.5km

2.7km

1.3km

30km

40km

20km

13km

Page | 43

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Alternatives
Aspects considered Activity
Affected Communities

Existing roads (Federal and

State) affected by proposed
development

Affected LGAs

Significant benefits

Obstacles / Drawbacks

Scoping Report

Option A (FMW Preferred Option)

Option C

Option B

Asaba, Oko, Onitsha, Obosi, Nkpor, Asaba, Oko, Onitsha, Obosi, Nkpor,
Asaba, Onitsha, Nkwelle Ezunaka
Ogidi, Nnobi, Ogbunike, Unuoji
Ogidi, Nnobi, Ogbunike, Unuoji
- Asaba Ibusa Ughelle road
- Benin Asaba Express road
(State)
- Benin Asaba Expressway
(Federal)
- Benin Asaba Express road
(Federal)
- Onitsha Uga road junction
(Federal)
- Onitsha Nkisi 33 Nkwelle
Atani road (State)
- Onitsha Uga road junction
Ezunaka road (State)
- Onitsha Owerri Express
Atani road (State)
(Federal)
- Onitsha Owerri Express
- Nkpor junction Umuoji Nnobi
(Federal)
road (State)
- Nkpor junction Umuoji Nnobi
- Afor Npkor Nnobi road (State)
road (State)
- Enugu Onitsha Expressway
- Afor Npkor Nnobi road (State)
(Federal)
- Enugu Onitsha Expressway
(Federal)
Oshimili South, Onitsha South, Oshimili South, Onitsha South,
Oshimili South, Onitsha South, Oyi
Idemili (North and South), Oyi
Idemili North, Oyi

Improved access link between

federal trunk roads, improved
economy.
Ease of movement,
improved quality of life.

Alteration

remaining

Improved access link between

federal trunk roads, improved
economy.
Ease of movement,
improved quality of life.

natural Alteration

remaining

The road is shorter than alternatives

A and B. Construction will involve
the destruction of less natural terrain
and property; Limited resettlement.

Oshimili South, Onitsha South,

Idemili North
Will reduce/ limit resettlement,
demolition and compensation costs;
free funds for the upgrading of
existing roads; free funds for
rehabilitation of existing bridge; avoid
opposition from communities, reduce
social and economic displacement
and construction costs should be
lower hence tolls should also be
reduced.
Likely increased pollution in the

Page | 44

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Alternatives
Aspects considered Activity

Scoping Report

Option A (FMW Preferred Option)

Option B

Option C

Option D

environment; large carbon footprint;

Large scale demolition envisioned;
high compensation costs; negative
reaction from those directly affected
by demolition; extensive time may be
spent on negotiations, property
evaluation
and
compensation,
displacement and relocation; loss of
livelihood envisage; health and
safety risks due to proximity of
electricity transmission lines.

environment; large carbon footprint;

Large scale demolition envisioned;
high compensation costs; negative
reaction from those directly affected
by demolition; extensive time may be
spent on negotiations, property
evaluation
and
compensation,
displacement and relocations; loss of
livelihood envisaged; health and
safety risks due to proximity of
electricity transmission lines.

Onitsha Owerri Expressway to the

new bridge; the road will pass
through a relatively undisturbed
countryside and leave a large carbon
footprint. Resistance to development
envisaged, but on a smaller scale to
options A and B.

towns (more traffic on existing route),

need to demolish some structures;
no toll-free alternative route,
construction will create problems in
urban areas

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

2.7.3

Page | 45

Project level alternatives

The most environmentally and socially responsible options at a project level will be
considered in this ESIA, together with the financial and technical considerations, as far as
possible. As the design is already in an advanced stage, the opportunities to influence
design and construction methods are limited and the alternatives associated with aspects
already fixed are not considered. The following project related alternatives will however be
discussed in more detail in the ESIA Report.
Aggregate and fill material
o Options for transport of material (road versus river)
o Haulage route alternatives
o Dredging options
Construction
o Location alternatives for construction camps and yards in the Main Works
o Solid waste and effluent management.

2.7.4

No-Go alternative

The assessment of alternatives must at all times include the no-go option as a baseline
against which all other alternatives must be measured. The option of not implementing the
activity must always be assessed to the same level of detail as the other feasible and
reasonable alternatives. The no-go option is taken to be the existing rights on the property,
namely for the land to remain as open space, with no additional bridge constructed in this
area to link the Anambra and Delta States.

2.7.5

Conclusion on Alternatives

Based on the advanced stage of planning, the opportunity to assess alternatives in a

meaningful way in order to influence how the project will be undertaken is limited. The ESIA
will therefore focus on assessing the proposed activity as presented against the no-go
alternative and will place emphasis on addressing how to minimise the predicted negative
impacts and optimise the predicted positive impacts.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 46

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the legislative

framework governing the proposed bridge over the River Niger. This
includes both international standards and national legislation.
3.1 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
The Equator Principles is a credit risk management framework for determining, assessing
and managing environmental and social risks in project finance transactions. It comprises a
set of principles adopted by the EPFIs to ensure that the projects they finance are developed
and implemented in a manner that is socially responsible and environmentally sound. These
principles apply to all project-financing with total project capital costs of US$10 million or
more, and across all industry sectors.
Theses Equator Principles are a set of voluntary standards that commit the EPFIs
Environmental and Social Performance Standards (PS) of IFC. These PS are based on the
World Bank Group Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines. The IFC PS are therefore
considered as the bench mark for environmental and social performance in financial
industry. Borrowers for financing of large projects are required to meet the expectations of
IFC PS, regardless of economic benefit for project.
Compliance with the IFC PS is not the same as the public regulatory system, such as where
compliance with national law is required. Oversight of this private regulatory system is by
the IFC or the financier and there is no government oversight of implementation.
For financing through funder institutions committed to the EP, an ESIA must meet the
national regulatory system and the IFC PS. Where these differ in terms of standards, the
borrower is required to meet the most stringent (in most countries worldwide, the IFC PS are
more stringent than national legislation).
The IFC PS are most often applied in greenfield oil and gas and energy projects, as well as
mining and large infrastructure projects. These are projects were the most environmental
and social risk, especially in low and middle income countries.
Table 8 below outlines the 8 IFC PS, provides a description of each PS and indicated how
this ESIA will apply these PS to the project, as relevant.
Table 9 summarises the gaps identified to date in the ESIA and RAP process between the
Nigerian legislation and the IFC PS requirements. This gap analysis has been undertaken to
ensure that the process is transparent. It will also allow for identification of corrective action
that can be put in place if required to ensure that the project complies as closely as possible
with the IFC PS.

Scoping Report

Page | 47

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 8 | Outline of the IFC PS and their relevance in this ESIA

IFC PS
IFC Performance Standard

Performance Standard 1:
Assessment and Management of
Environmental and Social Risks
and Impacts.

Performance Standard 2: Labour

and Working Conditions.

Performance Standard 3:
Resource Efficiency and
Pollution Prevention

Performance Standard 4:
Community Health, Safety and
Security.

Description of the Performance

Standard
Manage environmental & social
performance for lifecycle
Identify environmental & social
impacts, risks, opportunities
Emergency preparedness and
response plan to respond to
accidental and emergency
situations
Effective engagement with local
and affected communities
Project information early in
process to identify issues
Provide details on potential
impacts & mitigation
measures
Establish grievance
mechanism
Ensure effective two-way
consultation
Allow for prior disclosure,
dissemination of relevant,
objective, easily accessible
information in culturally
appropriate way &
understandable way
Protects the fundamental rights
of workers
Deals with pollution to air, water
and land identification of
measures to ensure pollution
prevention
Promotes effective resource use
and GHG emission avoidance
Addresses clients responsibility
to avoid or minimize the risks
and impacts to community

For the purposes of this study, the EMPr will be referred to as an ESMP.

Scoping Report

Relevance to ESIA study

ESIA identify & assess
significance of impacts - 14
specialists
Risk specialist
Environmental
Management
4
Programme to manage risks &
impacts on an ongoing basis (all
specialists)
Stakeholder Engagement:
Includes stakeholder
analysis & planning
Allows for dissemination of
relevant information
(translated)
2x one week meetings with
affected communities
Grievance mechanism

This will form part of the

conditions of engagement with
contractors.
Specialist studies:
Groundwater and hydrology
Waste management
Air quality and noise
Vulnerability and Adaptation
in response to Climate
Change
Risk specialist

Page | 48

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

IFC PS
IFC Performance Standard

Performance Standard 5: Land

Acquisition and Involuntary
Resettlement
Performance Standard 6:
Biodiversity Conservation and
Sustainable Management of
Living Natural Resources.

Performance Standard 7:
Indigenous Peoples.

Performance Standard 8:
Cultural Heritage

Description of the Performance

Standard
health, safety, and security esp.
for vulnerable groups.
Deals with project-related land
acquisition and restrictions on
land
use
impacts
on
communities and persons
Requires
protection
of
biodiversity and ecosystem
services to promote sustainable
development
Recognises rights of Indigenous
Peoples as marginalised and
vulnerable groups and defends
their rights to, and interests in,
lands and natural and cultural
resources
Protects cultural heritage and
promotes equitable sharing of
benefits from cultural heritage

Relevance to ESIA study

Social
and
specialists

Resettlement

Specialist studies: Aquatic and

terrestrial biodiversity

Social
and
Resettlement
specialists; Land specialist

Visual; Social and Resettlement

specialists

Table 9 | Outline of the international standards and Nigerian legislation regarding ESIA,
Stakeholder Engagement, social impact assessment and resettlement

Gap Analysis: International standards and Nigerian legislation

Issue

International standards

Local legislation

Project design

Feasible alternative Project designs to avoid

or minimise physical and / or economic
displacement,
while
balancing
environmental, social and financial costs and
benefits, will be considered.

Local legislation does not mention the need

to avoid / minimise displacement. It requires
the revocation of rights of occupancy if the
land is required for overriding public
interest.

RAP /
livelihood
restoration plan

In the case of involuntary resettlement, the Local legislation does not require the
Project will develop a RAP / Livelihood development of a RAP / Livelihood
Restoration Plan that includes compensation Restoration Plan.
at full replacement cost for land and other
assets lost. The Plan will be designed to
mitigate the negative impacts of
displacement;
identify
development
opportunities; develop a resettlement budget
and schedule; and establish the entitlements
of all categories of affected persons
(including host communities) etc.

Scoping Report

Page | 49

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Gap Analysis: International standards and Nigerian legislation

Issue

International standards

Local legislation

Census and
asset inventory

A census and asset inventory will be carried

out in order to collect appropriate socioeconomic baseline data to identify the
persons who will be displaced by the Project,
and to determine who will be eligible for
compensation and assistance.

A survey is required to record the position

and dimensions of the land parcel to be
acquired. The enumeration process is asset
driven and not household driven. Socioeconomic data on affected households are
not collected. There is no particular format
which is currently used by the Land
Department. .

Consultation
and
participation

Ensure that resettlement activities are

implemented with appropriate disclosure of
information, consultation, and the informed
participation of those affected.

A notice of acquisition is usually prepared

by the Ministry of Lands, in conjunction with
the survey description. The notice is then
published in two newspapers (one national
and the other local) and the government
gazette. This disclosure is not however
supplemented by any proactive consultation
or other participatory activities.

Vulnerable
groups

Particular attention should be paid to the Local law does not identify any need to
needs of vulnerable groups among those address the concerns of vulnerable groups.
displaced, especially those below the
poverty line, the landless, the elderly,
women and children, indigenous peoples,
ethnic minorities, or other displaced persons
who may not be protected through national
land compensation legislation.

Compensation,
replacement
and
security of
tenure

The rate of compensation for lost assets

should be calculated at full replacement cost
i.e. market value plus transaction costs.
Depreciation of assets should not be taken
into account. Compensation in kind should
be offered in lieu of cash compensation
where feasible, and particularly for poor and
vulnerable people. Security of tenure should
be provided to all those displaced by the
Project.

The
compensation
only
covers
unexhausted improvements made to the
affected land. The required compensation
amounts also take depreciation into
account and market rates are not employed
as a basis for valuation. While in-kind
replacements are permitted, compensation
is largely cash-based. Security of tenure is
not provided to affected people.

Eligibility and
entitlements

Those who have formal legal rights to land

(including customary and traditional rights
recognised under the laws of the country),
as well as those who have a claim to such
land or assets recognised under the laws of
the country, should be provided with
compensation for loss of land and
associated assets. Those who have no
recognisable legal right or claim to the land
they are occupying (e.g. encroachers)
should be provided with resettlement
assistance (which may consist of land, other
assets, cash, employment, etc., as
appropriate) in lieu of compensation for the
land, provided that they occupy the Project

All land rights constitute occupancy rights

rather than ownership rights and
accordingly eligibility for compensation for
loss of land is non-existent. Anyone
possessing a statutory or customary right of
occupancy to affected land is only entitled
to
compensation
for unexhausted
improvements made to that land.
Encroachers are not recognised as an
eligible group, and are thus not entitled to
any compensation provisions.

Scoping Report

Page | 50

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Gap Analysis: International standards and Nigerian legislation

Issue

International standards

Local legislation

area prior to the cut-off date.

Cut-off date

A cut-off date for eligibility should be

established. Information regarding the cut-off
date will be well documented and
disseminated throughout the Project area.
The Project is not required to compensate or
assist those who encroach on the Project
area after the cut-off date for eligibility,
provided the cut-off date has been clearly
established and made public.

Timing

The removal of land and related assets may Local

legislation
suggests
that
take place only after compensation has been compensation should be paid within a
paid and, where applicable, resettlement reasonable time period.
sites and moving allowances have been
provided to the displaced persons.

Resettlement
assistance and
transition
allowances

Provide appropriate resettlement assistance Local legislation does not specify any
and transitional support based on provision for resettlement assistance and
reasonable estimates of the time required to transition allowances.
restore income earning capacity, productivity
levels and associated livelihoods and
standards of living.

Livelihood
restoration

Displaced persons should be assisted in Livelihood restoration is mentioned in local

their efforts to improve their livelihoods and legislation.
standards of living or at least to restore
them, in real terms, to pre-displacement
levels.

Grievance
mechanism /
redress

Prior to the initiation of displacement, If there is conflict around compensation

procedures should be in place for recording provisions, the dispute must be referred to
and processing grievances.
the appropriate Land Allocation Advisory
Committee. There is also some mention
that recourse to court may be possible.
Local legislation does not have any
There is also a requirement for the
requirements for a grievance mechanism or
establishment of a mechanism to record
for ongoing Stakeholder Engagement for
grievances in terms of ongoing Stakeholder
the lifecycle of the project.
Engagement.

Monitoring and
evaluation

Upon completion of the Project, the Project Local legislation does not have any
will be required to undertake an assessment monitoring and evaluation requirements.
to determine whether the objectives of the
RAP / Livelihood Restoration Plan have
been achieved. The assessment should take
into account the baseline conditions and the
results of resettlement operation. If the
assessment reveals that the objectives of
the RAP / Livelihood Restoration Plan have
not been realised, the Project should
propose follow-up measures.

Stakeholder

IFC Performance Standard 1 establishes the The only reference to participation /

Scoping Report

Though a cut-off date is not written into

local legislation, local practice involves a
six-week notice period given for land to be
acquired by the Project.

Page | 51

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Gap Analysis: International standards and Nigerian legislation

Issue

International standards

Local legislation

Engagement

importance of effective disclosure of project

related information and consultation with
affected local communities.
Stakeholder Engagement (SE) is to be
ongoing and should include:
Stakeholder analysis;
Disclosure and dissemination of
information;
Consultation a and participation;
Grievance Mechanism; and
Ongoing
reporting
to
affected
communities.
A Stakeholder Engagement Plan needs to
be developed.
Information must be provided to the affected
communities on:
The purpose, nature and scale of the
project;
The duration;
Risks and impacts;
The SE process; and
A Grievance Mechanism must be
provided.
Affected communities must be given the
opportunity to express their views and the
proponent must respond to these views.
Consultation must be twoway begin early in
the process in the identification of
environmental and social risks and be
ongoing. There must be prior disclosure and
dissemination. The information must be
presented in a culturally appropriate manner
using local languages.
Engagement must be inclusive focused on
those directly affected. Must be free of
external
manipulation,
interference,
coercion, or intimidation. Should enable
meaningful participation and must be
documented.

consultation in Nigerian legislation refers to

the Draft EIA which needs to go through a
review process which can include a review
panel public hearing which can be held in
public as well as if it is deemed necessary
or appropriate the public review of the
documentation for a 21 working day review
period.

Scoping

International Best Practice requires that

stakeholders are provided with an
opportunity to identify issues early on in the
process and to comment on the Terms of
Reference for ESIA, to ensure that all issues
are raised and that these will be adequately
addressed.

The Nigerian legislation does not provide

an opportunity for stakeholder engagement
to raise issues to be assessed in the ESIA,
nor does it allow for stakeholders to view
the Terms of Reference for ESIA as
included in this Scoping Report.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 52

3.2 NIGERIAN LEGISLATION

The FGN recognises the importance of preserving the biophysical and socio-economic
environment for the enjoyment of current and future generations. In this regard, they have
developed a multitude of legal and policy documents and guidelines. A summary of the main
applicable acts, policies and guidelines consulted in this ESIA are summarised in this
section. Appendix D includes a table describing the aforementioned documents in more
detail and also describes how they are related to the project.
The following acts have been consulted and are relevant to the ESIA:
The Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999);
Environmental Decree No 86 of 1992 known in the statute books as Environmental
Impact Assessment Act CAP E12;
The National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency Act (No.
25 of 2007) (NESREA)5;
Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act (2005) (ICR Act);
National Environmental Protection and Waste Management (Environmental Protection
Regulation S.1.15 (1991);
National Inland Waterways (No. 31 of 1997).
Further to the Acts identified above, the following policy documents were also considered:
National Policy on the Environment (1989, revised 1999) (NPE);
Nigerias Vision 2020 (refer to section 2.2); and
Nigerias Agenda 21 (refer to section 2.2).
The ESIA is guided by the following guideline documents to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the EIA Act:
FEPA EIA Guidelines for Review of EIA Report in Nigeria (1992);
FEPA EIA Procedural Guidelines (1995);
FEPA EIA Guidelines, namely the Sectoral Guidelines for Dredging Activities (1995);
FEPA EIA Guidelines, namely the Sectoral Guidelines on Infrastructure Development
and Transport (1995); and
National Guidelines for Environmental Audit in Nigeria (1999);

3.3 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

In addition to the legislation listed in section 3.2, below summarises all relevant legislation,
policies, guidelines and/ or conventions identified as relevant and specific to each specialist
study6.

NESREA developed 24 Environmental Regulations that have been published in the Federal Republic Official
Gazette and are now in force (NESREA, 2011). Appendix D lists these in more detail.
6
Note that although it is not listed in this section, the Constitution and EIA Act applies to all specialist studies.

Scoping Report

Page | 53

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 10 | Summary of discipline specific legislation

Legislation
Discipline

Legislation/ Polices/ Guidelines/ Conventions

Air Quality

Aquatic
and
Biodiversity

Terrestrial

Geology and Soils

Hydrology and Geohydrology

Noise

Risk

Social, Land Use and Planning

Scoping Report

National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2009.

S. I. No. 32;
National Environmental (Control of Vehicular Emissions from Petrol
and Diesel Engines) Regulations, 2010. S. I. No. 20;
The FEPA Decree (No. 58 of 1988);
The National Guidelines and Standards for Environmental Pollution
Control in Nigeria (1990);
National Effluent Limitation Regulations S.1.8 (1991);
Harmful Waste (Criminal Provisions) Decree (No. 42 of 1988); and
Pollution Abatement in Industries and Facilities Generating Wastes
Regulation S.1.9 (1991).
Land Use Act (1978);
National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in
International Trade) Regulations, 2010. S. I. No. 16;
The Bonn Convention (1979);
The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992);
World Heritage Convention (1978);
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1987).
In terms of geology/ geotechnical aspects it is understood there are
no relevant laws that would be of a concern in terms of the context of
the bridge construction.
Water Resources Act (1993);
Guidelines and Standards for Environmental Pollution Control in
Nigeria (1992);
National Environmental (Surface and Groundwater Quality Control)
Regulations, 2010. S. I. No. 22;
International Finance Corporation Environmental, Health, and Safety
General Guidelines (2007); and
International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 3 and
Guidance Note 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention (IFC
2012a, b & c).
National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations,
2009. S. I. No. 35.
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC)/ International
Standards Organisation (ISO) 31010: 2009 International Standard for
Risk Management
The Land Use Act, (1978), (Cap 202 of 1990);
Public Land Acquisition (miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976;
Urban and Regional Planning Law (Act 88 of1992);

Page | 54

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Legislation
Discipline

Legislation/ Polices/ Guidelines/ Conventions

Traffic

Visual
Vulnerability and Adaptation

Waste

Scoping Report

National Inland Water Authority Act CAPN74, 1997; and

The Draft National Transport Policy (2003).
Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Decree No. 45 of the 1988
(as amended by Decree 35 of 1992) referred to in the statute book
as FRSC Act cap 141 LFN (establishment of the FRSC);
National Road Traffic Act of 1949 (reviewed in 1990); and
National Road Traffic Regulations (2004) currently being revised.
IFC Performance Standard 3, 6 and 8.
National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2009.
S. I. No. 32.
National Environmental (Sanitation and Wastes Control) Regulations,
2009. S. I. No. 28.

Page | 55

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page left intentionally blank

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 56

ESIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

This section aims to describe the activities required during the scoping
and ESIA phases of the project; including the Stakeholder Engagement
which underpins the entire process. Gaps and limitations of the process
are also identified.
4.1 PROCESS OVERVIEW
The nature of activities included in the development proposal under consideration in this
report requires a two phased environmental authorisation process comprising Scoping and
an ESIA. This was confirmed by the FMEnv who has identified the Project as a Category
One (1) project which requires mandatory ESIA studies and a panel review.

Figure 6 below depicts the phases and the activities required to comply with the Nigerian EIA
legislation and international best practice. More detail is provided in Sections 4.2 and 4.3
below.

4.2 SCOPING PHASE

As described in Section 1.3, the aim of the scoping phase is to ensure that all significant
impacts and reasonable alternatives are addressed in the intended EIA. The main outputs
are a Scoping Report and ToR for submission to the FMEnv.
The following activities have been completed during scoping between August 2013 and June
2014 as part of this ESIA process to ensure the Scoping Report and ToR (discussed in detail
in Section 7) adequately addresses the requirement of the Nigerian legislation and
international best practice. These activities are as follows and are detailed in Table 11
below:

Project initiation and meetings with the FMEnv;

Site visit;
Specialist workshop to explain the project and discuss findings of site visit;
Identification of constraints and opportunities
Wet season and dry season sampling;
Stakeholder Engagement;
Compilation of baseline description;
Identification of potential impacts; and
Compilation of the Scoping Report and ToR.

Scoping Report

Page | 57

Stages already completed

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Initiation of Project/ Activity

Proponent

Collection/ Submission of EIA

notification form and preparation of
project proposal

Proponent

Submission of project proposal to

FMEnv for an IEE

Screening of project proposal leading

to project categorisation

Resolved

Category 3

Proponent

FMEnv/ Proponent

FMEnv

Category 1 or 2
Stakeholder
Engagement

Preliminary
assessment

Development of a ToR

Proponent

Inter-disciplinary
panel
of
expert,
FMEnv,
proponent
and/ or public

Preparation of draft final report

(incorporating proceedings of
public forum participation)

Additional step
taken to comply
with IFC
standards

Review of draft EIA

Preparation of final EIA report

(addressing all issues raised at the
review stage)

Submission of final EIA to FMEnv

Environmental Impact
Statement and certification

Environmental Impact
Monitoring

Project Implementation

Proponent

FMEnv

Proponent

FMEnv

Proponent

Commissioning

Proponent

Audit

Proponent

Figure 6 | The Scoping and ESIA process (adapted from Roughton, 2012)
Scoping Report

Way forward as part of this ESIA

Scoping
Report

Page | 58

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 11 | Scoping activities undertaken

Scoping Activities
Date

Activity

Description

Notify the FMEnv of

the project

This task was undertaken by the Consortium and the FMW and involved
the submission of the project proposal and Terms of ToR to the FMEnv
and included a prescribed fee. This allowed for the registration of the
project.

Site verification

On 4 June 2013, a site verification exercise was undertaken and

involved members of the Consortium, the FMW, the FMEnv and state
environmental officials. Thereafter the FMEnv confirmed that the project
was a Category 1 project and provided the parameters for the field work,
namely the environmental parameters that must be measured and the
nature of the samples.

Project initiation

On 19 August 2013 members of the Aurecon team and Waste Matters /

MacBenuz Enviros were involved in an inception workshop in Abuja with
the Consortium as well as representatives of the FMW and FMEnv. The
aim of this workshop was to introduce the project team, understand the
project specifics and timeframes and set up a dialogue with the relevant
Ministries to allow for efficient roll out and execution of the ESIA, as well
as clarify the way forward.
A further meeting was held with the FMEnv, Aurecon and Waste Matters
/ MacBenuz on 20 August 2013 and it was confirmed that the specified
parameters were recommendations and Aurecon could motivate for any
deviations from the monitoring requirements.

Work plan for sampling

On this basis, a Work Plan was submitted which outlined the proposed
activities during this visit, as well as any deviations from the
recommended parameters, for approval by the FMEnv, This Work Plan
was found to be satisfactory by the FMEnv and is attached as
Appendix E for reference.

Site visit

The entire team (specialists and ESIA team) visited the site on the 9
September with the Consortium to understand the projects baseline
conditions and to identify constraints upfront.

10 Sept
2013

Specialist workshop

Thereafter a workshop was held to introduce the team; discuss the

technical aspects of the project; identify the constraints; discuss the
alternatives; agreement of a proposed programme and deliverables and
liaison between the specialists.

11 - 13
Sept 2013

Wet season sampling

This was followed by the wet season sampling, witnessed by the

FMEnv.

Sept 2013

Field report (including

constraints analysis)

Based on the field work, and a desktop review of available information,

the specialists contributed to a brief Field Report, identifying the
opportunities and constraints for each alternative. Each specialist

4 Jan 2013

4 June
2013

19 20
Aug 2013

3 Sept
2013

9 Sept
2013

Scoping Report

Page | 59

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Scoping Activities
Date

Activity

Description
provided an overview of the site; areas of concern; opportunities and
constraints. This was also provided in a conceptual map.
The aim of this was to allow for early identification of areas of concern
that can be addressed to avoid problems further along in the process.

35
March
2014

Dry season sampling

The dry season field work was subsequently undertaken for NSIA. This
data would be used to compile a comprehensive baseline description of
the project area across both seasons.

20 May
2014

Ministry consultation

A meeting was held with the FMEnv and Aurecon to discuss the
Scoping and ESIA process.

26 31
May 2014

Stakeholder
engagement

Meetings and workshops were undertaken. More detail is provided in

Section 4.4 and Appendix F.

Specialist baseline
reports

Specialists (refer to Table 2) compiled their respective baseline reports

which involved documenting the findings of the wet and dry season
sampling; desk based study of the environmental baseline within their
field of speciality; identification of relevant legislative requirements and
provision of a proposed way forward.

20 May 6
June 2014

4.3 ESIA PHASE

Page | 62

Activities for scoping included the following (explained in more detail in Appendix F):
Identification of stakeholders (Appendix F.1);
Arrangement of stakeholder meetings;
Meetings with relevant stakeholders;
Distribution of Background Information Document (Appendix F.2);
Distribution of Pamphlet (Appendix F.3);
Placement of Radio Advertisement - run on the Delta State Broadcasting Station,
Asaba (DBS 97.9 FM) and Anambra State Broadcasting Service, Onitsha (ABS
90.8FM); three times a day in English, Igbo and Pidgin on 29 May 2014;
Placement of Newspaper Advertisement (in Punch on 27 May 2014 Appendix F.4);
and
Recording of comments from stakeholders (Comments and Response Report in
Appendix F.5).
The Stakeholder Engagement process going forward is outlined in Section 7.3.

4.4.2

Key stakeholders

The following notable stakeholders were identified and consulted throughout the Stakeholder
Engagement process:
Government: Federal (National), State and Local Authorities;
Traditional Authorities: Kings, Paramount Chiefs, Town and Village Chiefs;
Landowners: Affected Landowners;
Associations: such as the Sand Dredging Association and the Harbour Layout
Association Fishermen Associations.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Environmental organisations and
Community-based Organisations (CBOs).
A stakeholder database indicating the key stakeholders has been compiled and is appended
to the Stakeholder Engagement report in Appendix F.1.

4.4.3

Issues raised

Table 12 below summarises the comments raised by stakeholders to date. At scoping,

comments and concerns are gathered to inform the aspects to be addressed in the ESIA
Report. For this reason, the issues raised at this stage are collected and not addressed in
detail immediately. The responses will form part of the ESIA documentation going forward.

Scoping Report

Page | 63

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 12 | Comments raised during the Stakeholder Engagement process

Stakeholder Engagement
Category
Compensation

Consultation
Air Quality
Noise
Traffic
Road Network
RoW
Borrow Pits
Flooding
Land use

Time Frames
Employment

Old Niger River Bridge

Security
Resettlement
Impact Assessment

Comments raised

Local communities are expectant of compensation they might receive.

Uncertainty of who will pay compensation; the State or the project proponent.
Chiefs should be involved in the payment of compensation to avoid cheating.
No middle men should be involved in compensation payments.
Compensation should be paid before assets are destroyed.
There are fishponds which need to be compensated for.
Traditional leaders need to be met with.
The project has started without proper consultation.
Request for air quality to be investigated.
A noise impact study should be undertaken.
Request that a study be undertaken considering traffic impacts.
How the new roads will connect to existing roads needs to be explained.
There is confusion with regards to the positioning of the RoW.
The position of borrow pits needs to be indicated.
There is concern that new roads will result in flooding of areas.
Need for land use plans to be considered.
Need for alternative land to be provided.
Alternative land is not easy to obtain.
Uncertainty if construction has started already.
The project should be undertaken as soon as possible.
There is high unemployment.
The project should employ local people.
There are local skills available, and not only for manual labour.
Uncertainty on how employment will be arranged.
Employment of local youths is important.
Uncertainty if the old bridge will remain as it is.
Uncertainty if the new bridge will have its own security or police post.
No settlements should be allowed near the road verge.
It will need to be explained to people why they need to be resettled.

Clarity needed if the ESIA will consider both Environmental and Social Impacts.

4.5 GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND UNCERTAINTIES

In undertaking the scoping exercise, it has been assumed that the information provided by the
proponent is accurate and has project details have been fully disclosed where relevant to the
study.
The gaps in knowledge that were evident during the assessment include:

Scoping Report

Page | 64

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Limited information regarding construction activities and phasing was provided;

Note that certain components were not identified in the early project layout (i.e. the
access road and two borrow pits to the west of the Niger River) and were thus not
sampled. Exemption from sampling for such areas should form part of the Waiver for
assessment of the Early Works, as being requested from the FMEnv by the NSIA-JB
Consortium.

Some specialist studies also recorded gaps in knowledge. These are summarised in Table 13
below:
Table 13 | Specialists studies gaps in knowledge

Gaps in knowledge
Discipline

Gaps in knowledge

Air Quality

None identified

Aquatic Biodiversity

None identified

Geohydrology

None identified

Geology and Soils

GIS

Information provided in this specialist report has been based on information

provided by the developer, published scientific literature, geological maps
and work undertaken by Fugro;
Interpretations of subsurface conditions are based on field observations
from test locations that were spaced to capture a representative snap shot
of subsurface conditions;
Site exploration identifies subsurface conditions only at points of sampling.
Actual subsurface conditions may differ, between sampling locations, from
those indicated in the Fugro report;
The study area was visited but due to access constraints some areas along
the route could not be viewed; and
The portion of the route where there was swamps and no roads could only
be assessed on a high level via desktop interpretation.
None identified

Hydrology

None identified

Land use and Planning

None identified

Noise

None identified

Risk

None identified

Social and Resettlement

Despite spot checks conducted during fieldwork by the socio-economic

survey team indicating an acceptable level of confidence in the accuracy of
the Estate Surveyors asset data it has been determined that such data are
not available for the entire project footprint;
Data collection efforts were concentrated on the road RoW and the area to
be affected by the creek diversion necessitating alternative means (i.e.
visual inspection of available satellite and aerial imagery) to estimate the
numbers and types of affected assets in areas to be occupied by borrow

Scoping Report

Page | 65

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Gaps in knowledge
Discipline

Gaps in knowledge

Stakeholder Engagement

pits and the temporary access road; and

Information on the numbers of displaced assets and the resulting
compensation payments made during construction of the temporary access
road has been requested from the Engineering, Procurement and
Construction (EPC) Contractor. This information had not yet been received
at the time of writing the baseline report.
None identified

Terrestrial Biodiversity

None identified

Traffic and Transport

Visual

Vulnerability and Adaptation

The future phases of the project is uncertain at this stage; and

The specific site camp access roads are not known. Normally they would
be restricted to public roads and the RoW corridor.
Variations in the quality, format and scale of available datasets could
impact on confidence levels of outcomes; and
Calculations for view-sheds calculated by GIS are extremely sensitive to
small errors in the data, and to the resolution of the data and the errors in
viewer location and elevation.
None identified

Waste

None identified

This Scoping Report and ToR have identified the potential environmental impacts and issues
associated with the proposed activities and the nature of the impacts presented in this report
could change, should the project description be refined by the proponent.
One of the goals of an ESIA is to inform decision-making about the acceptability of a proposed
activity, as well as to inform the design phase of the activity. It is acknowledged that the
project will be undertaken and that construction has commenced, thereby limiting this function
of the ESIA. This situation is based on the acknowledged public need for this project. While
this has limited ability of the ESIA to achieve the above mentioned aspect, the ESIA is still
able to influence how the project is undertaken to ensure that the least positive negative
impacts arise and that it is a project that is socially and biophysically responsible.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 66

BASELINE DESCRIPTION

This section aims to provide a profile of the existing environmental and

social baseline for the proposed development which has provided the
context for the scoping study; as well as a baseline from which to identify
environmental issues and potential impacts.
5.1 INTRODUCTION
A general description is given of the site, based on the Screening Report completed in 2012
(Roughton International (Nigeria) Ltd, 2012). Where specialist studies were undertaken, such
information is presented below. The methodology for this data collection for each discipline is
presented, as well as the summary of the field work done. This has allowed the application of
professional judgement in identifying potential constraints and opportunities as well as those
impacts which require further assessment during the ESIA process.

5.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Nigeria is located on the West Coast of Africa and is bordered to the south by the Bight of
Benin and the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the Republics of Niger and Chad, to the east by
the Republic of Cameroon and on the west by the Republic of Benin. It has a land mass of 923
768 km2, and its population was estimated at approximately 164 million in 2011 (with an
annual growth rate of 3.2%). The population, which is projected to double in size by 2030,
represents more than 250 constituent ethnic nationalities. The country ranks amongst the
most urbanised countries in the world with an urbanisation rate of 49.8% in 2010 which is
projected to increase to 56.8% in 2020 (FGN, 2012).
According to the World Bank classification by region and income of 2011, the Nigerian
economy is typical of a developing country in the lower-middle income category. Its economy
grew at an average of 6.2% between 2002 and 2011. Primary production activities (being
agriculture and mining) accounted for approximately 65% of the real gross output and 80% of
government revenue in 2009. Poverty and unemployment remain critical challenges, while the
provision of municipal infrastructure and community services are often lacking or inadequate.
According to the 2011 National Bureau of Statistics' (NBS) report, approximately 69% of the
population are living below the poverty level (FGN, 2012).
The two affected states are Anambra and Delta States. Anambra State covers an area of
4,865 km. Delta State covers an area of 17,108 km, with fresh water bodies and rivers and
tributaries of the Niger River making up 40% of this area.
Onitsha in Anambra and Asaba in Delta State are located in the transition area between the
sub-equatorial climatic and the tropical hinterland climatic belts of Nigeria. Climate is
influenced by two major trade winds, namely the warm moist south-west trade winds which

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 67

blow during the rainy season (April October) and the north-east trade winds during the dry
and dusty harmattan (November mid March).
Temperature is high throughout the year. The maximum monthly temperatures for the area
vary between 25C and 32C. Mean monthly temperatures are fairly constant throughout the
year at about 25C. Maximum temperatures are experienced between December March
while minimum temperatures are encountered between June September, during the height
of the rainy season. The warmest months are February through to early April while the coolest
are July September. Wind direction is related to the seasonal change in the Inter Tropical
Convergence Zone (ITZC). The average wind speed for Onitsha at a height of 10 m is 3.59
m/s.
Mean annual rainfall in Onitsha is 1,850 mm. Most of the rains fall between mid-March and
mid-November although rain also falls, albeit infrequently, during the dry season. Precipitation
in the dry season is mainly in form of dew. Average annual rainfall for Asaba is 1,905mm.
Rainfall is heaviest in July. Humidity levels on both banks of the river reach 70 80%, due
largely to their proximity to the River Niger. Peak figures for relative humidity are experienced
during the wet season and the lowest during the dry.
The average width of the Niger between Onitsha and Asaba is 1.75 km. Despite its proximity
to the delta, the river is fast flowing with a strong current. Seasonal changes lead to variations
in the water level. At the height of the rainy season, the river overflows its banks. The project
area has experienced the effects of extreme weather. Severe flooding occurred in 2012 as a
result of excessive rainfall, a silt filled river basin and the Nigers runoff exceeding the capacity
of its natural channel to accommodate its flow. Excess water overflow spilt out into adjacent,
low-lying floodplains. The impact of the extreme rainfall was aggravated by the effects of
extensive and uncontrolled urbanisation, with its attendant noise/water/air and ground
pollution. This has contributed to environmental degradation and the loss of biodiversity in the
area.
The west-western river banks form part of the Niger delta structural basin. With a generally
low-lying topography, it consists largely of sedimentary rock. The State is comprised of four
major physiographic units. The land lies in the fresh water areas where annual flooding and
deposition renew the topsoil. Surface rock is part of the Ogwashi-Ukwu formation. The
subsurface consists largely of lignite and clay. Topsoil is placed at 90% medium fertility.
Although the region is known for rich mineral resources like petroleum, kaolin, silica,
limestone, etc. none have been discovered within the Project area.
Anambra soil is predominantly composed of loamy, clay and red laterite with moderate
permeability. Ferrallitic soil, also known as Red Earth, is common. Around Nkpor and Ogidi,
the soil is sandy and loamy. Towards Onitsha and along the bank of the river, the soil
becomes characteristically alluvial. Crude oil, bauxite and ceramic clay are found in the region.
Onitsha has a high water table of less than 1 m close to the banks of the river. Further inland
the topography changes and the water table is deeper. Small streams traverse the landscape,
prominent among these is the Nkisi. The relatively flat terrain and high water table in Asaba
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 68

increases the impacts of flooding in the area and has limited physical development along the
river bank.

5.3 LAND USE

Change in land use and land cover is an overarching impact of the project and will vary along
the alignment where the context differs.

5.3.1

Methodology for baseline survey

A site visit for a reconnaissance survey allowed for collection of information about the physical
attributes of the project area. The site information was supplemented with secondary data
such as the topographic map, administrative map, and mid resolution satellite image covering
the study area.
Satellite imagery was used to classify the land use/land cover of a given area, with special
attention given to vegetation, water body, wetlands and built-up areas. Based on image preprocessing and classifications with an overall accuracy of 97% and kappa co-efficient of 0.967,
a land use / land cover map of the area was produced. The proposed layout of the project was
superimposed on this map to allow for identification of land use/land cover that will be
affected.

5.3.2

Description of the affected environment

The existing land use and land cover features are shown in Figure 8 below. There is
significant development in the area, with existing development including residential houses,
factories (some are currently functional, some are not), churches and schools. Much of the
alignment traverses natural vegetation, wetland and swamps.
Land ownership is largely in private hands especially around and along the RoW. Detailed
surveys thereof have been undertaken as part of the socio-economic baseline survey
described in Section 5.12.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 69

Figure 8 | Land cover of the project area

5.4 TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

The project may impact the terrestrial biodiversity since a large portion of the footprint
supports natural vegetation which serves as habitat for certain species.

5.4.1

Methodology for baseline survey

A field study was carried out in order to obtain information on terrestrial biodiversity along the
proposed alignment. Ecological data on floristic composition, frequency of occurrence, plant
population density and health status of the biodiversity along the alignment were collected.
Information on the present status of the vegetation was collected along six designated
transects. The various plant species at each study site were visually assessed and listed. The
population density of key tree species around the study area was assessed using 25 m x 25 m
quadrats. Digital photographs of the vegetation in areas of interest were recorded. Unidentified
plants were collected, pressed as herbarium specimens for correct identification. Sensitive
habitats in the study area were recorded.
Knowledge of the wildlife of the study site was gained mainly by talking to the people who
were considered to be most familiar with it through their day-to-day activities, namely; hunters,
trappers, farmers and traders. Information was augmented with observations in the field using
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 70

transect walks. The aim of the interviews was to obtain information on which species still occur
in the area, which species had become scarce in recent years, and which species had
disappeared or declined in numbers during the respondents lifetime. Questions asked also
included which species were hunted for the pot, which were sold for cash, and which were
regarded as taboos or objects of worship. Whenever possible, photographs were taken of
specimens that were encountered

5.4.2

Description of the affected environment

The vegetation of the entire study area consists of a mosaic of farms, bush fallows, home
gardens and swamp forest. Generally, this is made up of a mixture of trees, shrubs, herbs and
grasses typical of lowland rain forest of Nigeria. Parts of the study area are being cleared for
farming and the construction of houses (refer to Figure 9).
The vegetation at the southern part of the proposed road from Onitsha to Asaba is composed
of swamp forest dominated by wine palm (Raphia hookeri) of between 10 m to 12 m in height.
The flora consists of typical swamp forest genera with its herbaceous species and grasses.

Figure 9 | Part of the study area at Onitsha showing clearance of vegetation for farming and
housing construction (Source: Bamidele, 2014)

A total of 65 plant species comprising trees/shrubs, herbs and grasses were recorded within
the proposed road from Asaba to Onitsha. Twelve species were recorded within the
freshwater swamp forest, twenty-three in the farms and fallow and thirty in home gardens.
The commonest plants within the freshwater swamp forest include Raphia hookeri (wine
palm), Anthocleisia vogelli, Scleria verrucosa, Musanga cecropioides, Alstonia boonei, Hallea
ciliate (Abura) (refer to Figure 10) and Pandanus togoensis (screwpine). The most frequent
plants found within the fallow areas include Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea cordifolia, Panicum
maximum, Aspilia africana, Chromolaena odorata, Baphia nitida and Dioscorea spp. Sida
acuta, Vernonia sp. The dominant plants within the home gardens include trees such as
Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Cocos nucifera, Irvingia gabonensis and Dacryodes

Scoping Report

Page | 71

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

edulis. Plants such as Colocasia esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina and Telfaria occidentalis are
common below the canopy layer.

Figure 10 | A view of part of the freshwater swamp forest in the study area showing Hallea ciliata
(Abura) (Source: Bamidele, 2014)

Many useful plants were encountered within the study area. Plants with great economic
importance are listed in Table 14. The wetland plant, Raphia hookeri is commonly a source of
wine and thatch. Edible oil is derived oil palm while fruits are derived from plants such as
coconut, mango and Dika nut tree in home gardens. Hallea ciliata (Abura) is an important
source of timber.
Table 14 | Population density and utility of dominant economic plant species along the proposed
road and bridge

S/No.

Scientific Name

Common
Name

Allanblackia floribunda

Anthostema aubrqanum

Calamus decratus

Rattan palm

Dacryodes edulis

Elaeis guineensis

Scoping Report

Use / Economic Importance

Timber

Population Density
(No. of plants /
hectare)
Wet
Dry
season
season
207

174

305

246

Rope ,basket

5012

444

African pear

Fruit

256

185

Oil palm

Edible

wine, 104

186

oil,

thatch,

Page | 72

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

S/No.

Scientific Name

Common
Name

Use / Economic Importance

Population Density
(No. of plants /
hectare)
Wet
Dry
season
season

alcohol
6

Hallea ciliata

Abura

Timber, wrapper

184

168

Mangifera indica

Mango

Edible fruit

126

104

Pandanus togoensis

Screwpine

Mat

50023

4605

Pentadesma butyracea

Timber

Persea americana

Avocado pear

Fruit

134

113

Raphia hookeri

Wine palm

Wine, alcohol

2007

1644

Saccoglotis gabonensis

Colouring agent/dye

Spondianthus preussii

Timber

246

205

Common animals observed include birds (such as the egret, hornbill, pelican, heron, and
vulture), rabbits, monkeys and rodents (such as the grass cutter). Hunting was mainly for the
pot and conducted on a part-time basis. This suggests that hunting pressure may be relatively
low, more so as the inhabitants depend mainly on trading and farming. According to local
reports, the reptilian fauna is made up of crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards.
The only natural areas remaining in the alignment area are swampy areas not suitable for
human habitation. The biodiversity of the area is generally disturbed by farming and run-off of
contaminated water into the natural areas.

5.5 AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY

The bridge will cross the River Niger and wetland areas adjacent to the river, which support
important aquatic ecosystems that sustain many livelihoods. Construction activities, e.g.
dredging, could negatively impact the aquatic environment.

5.5.1

Methodology for baseline survey

Aquatic sampling was undertaken along a stretch of about 20 km on the Niger River water
course, at nine sampling locations upstream and downstream of the proposed bridge. The
aquatic biodiversity survey was carried out to sample Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Macro
Invertebrates (Benthic and Bank-root biotopes) and Macrophytes.

5.5.2

Description of the affected environment

The Niger River is the third largest river in Africa, with an estimated 110 million people living
along its banks. The river itself is under immense pressure as a result of climate change and
rapidly growing populations that rely on the resources of the Niger, with unprecedented
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 73

droughts in 1985 and 1990 which caused parts of the river to dry up completely (ERIN NEWS,
2014). Niger Basin Authority (NBA) has estimated that the volume of the Niger has shrunk by
one third in the last thirty years. The river is highly compromised by pollution with commercial
and residential effluent from the cities on the river banks draining into the river, untreated.
Other impacts on the river are from siltation, which is a significant issue as well, and the
spread of water hyacinth. Water hyacinth grows in polluted waters and removes oxygen from
the river, killing fish and aquatic life and as a result river fishing communities have become
increasingly vulnerable as fish stocks have dwindled. Health hazards are also serious during
the rains, which bring flooding and a sharp rise in water-borne diseases such as cholera
outbreaks are common.
While flooding is a part of the natural regime and plays an important role in maintaining key
eco-system function and biodiversity in many natural systems, natural systems are no longer
resilient to the effects of large and excessive floods experienced (Akpoveta , Osakwe, IzeIyamu , & Medjor, 2014). Ecosystem services such as fishing, water provision and agriculture
(deposition of nutrient-rich silt in which to grow crops) have been impacted over the years.
The vegetation on the river banks comprised mainly floating and emergent aquatic
macrophytes, perennial secondary grasses, shrubs and a few trees upland. There are various
communities who have settled close to the river bank whose occupation is mainly fishing and
dredging/sand mining.
The study area is primary freshwater and fishing is carried out mainly by a few artisanal
fishermen from the community.
The ecological communities of the River Niger study area, as sampled in the wet and dry
seasons are described below.
5.5.2.1

Phytoplankton

The total phytoplankton assemblage recorded in the wet season comprised 44 species. Of
these, 78% comprised green algae (Chlorophyta). The dry season showed 39 species. Of
these, 62% were green algae
5.5.2.2

Zooplankton

Sampling for the wet season indicated six species, dominated by Copepoda in terms of
species richness and abundance. Nine species were sampled during the dry season,with
Copepoda again dominating in terms of species richness and overall abundance. The diversity
of zooplankton was generally low in the study area, which is an indication of ecosystem
instability and vulnerability to stress as zooplankton are good biological indicators of water
quality. Their sensitivity to environmental factors, both natural and artificial, makes them of
considerable significance when determining pollution levels in ESIA studies.
5.5.2.3

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

In Nigerian inland waters, the major benthic components include the Oligochaeta (Annelida),
the water mites (Hydrachnellae), insect larvae/nymphs (Diptera, Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera,
Hemiptera, Odonata and Trichoptera) and few molluscs and decapod crustaceans (Ogbeibu &

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 74

Victor 1989; Ogbeibu, 1991; Ogbeibu & Oribhabor 2002; Ogbeibu & Egborge, 1995;
Olomukoro & Egborge, 2003). The coastal brackish and marine benthic fauna comprise mainly
the Polychaeta (Annelida), Crustacea (crab and prawns), Mollusca (mostly bivalves and
gastopod perwinkles) and echinoderms.
5.5.2.4

Fisheries and Fishing Activities

The study area is primarily a freshwater ecosystem, and fishing is carried out by few artisanal
fishermen based in the communities on the river banks (refer to Figure 11). The fishing
techniques utilised include gill nets, cast net, long lines, traps fish fence and encircling nets.
Fisheries represent complex interaction between the population of organisms being harvested,
the population of fishermen, and the prevailing environmental conditions, and a change in any
one of these aspects can significantly influence the ecosystem service offered by this
biophysical resource.

Figure 11 | Fisherman inspecting his fishing gear (Source: Prof Anthony E. Ogbeibu)

Data based on sampling and secondary information from fishermen revealed 33 species from
19 families of fish occur in this stretch of the river. The dominant fish families in terms of the
number of species and abundance were Cichlidae, Bagridae, Characidae, Mochokidae and
Osteoglossidae.
The proposed road will also pass through a wetland area (riparian areas on both banks of the
River Niger). Wetlands are sensitive ecosystems that provide numerous ecological and
environmental services. Alteration of the hydrology is one potential cause of degradation of
wetlands.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 75

5.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The project involves extensive earthworks and requires an assessment of the potential
geological and structural impacts as well as potential seismic risks. Investigations undertaken
by Fugro Nigeria Limited (FNL) have been the basis for selection of the preferred engineering
design and have been used in this study.

5.6.1

Methodology for baseline survey

The geological investigation comprised a regional and quantitative site specific investigation.
The approach and methodology that was followed for the compilation of this baseline report is
described below.

5.6.2
5.6.2.1

A desk study of the geology, engineering geology and ecological zones along the
corridor was undertaken, using the 1:2,000,000 Geological map and 1:1,000,000 Soils
map of Nigeria.
General and representative soil and rock profiles were developed on the basis of the
available information and observations made during the site reconnaissance at existing
road cuttings, bridges and river embankments. The soil conditions were determined
from the soils map and the description of the topography. The depth to bedrock for the
basement rocks was derived from borehole information and the investigation carried
out by Fugro.
Analysis of an interpretative report from the geotechnical investigation carried out by
Fugro.

Description of the affected environment

National context

Nigeria lies within the Pan African mobile belt and between the West African and Congo
cratons. The geology of Nigeria is dominated by crystalline and sedimentary rocks both
occurring approximately in equal proportions.
5.6.2.2

Regional context

The study area lies between two geological regions of Nigeria the Onitsha section (east) lies
in the Anambra Basin and the Asaba section (west) lies in the Niger Delta Basin.
The regional geology of the Anambra Basin is as follows:
The geology has about 6,000 m thickness of sedimentary rocks which comprise
ancient Cretaceous deltas, somewhat similar to the Niger Delta, with the Nkporo Shale,
the Mamu Formation, the Ajali sandstone and the Nsukka Formation as the main
deposits. On the surface the dominant sedimentary rocks are the Imo Shale a
sequence of grey shales, occasional clay iron stones and Sandstone beds.
Next in the geological sequence, is the Ameke Formation, which includes Nanka
Sands, laid down in the Eocene Epoch. Its rock types are sandstone, calcareous shale,
and shelly limestone in thin bands. Outcrops of the sandstone occur at various places
on the higher cuesta.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 76

Lignite was deposited in the Oligocene to Miocene; and it alternates with gritty clays in
places. Outcrops of lignite occur in Onitsha and Nnewi.
The latest of the four geological formations is the Benin Formation or the coastal plain
sands deposited from Miocene to Pleistocene. The Benin Formation consists of yellow
and white sands. Thick deposits of alluvium were laid down in the western parts of the
state, south and north of Onitsha in the Niger and Anambra river floodplains.

The regional geology of the Niger Delta Basin is as follows:

The Niger Delta Structural Basin has had three major sedimentary cycles occurring
since the early Cretaceous and the entire State is a region built up by the
sedimentation of the Niger Delta.
Four major physiographic units are identifiable within it. There is the freshwater swamp
which is the most active area, located close to the River Niger; the mangrove swamp
area described as an intermediate delta stage; the coastal plain; and the upland Niger
valley.
The subsurface stratigraphic units associated with the cycles are, the Benin, the
Agbada and the Akata Formations (Olade, 1975).
The surface rock throughout the state consists of the Ogwashi Uku formation.
There are three types of soil in the State. These consist of alluvial soil on the marine
deposits along the coast; alluvial and hydromorphic soils on marine and lacustrine
deposits found in the area closest to the Niger and Benin rivers.
The underlying Agbada Formation which consists of sandstone and shales is, however,
rich in hydrocarbons (Wright; 1985). It is up to 3000 m thick and is underlain by the
Akata Formation.
The Ogwashi Asaba Formation that underlies the north-east consists of an alternation
of lignite seams and clay. The town of Asaba is located in the upland Niger valley,
which is a narrow strip above the delta and relatively flood free.
5.6.2.3

Local context

The site is situated in the low-lying physiographic Deltaic Plain. The plain is generally flat and
rises very gently towards the east and west by a few metres within the site area. The river
basin along the route is riddled with gullies. Swamps in backwater areas off the main river
often contain broad drainage channels created when this area was an active delta. Many
swamps occur along the alignment, where they are critically dependent upon natural water
level fluctuations.
The entire site is situated in a region built up by the sedimentation of the Niger Delta and
comprised land in various stages of development. It is generally masked by thick layers of
recent sediments. This is particularly true along the proposed alignment where outcrop was
not encountered. The material present at the proposed site is of weathered products of
reddish brown, lateritic soils as well as alluvial deposits of the River Niger.
These terrace deposits consist of reddish brown lateritic sands at the surface and alternating
thin fine-medium grained sands, coarse sands. The fine sands are usually well sorted, while
the medium and coarse grained sands are typically off white, angular to sub-rounded,

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 77

feldspathic as well as quartz- rich. Swampy areas usually contain dark brown to black sandy
clay and clayey silt.
Soil erosion is a major problem within both urban and rural areas. The erosion results from a
high volume of rainfall and is exacerbated by indiscriminate farming activities and the removal
of trees and vegetation through bush burning, etc.
The soil area study profile indicates that there were two soil layers identified in the Asaba
area:
A yellowish brown, medium dense, fine to medium, silty sand horizon from the existing
ground level to about 5 m depth; and
A medium dense to dense, fine to coarse sand horizon, becoming gravelly beneath 15
m depth.
The following soils occur below the bridge in the river bed and the abutments:
A light brown to dark grey, medium dense to dense, medium to coarse sand horizon
from the riverbed to about 45 m depth, with a 5 m layer of stiff sandy clay between 9 m
and 20 m at various locations.
Grey to brown sandstone bedrock was encountered from a minimum depth of 45 m to
the terminal depths of 60 m or 80 m, in most places.
On the Onitsha side two soil layers could be identified within the exploration depths:
An upper reddish brown very soft to stiff sandy clay horizon from the existing ground
level to 5.25 m, increasing in layer thickness to about 5 m.
A light grey loose to medium dense, fine to coarse silty sand horizon from 5 m to
terminal depth of 20 m or 46.5 m for 60m boreholes at the bank side.
5.6.2.4

Seismicity

The study results indicate that the Onitsha area is a potential area for liquefaction7 during a
seismic event, based on anticipated conditions of a shallow water table and shallow upper
strata of loosely consolidated silty sands and very soft sandy clays. However an investigation
of the seismic hazard map of Europe, Africa and Middle East (Grnthal, et. al., 1999) indicates
low seismic activity in the area. As a result it can be assumed that there exists a
corresponding low risk of liquefaction.

Liquefaction generally occurs whereby a saturated soil substantially loses strength and stiffness in response to an
applied stress, usually earthquake shaking (dynamic loading) or other sudden change in stress condition, causing
it to behave as if in a liquid state.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 78

Figure 12 | Dredged sand being offloaded by hand (Source: Perold and Boersema, 2014)

5.7 GEOHYDROLOGY
Construction activities involve the use of chemicals that are hazardous and can pollute
groundwater which is used by the local residents. It is therefore important to understand the
groundwater table underlying the project area and how construction activities could impact on
these.

5.7.1

Methodology for baseline survey

The methodology for the completion of the baseline Geohydrology report comprised the
following:
Desktop study - all existing data from the client and published data were collected,
collated and studied. Aerial photos and geological maps formed the basis for the
study;
Reconnaissance trip and hydrocensus8 A reconnaissance trip to provide an overview
of the site was undertaken during September 2013. A hydrocensus was carried out
within the project area to identify legitimate groundwater users, the groundwater
potential and quality. Where possible, groundwater levels in existing boreholes were
also measured to assist in the understanding of groundwater flow at the site (see
Appendix G) for sites that were sampled;
Groundwater sampling - Groundwater samples from existing boreholes were collected
for a major inorganic analysis, as well as Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon analysis and
microbiological analysis; and
Reporting - A document was compiled summarising the findings of the baseline
investigation.

Hydrocensus is a census to identify legitimate groundwater users, and asses the groundwater potential and
quality.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 79

Due to time and security constraints, only three boreholes were identified and sampled in the
area but the results from these boreholes confirm the reports of contaminated
groundwater in the general region.

5.7.2
5.7.2.1

Description of the affected environment

Geology and Geohydrology

The terrain comprises flood plains along the river banks with swamps in the southern region of
study area. Urban areas (Asaba, Omoudjo-Obosi and Onitsha) are present within the site
where the bridge is to be built.
Both banks of the river in the area of the bridge site are underlain by alluvial material in the
form of sands, gravels and clays. These unconsolidated deposits form the primary aquifer in
the region of the site and are extensively exploited by the local population as the primary
source of potable water.
The unconsolidated geology increases direct recharge to the aquifer and as a result, increases
the risk of contamination. As a result of the high rainfall in the area, drainage problems cause
ponding in low lying areas. This coupled with the lack of formal waste management
significantly contributes to contamination of the aquifer.
5.7.2.2

Groundwater Yield, Levels and Flow Direction

Water levels measured between 9 and 13 September 2013 in the boreholes varied between
2.03 and 7.56 meters below surface with an average of 4.02 meters below surface. It must be
stated that the hydrocensus took place towards the end of the wet season and reported water
levels can be regarded as the upper/shallower end of seasonal fluctuations. Available
literature of the regional geohydrology confirmed the shallow water table as measured during
the site visit. It was established that groundwater elevations mimic the surface topography and
therefore flows from higher lying ground towards the lower lying Niger River.
5.7.2.3

Groundwater Use

Groundwater in the study area is mainly used for domestic purposes with the majority of
inhabitants in the study area being reliant on groundwater as their primary source of potable
water.

5.8 HYDROLOGY
As with groundwater, surface water can also be impacted on by construction activities. The
materials used are in many cases hazardous and could pollute the surface water.
Understanding the potential impacts will help in avoiding and/ or mitigating the potential
impacts.

5.8.1

Methodology for baseline survey

For the surface water study an initial baseline assessment of the River Niger at Onitsha was
performed using a long term hydrological data set. The hydrological regime of the River Niger
is described using quantitative and statistical parameters e.g. annual flow series, mean annual
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 80

runoff, seasonal flow distribution, monthly flow patterns and low flow duration curves.
Historical water quality data was requested from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency
(NIHSA). If this data is received in time, it would be included in the assessment.
The FMEnv required the consultant to collect water quality samples at eight locations around
the project site and at a control site upstream of the area. These samples had to be analysed
for the following constituents:
Colour;
pH;
Turbidity;
Salinity;
Hardness;
Heavy metals Cu, Pb, Fe;
DO, BOD, COD, THC
Electrical conductivity
Phosphate
SO4
NO3
TSS
Microbiology (faecal coliform, total coliform, total plate)
A water quality sampling manual was compiled prior to the field visit (Rossouw, 2013). The
manual described in detail how the field work would be undertaken and the selection of
sampling points. The sampling protocols in the manual were aligned with ISO 5667-1:2006
Water Quality Sampling standards (ISO, 2006).
Prior to the field visit, a number of sampling points were identified, two control samples
upstream of the existing bridge and a number downstream of the existing bridge, the proposed
bridge, and the project area. Sampling points are indicated in Appendix G.

5.8.2

Description of the affected environment

The River Niger is the third longest river in Africa (4,200 km) and the fourteenth longest in the
world, ranking ninth in terms of drainage basin size (2,170,500 km2, with an active watershed
covering 1,500,000 km2).
The Niger River plays a vital role within the region and the countries through which it flows. It
caters for the needs of the riparian population, particularly in terms of a range of food
production (agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry). The floodplains are generally used to
cultivate rice, cotton and wheat, along with a variety of market garden crops. The Niger River
region provides a habitat for more than 130 aquatic species, some of the most noteworthy of
which are fish, hippopotami, crocodiles and manatees. Moreover, the significant plant
biomass, a product of the extensive wet zones, represents a unique haven of biodiversity and
an essential barrier against desertification (WHYCOS, 2006).

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 81

Within a regional and local context the Niger River is an important resource for construction
and extensive sand mining activities at Asaba and Onitsha. These sand mining activities have
an impact on turbidity and suspended sediment loads where these activities are practiced, as
well as mobilizing any compounds that co-settled with sediment. The river is also an important
waterway for the transport of people and produce from more remote areas to the vibrant
markets at Onitsha.
The annual runoff series of the Niger River is presented in Figure 13 with the mean annual
runoff being 154 billion m3. The high flow season is August to October and the low flow
seasonal February to April (Figure 14). The flow regime at the Lokoja gauge and Onitsha is
regulated by upstream water resources development. Kainji Dam, with a capacity of 15 billion
m3 was completed in 1968 and Jebba Dam, with a capacity of 1 billion m3, was completed in
1984. The releases for hydroelectric power control the flows during the low flow season.

Figure 13 | Niger River annual flow series 1970-1992 at Lokoja gauge

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 82

Figure 14 | Niger River monthly flow distribution as a percentage of the MAR

A flow-duration curve gives the percentage of time during which any selected discharge
maybe equalled or exceeded. The flow-duration curves (Figure 15 and Figure 16) have a very
flat slope and indicate little variation in the flow regime, the resultant of the damping effects of
large storage in the catchment (Shaw et al., 2011) i.e. Kainji and Jebba Dams. The flat slope
of the duration curves are also indicative of very large catchments.

Figure 15 | Flow Duration curve average daily flow (1970-1992) at Lokoja gauge

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 83

Figure 16 | Season Flow Duration curves average daily flow (1970-1992) at Lokoja gauge

The project will be undertaken within the context of existing urban impacts on the Niger River
as well as extensive dredging and sand mining activities in the river around Asaba and
Onitsha. Existing impacts relate to poor sanitation practices in the urban areas where raw or
partially treated sewage are discharged into the stormwater system, eventually draining
directly to the river, or the wetland on the southern edge of Onitsha, or streams draining into
the Niger River. Extensive hydrocarbon pollution of the soil and the stormwater system was
also observed in the two towns. The many truck, car and motorcycle workshops spread
throughout the two towns drain used engine oil directly onto the soil or it is discarded into
stormwater drains. Litter was major concern and many informal solid waste dumps were
observed on the banks of the Niger River or in water courses in the towns. Extensive sand
mining and dredging operations by many small operators must have an effect on the sediment
load in the river. However, due to the high flow and very high silt load of the river during the
site visit, these impacts were not readily visible. The situation may be different during the low
flow season if the dredging operations continue unchanged. Within this context, the
construction of the bridge may have little additional impact on the Niger River, provided that
IFC best practices for pollution prevention are adhered to by the contractor.

5.9 AIR QUALITY

The data in the baseline air quality study of the general project area will be used to assess the
significance of air quality impact(s) that could result from the construction and operation of the
project. These impacts would mostly be as a result of combustion engines of plant and
vehicles that will be used for construction as well as from combustion engines of vehicles that
will use the new road during operation.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

5.9.1

Page | 84

Methodology for baseline survey

The air quality and meteorological conditions of the environment were assessed in the month
of September 2013 and March 2014, representing the wet and dry seasons respectively. The
equipment for the toxic gases, suspended particulate matters and the meteorological
parameters were positioned for efficient recording and representative readings. The location of
sampling points was based on the following criteria:
Proximity of sensitive receptors to the proposed project area;
Meteorological and topographical factors;
Availability of solid open space with suitable site configuration devoid of canopy or
shielding;
Security of project team and equipment;
Health and safety consideration; and
Accessibility by the team.
The air quality field study comprised of in-situ measurement of gaseous pollutants, suspended
particulate matter and meteorological parameters (ambient temperature, relative humidity,
wind speed and direction). The study was conducted at ten locations, five in Delta State side
and another five in Anambra State side all within and around the project site. All the locations
were adequately geo-referenced and the coordinates recorded (refer to Appendix G).
The poor road network and security issues limited access into the Obi Okpu, Obiofu and Oko
Anala communities. These areas, although further from the project area, may also present
possible sensitive receptor sites. While they were not sampled, this is not considered to be a
major constraint in the air quality assessment as the captured data is considered
representative of the immediate project location.
Air pollution results from combustion processes in industry, commerce and certain domestic
activities. In addition, there is substantial contribution from vehicles with combustion engines.
Air quality in an area is the product of pollutants emitted, as well as the climatic conditions
(wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity) and the topography of the area. The
major air pollutants in the study area are carbon monoxide, sulphur-dioxide, hydrogen
sulphide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, particulate matter and volatile organic
compounds. The FMEnv published guidelines on traffic emission and ambient air quality which
are used as the benchmark against which pollutant values for this study will be measured
(refer to Table 15).

Scoping Report

Page | 85

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 15 | Guidelines for ambient air quality in Nigeria

Air quality guidelines

Pollutants

Particulates
SOX as SO2
NOX as NO2
Carbon Monoxide
Photochemical Oxidants
Non Methane Hydrocarbon
Particulates

Time of Average

Daily average of hourly values

Hourly value
Daily average of hourly values
Hourly value
Daily average of hourly values
(range)
Daily average of hourly values
Hourly range
Hourly value
Daily average of 3-hourly values
Daily average of hourly values
Hourly value

Limit

250g/m3
600 g/m3
0.01 ppm (26 g/m3)
0.1 ppm (260 g/m3)
0.004 0.06ppm (75-113g/m)
10 ppm (11.4 mg/m3)
20 ppm (22.8mg/m3)
0.06 ppm
160g/m3
250g/m3
600 g/m3

Data gathering were also conducted through visual and verbal interactions. The entire process
was overseen by officials from the FMEnv, Anambra State and Delta State Ministries of
Environment.

5.9.2

Description of the affected environment

The project site is located in two states, Delta and Anambra. Two major communities, known
as hamlets, would be impacted on at the Delta State axis; namely Okwe and Oko Amakom.
The Obi Okpu Community may also be affected, but it is predicted that the impact will be
minimal as this site is at a distance to the project. All communities are situated in vegetated
areas. Onitsha at the Anambra State axis is largely comprised of industrial and residential
areas close to the project site. Potentially sensitive sites in terms of air quality include
residences, schools, churches and markets. There are poor access roads in the communities.
The general climate in the project area is humid and tropical with high ambient temperature
and low wind speed. The air quality in much of the region is not considered to be pristine, as it
has been negatively affected by commercial activities, mainly in the Delta State region. The
location of industries within residential areas is causing air and noise pollution. There is a high
level of air pollution from automobiles, electricity generators, and industrial workshops and
factories in residential areas.

5.10 NOISE
The purpose of the noise study is to determine the existing baseline noise conditions. This will
be used to assess the significance of potential noise impacts that could occur during the
construction and operational phases of project.

5.10.1 Methodology for baseline survey

The baseline noise survey was undertaken during the dry season sampling period (early
March 2014). Measurements were taken at a standard height of 1.5 m and minimum of 3 m
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 86

away from any reflecting surfaces. A Casella CEL-490 Type 1 sound level meter was used for
the short-term measurements. Measurements were taken over a 15 to 30 minute period at
each of the locations. Based on the initial field visit a number of measurement points were
selected for sampling along the route (Appendix G). These noise sensitive receptors (NSRs)
are located in close proximity to the proposed alignment.

5.10.2 Description of the affected environment

The project site is characterised by mixed use including residential, commercial and industrial
areas. The areas most likely to be impacted by the new alignment will include the residential
areas in close proximity to the development. Based on limited field measurements undertaken
during the site visit, baseline noise levels at the existing bridge range between 60 and 65
decibels (dB(A)) (at a distance of 60 m), whilst in the more remote areas (for example the
wetland access point and the existing borrow pit location, the noise levels ranged between 55
and 57db(A). The noise levels are generally representative of urban environments in close
proximity to large road networks. All the noise receptor areas have been classified as
residential, where the applicable daytime and night time limits that apply are 55 dB(A) and 45
dB(A) respectively. The majority of measurements taken indicate noise levels exceeding the
environmental noise limits for both daytime and night time periods.

5.11 VISUAL
The scale of the planned infrastructure and the strategic location thereof means that there is
likely to be a lasting visual impact which is important to assess. The objective of the visual
impact assessment is to consider the existing landscape setting and how the planned
infrastructure is seen from various viewing locations. In this way the visual character of the
landscape, as well as visual sensitivity of the various viewing locations can be determined.
Visual input, especially at the early concept stage of the project, can play an important role in
helping to formulate design alternatives, as well as minimising impacts, of the project.

5.11.1 Methodology for baseline survey

The methodology for compiling the visual baseline report included a field visit in
September 2013. The filed visit was used to visually assess both the landscape setting and
the key viewing locations in this setting. The data, i.e. photos and field notes, where then used
to formulate a description of the existing visual environment and to report on the way forward
for assessing the potential visual impacts.

5.11.2 Description of the affected environment

Both Onitsha and Asaba are strategically located and accessed through the eastwest
national main road from Lagos through Benin, which links the eastern northsouth route via
the Niger Bridge at Onitsha. The main concentration of population and industrial activity and
the areas showing the greatest potential for growth are situated along this transportation axis.
The recent process of urban expansion largely reflects the communication network. Onitshas
location, which combines both road and waterway access points, makes it one of the four
main potential industrial and commercial growth areas in Nigeria.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 87

Based on the definition of slums9 with regard to structural fitness, accessibility by roads, good
drainage, and access to water and sanitation, large areas of slums are identifiable in both old
and new areas of Onitsha and Asaba. The location of industries within residential areas is
causing air and noise pollution. There is a high level of air pollution from automobiles,
electricity generators, and industrial workshops and factories in residential areas. There are
industrial estates developed in both cities, although the infrastructure is not adequate. Despite
the presence of these estates, local investors still locate their factories within residential areas.
The vegetation of this region is light forest interspersed with tall grasses. The trees are not too
tall and include both hardwood and softwood varieties; domesticated trees such as the mango,
palm tree, guava, orange, and almond are found. Much of the natural vegetation has been
felled and the land utilised for development. The project area is surrounded by heavily
degraded swamp and riparian forest.
As described in Section 5.6, soil erosion is a major problem within both urban and rural areas.
The erosion results from a high volume of rainfall and is exacerbated by indiscriminate farming
activities and the removal of trees and vegetation through bush burning.

5.12 SOCIAL
A socio-economic baseline profile developed for the affected area will inform the Social Impact
Assessment (SIA) and the RAP, to be developed during subsequent phases of the process.
The work undertaken thus far constitutes a preliminary socio-economic baseline profile only,
which will be developed further in this study.

5.12.1 Methodology for baseline survey

An integrated approach to fieldwork for the SIA, RAP and Stakeholder Engagement was
adopted and took the following forms:
The same consultant team of Digby Wells was responsible for the SIA and RAP;
This team worked closely with the team responsible for the Stakeholder Engagement
process;
Where the teams worked separately, relevant issues raised by stakeholders or study
participants encountered by one team were immediately communicated to the other
team; and
The team used Estate Surveyors asset data to inform the RAP due to the short
timeframes and necessary involvement of the Surveyors.
The following activities were undertaken to inform the social study:

Slums are defined as residential areas in towns and cities that lack adequate access to water and sanitation and
secure tenure, and their buildings are of poor structural quality with insufficient living areas.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

5.12.1.1

Page | 88

Reconnaissance field visit

A reconnaissance field visit was undertaken by SIA, RAP and Stakeholder Engagement team
members in September 2013 and involved the following activities:
Stakeholder meetings to introduce the project and gather information about current
perceptions, concerns and expectations pertaining to the project (refer to Figure 17);
Liaison with the clients community liaison team in order to obtain information on
previous consultation undertaken with stakeholders, and to inform the identification of
stakeholders to be consulted during this assignment; and
Reconnaissance of the project site in order to gain familiarity with the area, the
projects likely social impacts, and issues that would have to be taken into account
when planning social data collection and consultation to be undertaken during the
remainder of the assignment.

Figure 17 | A typical focus group in progress (Source: Perold and Boersema, 2014)
5.12.1.2

Desktop review

A desktop review of relevant documents and material was undertaken and included available
satellite and aerial imagery of the Project area, international standards and Nigerian legislation
pertaining to social impact assessment and resettlement, and census data and other
publically-available documentation on socio-economic conditions in Nigeria and in the relevant
States.
5.12.1.3

Consultation

Consultation with various stakeholders during a second site visit by the SIA and RAP teams
between 25 May and 8 June 2014 was undertaken and comprised individual interviews and
focus group discussions with key informants, including:
Representatives of the Federal and State Ministries of Lands, Surveys and Urban
Development;

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 89

Traditional leadership (including the Councils of Chiefs and Councils of Elders of

affected settlements, as well as the relevant Paramount Chiefs);
Representatives of commercial interests in the primary study area (e.g. quarry
operators, fishermens groups, sand dealers associations, transport workers, etc.); and
Potentially-affected land owners and users.

The aim of this was to inter alia collect information on perceptions, verify baseline information,
and identify potential impacts and mitigation measures.
5.12.1.4

Socio-economic survey

International best-practice standards require that both an SIA and RAP should include an
accurate, up-to-date description of socio-economic baseline conditions in the area likely to be
affected by a proposed project. Based on availability and validity of existing information
primary socio-economic data was collected for the project area by means of a sample
household survey which took place between 28 May and 6 June 2014. These were
undertaken by the Digby Wells, Waste Matters, MacBenuz and Aurecon Nigeria consultants
and assisted by trained local enumerators. Social data collected included details of the
displaced households and their demographics, livelihoods, income levels, services, use of
natural resources, cultural resources, health status and other knowledge and concerns relating
to the project.

5.12.2 Description of the affected environment

5.12.2.1

Socio-economic baseline

The Project RoW bypasses the cities of Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State.
Anambra State is the 8th most populous state in Nigeria and the 2nd most densely populated
(after Lagos). The population of Onitsha is estimated to be around 391 000 persons.
According to the 2006 census figures, Delta State had a population of about 4 million people in
2006. It is rich in mineral deposits, in particular crude oil. Asaba is the capital of Delta State. It
forms the link between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the Asaba-Onitsha
Niger Bridge. Asaba was home to some 150 000 people in 2006.
On the western (Asaba) side of the river, the Project is largely located within the Oshimili
South LGA of Delta State, while on the eastern (Onitsha) side it traverses the Ogbaru and
Edemili South LGAs of Anambra State. Refer to Appendix H for mapping related to the socioeconomic baseline.
The majority of Nigerian families are large by western standards, with indications that it is not
uncommon for households to have ten or more members. Men tend to dominate in society;
women, by contrast play an important role in family. The extended family is the first recourse
for support in times of crisis i.e. through provision of emergency financial support, medical
assistance, provision of additional labour on the farm etc.
There appears to be a fair degree of socio-cultural homogeneity in the Project area, with most
households being Igbo-speaking and Christian (to be confirmed once the results of the socioeconomic survey are analysed).
Scoping Report

Page | 90

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Education levels in the Project area are fairly low, with most adult members of surveyed
communities having only primary education. Many are unable to read. However, this situation
appears to be changing with the younger generation; most children of school-going age are
currently in school, and literacy is nearly universal in this cohort group. Most surveyed villages
have a primary school in easy walking distance, although secondary schools are more widely
dispersed. Professional or technical training levels in the area are low.
Detailed understanding of land uses and assets in the Project footprint is key to assessing its
implications in terms of physical and economic displacement. An initial estimate of land uses
and potentially-displaced assets along the road RoW, based on an analysis of preliminary
results of the asset enumeration exercise undertaken by the Estate Surveyors, is summarised
in Table 16 below.
Table 16 | Summary of land uses and assets in the road RoW

RoW
Type of asset

Number

Length (m)

% of total area
surveyed

Residential structures

143

550

12%

Business structures

113

1 240

26%

Agricultural fields

936

2 655

56%

Graves, shrines, sacred forest

315

Total

1 204

4 760

100%

Visual inspection of available aerial imagery, supplemented with direct observation in the field,
was used to estimate land uses displaced by other project components (borrow pits, the
temporary access road, etc.) as these were not estimated by the Estate Surveyors. The
results of this assessment are presented in Table 17 below.
Table 17 | Land uses to be displaced by other Project components

Other project components

Project component

Surface
area

Location

Predominant current land

use

Temporary access road

8.4 ha

Chainage 25+000

Cultivation, a few structures

Borrow Pit 1

12.9 ha

Along temporary access road

Cultivation

Borrow Pit 2

22.0 ha

Chainage 24+000 24+600

Some cultivation

Borrow Pit 3

2.7 ha

Chainage 26+000 26+500

Sand dredging

Borrow Pit 4

34.1 ha

Chainage 26+000 26+500 (south

of Borrow Pit 3)

Sand dredging

Borrow pit 5

11.3 ha

Chainage 29+800 30+200

Cultivation

Laterite/ sand borrow pit

9.7 ha

East of Onitsha-Owerri
Expressway interchange

Existing borrow pit/ quarry

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 91

Based on the preliminary results of the socio-economic survey, the most common sources of
income in the Project area are agriculture (including crop cultivation and livestock rearing) and
petty trading. Other notable economic activities in the Project area include dredging of sand
from the Niger River, fishing and industries. Most households earn income from at least two or
three alternative sources.
Houses in the Project area are generally either of traditional wattle-and-daub construction
(refer to Figure 18), or are constructed of concrete brick. Houses generally have corrugated
iron or zinc roofing. The houses made of concrete brick tend to belong to households of higher
economic status, while those made of wattle-and-daub belong to poorer families. There are
also a number of multi-story residential buildings (refer to Figure 19), mostly around the site of
the proposed creek diversion and Atani Road.

Figure 18 | Typical wattle-and-daub structure (Source: Digby Wells)

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 92

Figure 19 | Multi-story residential buildings (Source: Aurecon)

Overall, quality of infrastructure in the affected communities is poor. Electricity supply is

sporadic or, in some cases, non-existent. Kerosene is the most popular fuel for both lighting
and cooking. Access to water for drinking and irrigation is a challenge for many families. The
roads within the communities, and those linking them to the wider region, are poorly
maintained, and are especially difficult to traverse during the rainy season. No refuse removal
is in evidence, with the consequence that solid waste tends to accumulate along roadsides
and in drainage canals.
Residents in the affected communities have access to mobile phones. Stakeholders reported
that mobile communications are affordable to most residents; this is reinforced by the fact that
nearly all survey respondents own at least one mobile phone.
5.12.2.2

Cultural heritage

The important role of religion in the community is evidenced by the large number of (mostly
Christian) places of worship in the Project area. Traditional religious worship also pays an
important role, and is often practiced alongside other formal religions. Traditional worship
involves making sacrifices or offering gifts at sacred sites and shrines to traditional deities.
While some of these sacred sites are located within the communities, many are located in
small patches of forests elsewhere on community land, including within the RoW (see Table
16). The sacred forest areas are important to the communities and all economic activity within
them is expressly forbidden.
One traditional belief system that received particular emphasis during consultation with
community members in Obosi is that associated with Idemili a river that flows through the
length of the town. Historically, the Obosi people honoured the royal python (Python regius),
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 93

which is believed to be dedicated to Idemili. Killing such a python is considered great

sacrilege, and the perpetrator is required to bury the python with the full funeral rites normally
reserved for a human being.
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, traditional leaders represent an abiding
institution that continues to command respect from the people and has considerable decisionmaking influence. This is evidenced by the fact that no community-level consultation or survey
activities may be undertaken without first seeking the permission of the local traditional leader
an occasion that is often accompanied by a degree of ceremony.

5.13 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT

The Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) will estimate the traffic volumes, patterns and flows to the
proposed bridge and various access roads. The objective is to accurately predict the short
term future traffic scenarios (as well as those for the longer term) and to provide suitable
recommendations to manage potential impacts.

5.13.1 Methodology for baseline survey

The TIA will assess the impacts of traffic on the surrounding road infrastructure as well as
communities (in the form of dust, noise and other pollution). The scoping exercise was aimed
at establishing the status quo and involved the following activities:
Data gathering and review of available information including legislation, development
plans and review of project specific information;
High level visual assessment/driving survey of the existing road network; and
Execution of traffic counts at identified key intersections, where data was gathered
from six points on the existing network, four to the east of the bridge, one to the west,
and one on the bridge. All five land based stations had three peak counts, and these
will be classified to establish composition during the impact assessment stage.
This will allow for the following to be established:
Determination of Levels of Service (LoS) on existing intersections; and
Determination of traffic distribution patterns and trip assignments.
Traffic on the receiving networks would also be established. This data will be used as input
into the ESIA and for other disciplines and it is not for developing a demand model.

5.13.2 Description of the affected environment

The area of influence for the TIA is not restricted to the 11.9 km of new alignment but takes
into account the greater context and road network.
5.13.2.1

National context

The A232 is a major link to the eastern part of the country from the southern and western parts
of Nigeria. The area is known to experience increased traffic volumes during festive periods
especially the yuletide seasons. Large volumes of vehicular traffic going to the south-eastern
and north central region from the south and south-west areas of Nigeria pass along the A232

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 94

route. With the commencement of the rehabilitation of the highly trafficked Akure Ilesha
road, a major route for vehicles travelling to the north from the south-west, it is expected that
traffic will be diverted to the A232.
5.13.2.2

Local context

Almost all roads in Onitsha and Asaba are single carriageways with no hard shoulders or
pedestrian walkways and in some cases no lane or line markings (refer to Figure 20). Some of
the major roads in the town have just been resurfaced, while many are in bad condition and
completely impassable. The existing road infrastructure thus already suffers varying pavement
distresses. Parking spaces are inadequate and motorists have no choice but to park on the
roads. There are often no street lights, footbridges, road signs, and lane markings. Most roads
are not wide enough to accommodate current traffic, as some space has been taken up by
traders and their stalls. A lack of designated bus stops has encouraged commuter buses to
pick up and drop off passengers anywhere, causing traffic congestion.

Figure 20 | A road in the study area with no hard shoulder lane or line markings and pedestrian
walkways (Source: Aurecon)

The current traffic challenges in terms of traffic are summarised below:

Peak hours are severely congested on the existing road network in the vicinity of the
site and more specifically the A232 and the A6;
It is evident that vehicles drive on the shoulders in congested conditions with no control
or enforcement;
Police vehicles used as pilot vehicles severely disrupt traffic and often drive up oneways or on the wrong side of the road, forcing oncoming traffic to divert or get off the
road;
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 95

There are no lane and line markings on certain roads;

There is heavy pedestrian traffic on road shoulders and at intersections near markets;
Violation of traffic laws and regulations is common;
Breakdowns are frequent and vehicles are not removed from the road;
The local transport operators contribute to a large percentage of the traffic volume;
There is little or no traffic control system;
Enforcement may be very difficult if not impossible;
There is a lack of designated bus-stops;
Because of the poor condition of the roads which are problematic for vehicles,
motorcycles are commonly used;
Most motorcycles are ignorant of road traffic rules, regulations and signs;
The large number of visitors to markets contribute to traffic congestion problems; and
The non-availability of off-street parking facilities in the markets for cars and buses is
problematic.

5.14 VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION

The aim of this study is to determine how the existing disaster risks in the project area will be
affected by the altered climate change parameters and it is therefore important to consider the
affected environment that may be at risk.

5.14.1 Methodology for baseline survey

The areas where the bridge structure, the construction site and the construction equipment will
be located were visited on 9 September 2013. Visual observations were made regarding the
baseline in terms of the communities and the environment (built and natural) that may be
affected by the project impacts.
A desk based review of Nigerian climate change statistics, Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) reports as well as the project specific information was conducted.

5.14.2 Description of the affected environment

5.14.2.1

National context

The problems associated with climate change compound existing regional challenges faced at
country level. Nigeria is already experiencing increased average surface temperatures in the
order of 1.25C 1.75C from preindustrial (1901) levels and this is projected to increase
further between 0.5C and 4C by 2100 depending on the emission scenario considered. This
means warmer day and night-time temperatures as well as longer and more frequent heat
waves. Rainfall volumes are more varied but show a decrease from 1901 to present day by
between 25 and 50 mm/year. The projected rainfall volumes suggests little change in 2100
from present values, however this rain is expected to be of greater intensity and shorter
duration with longer dry spells between them (IPCC, 2013).

Scoping Report

Page | 96

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

5.14.2.2

Local context

The affected environment differs on either side of the River Niger and is summarised in Table
18. These differences will influence the vulnerability (societal, environmental, critical facilities
and economy) of the two areas very differently. The more vulnerable a community, the more it
will be affected by the increased climate changes variables due to the project impacts.
Table 18 | Differences on each side of the river bank more disadvantaged communities are at
more risk for climate change variables

Climate change variables

Activity

Asaba (Delta State)

Onitsha (Anambra State)

Community

Extremely poor

Middle class to poor

Natural environment

Flat with limited vegetation

Hilly with dense vegetation

Built environment

Mud structures

More formal housing structures

Economy

Informal small business

Subsistence farming, informal small businesses

5.15 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Although a waste management expert was not included in the scoping study, it was identified
by the project team during the site visit that solid waste management is a problem facing the
study area. The project would also be generating large quantities of waste and input will be
sourced from a waste management expert to inform the ESMP.

5.16 SUMMARY OF BASELINE DESCRIPTIONS

The study area includes residential, agricultural, industrial and natural vegetation land uses.
The only natural vegetation remaining is wetland and swamps that are not suitable for human
habitation. These natural areas are made up of a mixture of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses
typical of lowland rain forest of Nigeria but have been disturbed by farming and run-off of
contaminated water. Similarly the biodiversity of the Niger River itself has been negatively
impacted by siltation, polluted runoff into the river from untreated runoff water and waste and
invasion by water hyacinth.
The site is situated in the low-lying flat Deltaic Plain and the river basin along the route is
swampy and covered in erosion gullies. Soil erosion is a major problem in both urban and rural
areas and results from a high volume of rainfall. It is made worse by indiscriminate farming
activities and the removal of trees and vegetation through practices such as bush burning.
A primary aquifer is located in the unconsolidated deposits of the area and is heavily used by
the local population as the main source of potable water. The type of the geology means that
the risk of pollution of the aquifer is high. As a result of the high rainfall in the area, drainage
problems cause ponding in low lying areas. The geology of the area, together with the lack of
formal waste management has led to high levels of contamination of the aquifer.
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 97

The surface water quality and flow is already impacted by extensive dredging and sand mining
activities in the river near the bridge. Activities in the urban areas result in hydrocarbons and
sewage draining into the stormwater system or soils and eventually into the streams draining
into the Niger River, or the wetland on the southern edge of Onitsha. Litter is also a problem
and many informal solid waste dumps exist on the banks of the Niger River or in urban water
courses.
The regional air quality has been negatively affected by commercial activities, mainly in the
Delta State region. Industrial and commercial activity including automobiles, electricity
generators, and industrial workshops and factories in residential areas cause both air and
noise pollution. Noise levels exceed the environmental noise limits for both daytime and night
time periods in residential areas.
The socio-economic survey found the study area is fairly uniform in terms of socio-cultural
characteristics, with most households being Igbo-speaking and Christian. Education levels are
generally low but this trend seems to be changing with the younger generation. The most
common sources of income seem to be agriculture (including crop cultivation and livestock
rearing) and petty trading. Other important economic activities include dredging of sand from
the Niger River, fishing and industries.
Overall, the quality of infrastructure in the affected communities is poor. Electricity supply is
unreliable and in some cases, non-existent. Access to water for drinking and irrigation is a
challenge and the roads used by communities are poorly maintained and difficult to use during
the rainy season. There is no formal removal of refuse and solid waste tends to build up along
roadsides and in drainage canals.
In terms of cultural heritage, there are a large number of (mostly Christian) places of worship
in the area as well as sacred sites. Traditional religious worship is important and is often
practiced alongside other formal religions.
Traffic congestion and the standard of roads in the study area is poor with many roads being
impassable. This is further impacted by limited parking where drivers must park on the roads,
as well as a lack of street lights, footbridges, road signs, and lane markings in most areas.
Traders and their stalls have encroached on roads and a lack of formal bus stops means
commuter buses pick up and drop off passengers anywhere, causing congestion.
Overall the baseline study has shown that the area is characterised by high populations,
associated urbanisation and poor town planning, which has resulted in a number of physical
and social challenges. These include air, ground, water and solid waste pollution and overexploitation of natural resource which have all had a negative impact on the receiving
environment.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 98

5.17 RISK
While not a baseline study, a specific risk assessment will focus on the anticipated potential
risk scenarios that may occur during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases
of the proposed bridge and related infrastructure. Such risk assessments are pre-emptive in
nature and aim to act as key informants to pro-active planning to ensure the responsible and
accountable operations related to the proposed bridge development.
The second aspect that is addressed is that of risk scenarios even though these risks are
considered low likelihood with a high consequence. Risk scenarios thus entail recognition of
aspects that one would not typically expect to occur; often dubbed externalities. Upon
completion of the field trip it became increasingly apparent that several risk scenarios could
materialise through the planning, construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the
project. In particular, the potential for conflict between inhabitants and the government
(represented by the Ministry of Works) was an unknown at that stage. The issue around
tollage is another factor that may either be well received or have the potential to derail the
projects success. Ultimately, such an impact would severely affect the government and
investors.

5.17.1 Methodology for risk survey

There are two approaches to achieve the envisioned value add of the risk assessment
process to the ESIA:
Relating impacts identified by the specialist team back to potential risks. This is
achieved through obtaining a deeper understanding of the contributing factors that may
result in an impact e.g. noise, visual, hydrology, air quality, social; aquatic biodiversity
and ecological; and
Identifying risks scenarios that may result in significant impacts indirectly associated
with the intended construction and operation of the second bridge over River Niger.
This is achieved through considering which risks may arise that are not typically within
the project teams control and usually comprise several chains of events that result in
large scale impacts e.g. current bridge collapses due to lack of maintenance under
flood conditions with debris impacting the new proposed bridge structure causing major
asset damage or total bridge failure.
The risk assessment methodology that will be used for this project is based on the generic risk
assessment methodology as described in International IEC/ ISO 31010: 2009 International
Standard for Risk Management Risk Assessment Techniques. The Risk Assessment is part
of the wider field of risk management as is illustrated in Figure 21 below.

Scoping Report

Page | 99

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Establishing the context

Risk Assessment
Risk Identification

Communication
and Consultation

Risk Analysis

Monitoring and
Review

Risk Evaluation
Risk Treatment

Figure 21 | The contribution of risk assessment to the risk management process

(source: ISO 31000: 2009)

Active risk management can create several opportunities in terms of successful project
completion and management by the client. In particular, the opportunities and constraints are
conceptually high-level based on the fact that Aurecon and its specialist team have not yet
fully assessed each element of the impact spectrum. This point is important in that the scale of
this project, that is, linking two large cities with a populous of over four million inhabitants
across the Delta and Anambra States brings with it the potential for significant opportunities
and likewise threats, underpinned by several constraints

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 100

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

The purpose of this section summarise the various opportunities and

constraints related to the proposed project.
From a biodiversity perspective, the main constraint relates to the commencement of
vegetation clearance as part of the Early Works II contract which will be undertaken prior to
the impact assessment findings and recommendations. Further disturbance of the few
remaining natural sections of the area will further compromise the degraded biodiversity and
already impaired ecosystem services offered by the ecosystems in the area.
The biodiversity of the Niger River has been negatively impacted by siltation, polluted runoff
into the river from untreated runoff water and waste and invasion by water hyacinth. The
ecosystem services provided by the Niger River as an aquatic resource include clean water,
provision of nutrient rich agricultural soil and fishing. These have been seriously compromised
by the land use activities along the length of the Niger River, as well as specifically in the
project area. The proposed project activity has the potential to further impact on such
resources if not well managed. However, as these systems are already compromised, there is
an opportunity to improve the aquatic environment in the immediate area by implementing
certain measures as part of this project. This aspect of ecosystem services needs to be
addressed together with the social study.
Dredging of sediments from the river bed and the depositing of the collected material was
observed mainly along the banks of the Niger River, with sand stockpiled in several places
near the river. Material that is being currently dredged from the river can be used as building
sand in concrete as well as in road layer works and general fill, offering a positive financial
impact for existing dredging operators.
Groundwater in the area is contaminated and any release of contaminated waste water or any
pollution incident from the project activities will exacerbate an already critical situation. The
recommendation will be made that the construction phase must be operated independently of
services in the area to ensure that waste and waste water is treated on site to minimise risk to
groundwater. This creates an opportunity to re-use treated water on the construction site to
reduce the amount of water that will need to be abstracted.
Because of poor urban sanitation practices in Asaba and Onitsha the area, the River Niger
and surrounding wetlands are highly impacted by poor sanitation practices. These impacts
could potentially mask the impacts that the proposed road and bridge project may have, and
the proposed new culverts under the road may concentrate polluted runoff. However, the
construction of culverts creates an opportunities to mitigate some of impacts from the greater
areas if the culverts are designed to act as litter traps that can be cleaned from time to time by
the state, thereby reducing some of the litter entering the river.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 101

The existing poor air quality in the region is influenced strongly by the emissions of vehicles in
the area, which is exacerbated by the poor traffic management over the bridge and the time
traffic is delayed in the area. The project offers the opportunity to improve air quality related to
this aspect by ensuring better traffic flows through the region. This can be achieved by
ensuring that there is no longer the current build-up of traffic on the bridge and its approaches,
with its associated impacts. Conversely, the proposed alignment away from the existing traffic
route will increase the traffic in areas currently not as strongly influenced by traffic related air
pollution.
Similarly, while the new bridge provides an opportunity to reduce traffic volumes in the current
area and therefore the associated noise from the existing road network, the new road
alignment and bridge has the potential to impact new communities (in terms of increased
noise levels) that are not currently located in close proximity to a main road.
Many of the socio-economic constraints related to the project arise from the impact on Oko
village and the fact that people will need to be resettled in the RoW. While there may be initial
resistance to the project from people whose land uses may be negatively impacted upon, it is
predicted that the compensation payments may be significant, based on the scale of
resettlement required. Obtaining alternative land for farming in the light of the prevailing
difficult tenure systems is a further constraint.
The project offers an opportunity to improve the socio-economic conditions in the area by
creating temporary jobs, providing opportunities for local procurement of material and
opportunities for skills development.
The new road and bridge provide an opportunity to improve connectivity and relations between
the two States, reduce travelling times in the area, relieve the traffic constraints and improve
traffic flow in the area. However, there is a potential for the current situation to repeat itself
along the new road if the situation is not carefully managed.
The river diversion could potentially make more land available for development. The
construction of the project also provides an opportunity to deliver on policies and schemes that
have been identified by the Federal Road Safety Commission (the enforcing agency in charge
of road transport in Nigeria)) such as making the highway safe for motorists and other road
users; and recommending works and devices designed to eliminate or minimise accidents on
the highways, and providing advice on the localities where such works and devices are
required.
Other opportunities identified include the potential to split vehicle movement with light vehicles
on existing bridge and heavy traffic (buses, trucks and heavy machinery) using the new
bridge; the potential for a sustainable income through tollage of the new bridge; and the
development of an iconic project could improve relationships between the two states.
Constraints related to the construction phase of the project include the following:
The rainy season may impact on construction activities;

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 102

There is a risk associated with dependency on irregular water levels (e.g. dredges can
become stuck in river if the water level drops significantly (up to 6 months));
Difficulty of community affairs (i.e. potential classes with local communities) in the Delta
region can pose a risk to the construction of the bridge (especially risky when planning
to move bulk material up the river to site);
Alignment between high tension lines (power-lines) may pose a risk;
Unreliable bulk services to support construction (water and electricity) may impact on
project time lines; and
Movement of people and equipment between site and the main camp. Issues around
security of staff and conversely the impact to the surrounding community may be
negative (pedestrian injuries and/or hygiene related impacts from vibration, fumes,
noise etc.).

Although there are constraints relating to the project, no fatal flaws have been identified at this
stage of the project. Apart from the resettlement impacts, no specific constraints have been
identified that necessitate the change in conceptual design, as presented to the ESIA team.

Scoping Report

Page | 103

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page left intentionally blank

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 104

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The purpose of this section is to provide the ToR for the ESIA study to
outline how it is proposed to address the issues raised in the project to
date.

7.1 INTRODUCTION
The aim of the ToR is to provide the framework for the process of conducting an ESIA and
preparing an ESMP. It provides a work plan for what will be studied and allows for the
authority to comment on the scope and methodology. The ToR is submitted to the FMEnv for
review.

7.2 PURPOSE OF THE ESIA AND ESMP

EIA can be defined as the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the
biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major
decisions being taken and commitments made (IAIA, 1999:2). On this basis, the purpose of
this ESIA is to:

To address the issues raised during the scoping phase;

Consider and assess, as far as possible, alternatives which will most effectively meet
the need and purpose of the project and the goal of sustainable development;
To assess significance of the identified potential impacts and to establish their
significance using a specific framework (see Section 7.6 below);
To identify and recommend appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the significance
of negative impacts and enhance positive impacts, which will inform design and
planning and form the basis of the ESMP to manage residual impacts; and
To carry out an effective and inclusive Stakeholder Engagement process.

The flow diagram presented in Section 4.2 has set out the proposed process for scoping and
ESIA and this has been used to plan the process going forward. The timeframes for this are
set out in Section 7.8 below.
The identified impacts (Section 7.5) will be assessed by the specialists according to the
methodology for the assessment of impacts detailed in Section 7.6 below. Some specialists
have unique discipline specific methodologies which are further described in Appendix I. A
workshop will be held to allow for the integration of findings and facilitate synergies between
the studies. Thereafter the findings will be presented in as ESIA Report and ESMP, which will
be presented to the public. This process is described in Section 7.3 below. The ESIA and
ESMP reports will be finalised based on comments received during the Stakeholder
Engagement meetings and submitted to the FMEnv to conduct a 21 day review period,
hearing and panel review before a decision can be made.
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 105

7.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Federal Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report and a copy of the NonTechnical Summary (all in English);
State Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report and Non-technical
Summary at the Awka Office and a copy of the Scoping Report and Non-technical
Summary at the Asaba Office (all in English);
Local Government Chairmen: Copies of the Non-technical Summary will be placed at
the Local Government Councils of Idemili, Ogbaru and Oshimili (in English and Igbo);
and
Traditional Leadership: Copies of the Non-technical Summary will be placed at the
Asagba of Asaba, Obi of Onitsha, authorities of Obosi, Odekpe, Okpoko and Oko
Amakom (in English and Igbo).

The project documentation will also be placed on the following websites:

www.digbywells.com (Documentation filed under Public Documents)
www.aurecongroup.com (Documentation filed under Public Participation)
www.nsia.com.ng (Documentation filed under Downloads)
A second round of stakeholder meetings will be undertaken during September/ October 2014
with completion of the specialist studies and availability of the ESIA Report. Various
stakeholder meetings, including a Public Hearing in line with the requirements of the Nigerian
Environmental Legislation, will be held.

7.4 ALTERNATIVES
Based on the advanced stage of planning, the opportunity to assess alternatives in a
meaningful way in order to influence how the project will be undertaken is limited. The ESIA
will therefore focus on assessing the proposed activity as presented against the no-go
alternative and will place emphasis on addressing how to minimise the predicted negative
impacts and optimise the predicted positive impacts.

7.5 ISSUES AND IMPACTS

According to the IFC, environmental and social impacts refer to any change, potential or
actual, to (i) the physical, natural, or cultural environment, and (ii) impacts on surrounding
community and workers, resulting from the business activity to be supported (IFC, 2012:1).
Table 19 below summarises the identified potential issues and impacts that will be assessed.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 106

Table 19 | Aspects requiring additional study

Aspects requiring additional study

Aspect
Land Use

Description
The impact on land use/ land cover will be assessed in the next phase. Assets in the built-up
area include the following which may be impacted to varying degree depending on the
proximity to the RoW:
Many residential houses;
Many factories (some currently functional, some not);
Churches;
A few schools; and
MASSOB base.
Affected individuals would need to be relocated and many may have to find alternative land
for example. In the case of farmland, this may be hampered by the land tenure system and
scarcity of land in this part of the country.
Destruction of natural vegetation/economic trees, green biomass in the cultivated area and
the riparian vegetation of the wetland will contribute to climate change through desequestration of carbon.

Biodiversity

The direct environmental impact from a highway development is linear and extends along its
length. This is realised mainly during the preparation and construction phases of most
highway projects where the existing vegetation is typically removed to accommodate the
RoW for the roadway. Therefore, the loss of biomass and faunal and floral species (invasive,
local or endemic) are likely and in this case would commence at the Early Works II stage
during vegetation clearing.
The subsequent impacts entail habitat destruction due to fragmentation, increased surface
runoff of rainwater and sediment, the encouragement of urban sprawl and increased human
intrusion into relatively low-impacted areas. Loss of corridors would also occur.
Movement of machinery may also result in trampling of vegetation outside the RoW, as
would the installation of camp sites and soil excavation including mining of borrow pits.
Loss of ecosystem services and the potential impact it would have on the quality of human
livelihoods of those that depend on these resources must be assessed further. This will be
done in collaboration with the social study. Furthermore, the following impacts are expected
and will be assessed further:
Construction phase:
Smothering of benthos community;
Increase in water pollution;
Increase in water turbidity, reducing light penetration;
Loss of fishing income;
Loss/disruption of fishing area;
Increase in land erosion, resulting in increased total suspended solids;
Increase in waterway/road traffic accidents;
Blockage or diversion of natural water ways;
Damage to fish populations/aquatic life;

Scoping Report

Page | 107

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Aspects requiring additional study

Aspect

Description

Increase in sedimentation;
Impeded spawning and fry emergence;
Contamination from generated waste (solid, liquid & gas);
Pollution of surface water by anti-fouling chemicals used to coat metal surface to
discourage growth of algae and corrosion;
Increase in volume of wastes entering the aquatic systems; and
Loss of biodiversity.
Operational phase:
Risk of pollution of surface water entering the aquatic systems as a result of
accidents on the bridge and access roads;
Pollution of surface water by anti-fouling chemicals used to coat metal surface to
discourage growth of algae and corrosion; and
Increase in volume of wastes entering the aquatic systems and resulting in loss of
biodiversity and impairment of aquatic life.
Geology/
Geotechnical

The following impacts related to soil degradation and the geology of the area will be
investigated further:
Excavation, displacement or importation of soil, stockpiling, mixing, wetting,
compaction and pollution of soil, soil erosion and siltation (including dust);
Noise Pollution - sound generated by construction phase related activities, such as
blasting and quarrying, is expected to change local noise levels;
Air Pollution - earth moving and excavations, blasting, crushing or screening (i.e.
sorting) aggregate materials and wind erosion from stockpiled material could all
add to emissions to the atmosphere from construction sites include particulates
(that is dust, motor vehicle emissions and smoke) and odour; and
Seismicity risk of liquefaction during a seismic event.
Although the seismic activity in the area is considered low and it can be deduced
that the liquefaction risk may also ultimately be low; a site-specific probabilistic
seismic hazard assessment to be used in the design of the structures should be
undertaken so as to accurately determine the Peak Ground Acceleration and from
this the liquefaction risk in greater detail.

Water quality

The following impacts are expected to occur and will require further assessment:
Erosion of the side slopes of the embankment The roadway will be raised in
many areas to prevent flooding. There is concern that the side slopes will gradually
erode during rainfall events if measures are not implemented to protect them
through vegetation, riprap or other protection measures.
Drainage into the wetland The construction of a raised roadway in the wetland
that is situated to the south of Onitsha has the potential to create a barrier that may
confine the polluted runoff from the town. This may aggravate the impacts of
polluted runoff and create conditions that pose an additional health risk to humans
and to aquatic ecosystems. Culverts under the road may concentrate polluted
runoff.
River diversion There is a concern that the reclaimed land created by the river
diversion may just become another landfill for solid waste (as many low-lying areas
and depressions appeared to have become). Measures should be taken to prevent
this.
Disposal of wastewater from construction camp There is a concern that the
uncontrolled disposal of raw or partially treated domestic wastewater from the

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 108

Aspects requiring additional study

Aspect

Description
construction camp can pose a health risk to workers and nearby communities and
to the receiving environment. The construction camp appears to be located close to
or within the floodplain of the river and there may be a risk that it can be flooded
during an exceptional event. The construction camp should be equipped with a
properly designed wastewater treatment and disposal facilities for domestic
wastewater.
Hydrocarbon pollution at workshops Workshops, refuelling areas, and vehicle
wash bays for construction vehicles should not adopt local practices of disposing of
used oil, grease or spilled fuel. These areas should have hardened surfaces
equipped with oil and grease traps to capture any contaminated runoff.

Groundwater

The greatest risk pertaining to contamination of the groundwater environment will be

associated with the construction phase of the project. The following issues were identified
which will require further assessment.
No boreholes were found in the site earmarked for the establishment of the staff
camp. Boreholes will be required to establish the baseline conditions at this site.
These boreholes can be incorporated into the groundwater monitoring program;
A Groundwater and Waste Management Plan will be provided to detail the
treatment/ handling of waste and waste water for the construction camp which
should include a monitoring program;
Only one borehole was found in the Julius Berger equipment yard at the Onitsha
Dock Yard. This borehole is used for domestic use by the nearby community. No
monitoring boreholes are located in the area where the refuelling facilities are/ will
be housed. It is thus necessary that boreholes are drilled within close proximity to
this potential source;
Groundwater contamination during construction activities for e.g. bitumen and fuel
spills during tarring operations and fuelling of construction machinery and
equipment;
Pollution of groundwater as a result of domestic construction camp activities
including the production and handling of waste as well as domestic water supply;
and
Unsustainable abstraction of groundwater by boreholes during construction.

Air quality

The final bridge structure will create more traffic flow and an increase in air pollution and
needs further assessment. No further data collection is required. Assessment will be
undertaken to analyse and interpret the data that was collected in order to determine the
potential significance of air quality impact(s) that the project might pose and identify
mitigation measures to implement to manage such impacts.

Noise

Further assessment is required to analyse and interpret the data that was collected in order
to determine the potential significance of noise impact(s) that the project might pose to the
surrounding environment, especially in terms of the new areas to be affected by the
alignment.

Social

Socio-economic issues to be subjected to detailed assessment during the remaining phases

of this assignment are:
A detailed analysis of resettlement and compensation requirements;
The potential impacts of tolling (for road users in terms of its economic implications,
as well as for the Project in terms of public opposition);
The potential benefits of the project in terms of job creation, local procurement,
skills development, etc.;
Recommendations for managing negative socio-economic impacts frequently

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 109

Aspects requiring additional study

Aspect

Description
associated with the presence of such a workforce;
Potential traffic disruption and health-and-safety impacts arising from construction
activities; and
A high-level assessment of potential socio-economic impacts relating to the
transport of construction materials and equipment by barge from Warri Port.

The IFC PS also recognise the importance of cultural heritage for current and future
generations. It is essential that any important cultural heritage aspects identified during the
community engagement process be included in assessment of the visual aspects
Traffic

The impact of road transport on the surrounding road infrastructure will have both economic
and environmental impacts arising from road maintenance or reconstruction activities in the
life-cycle of the facility. Road transport does however often give rise to problems in terms of
how it is perceived by the community with the noise, dust and other pollution impacts.
Capacity evaluation will be undertaken in relation to the existing road networks, proposed
new route linkages as well as the clearance heights and widths along any routes to be
followed by heavy vehicles.
Construction traffic will likely result in various diversions and interrupted traffic flows for a
certain period and it will also relate to the extent to which special traffic accommodation is
required. The amount of total traffic in the area will be determined from the classified traffic
counts to establish the extent to which heavy goods movements will cause disruption to the
environment, local traffic etc.
The construction phase will also result in noise impacts and the amount of heavy traffic that
was captured will be estimated for the noise specialist to conduct a separate assessment.
The proposed location of the Toll Plaza on the western side of the proposed bridge and the
level of tolling will have an impact on route choice.

Vulnerability and The climate change variables outlined in the baseline survey provide a platform to consider
Adaptation
how the project can potentially increase some of these climate change variables. These
include:
The river water flow, water quality and floodplains that may be affected by the
construction of a bridge;
Hazardous materials will be located on the construction sites that can pollute the
soil and water;
The proposed bridge alignment on the Onitsha side will cross an area with
indigenous vegetation and animal biodiversity; and
The final bridge structure will create more traffic flow and an increase in air
pollution in certain areas.

Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 110

7.6 METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

The assessment of the predicted significance of impacts for a proposed development is by its
nature, inherently uncertain environmental assessment is thus an imprecise science. To deal
with such uncertainty in a comparable manner, a standardised and internationally recognised
methodology has been developed. This methodology will be applied by all the specialists in this
study to assess the significance of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed
development and allow for comparable assessment of the potential impacts.
For each predicted impact, certain criteria are applied to establish the likely significance of the
impact, firstly in the case of no mitigation being applied and then with the most effective mitigation
measure(s) in place.
These criteria include the intensity (size or degree scale), which also includes the type of impact,
being either a positive or negative impact; the duration (temporal scale); and the extent (spatial
scale). For each predicted impact, the specialist applies professional judgement in ascribing a
numerical rating for each of these criteria respectively as per Table 20, Table 21 and Table 22
below. These numerical ratings are used in an equation whereby the consequence of the impact
can be calculated. Consequence is calculated as follows:
Consequence = type x (intensity + duration + extent).
Depending on the numerical result, the impacts consequence would be defined as either
extremely, highly, moderately or slightly detrimental; or neutral; or slightly, moderately, highly or
extremely beneficial. These categories are provided in Table 24 and Table 25.
To calculate the significance of an impact, the probability (or likelihood) of that impact occurring is
also taken into account. The most suitable numerical rating for probability is selected from Table 23
below and applied with the consequence as per the equation below:
Significance = consequence x probability
Depending on the numerical result, the impact would fall into a significance category as either
negligible, minor, moderate or major, and the type would be either positive or negative. These
categories are provided in Table 25.
Once the significance of an impact occurring without mitigation has been calculated, the specialist
must also apply their professional judgement to assign ratings for the same impact after the
proposed mitigation has been implemented.
The tables on the following pages show the scales used to classify the above variables, and define
each of the rating categories.

Scoping Report

Page | 111

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 20 | Definition of intensity ratings

Intensity
Criteria
Rating

Negative
(Type of impact = -1)

impacts Positive
(Type of impact = +1)

impacts

Irreparable damage to social and / or natural

systems and human health. Irreplaceable loss
of species.

Noticeable, on-going benefits to which have

improved the quality and extent of social and /
or natural systems, including formal protection.

Irreparable damage to social and / or natural

systems and the contravention of legislated
standards.

Great improvement to ecosystem processes

and services.

Very serious impacts and irreparable damage

to components of social and / or natural
systems.

On-going and widespread positive benefits to

social and / or natural systems.

On-going damage to social and / or natural

system components and species.

Average to intense positive benefits for social

and / or natural systems.

Damage to social and / or natural system

components and species.

Average, on-going positive benefits for social

and / or natural systems.

Minor damage to social and / or natural system

components and species. Likely to recover over
time. Ecosystem processes not affected.

Low positive impacts on social and / or natural

systems.

Negligible damage to individual components of

social and / or natural systems.

Some low-level benefits to degraded social and

/ or natural systems.

*NOTE: Where applicable, the intensity of the impact is related to a relevant standard or threshold,
or is based on specialist knowledge and understanding of that particular field.

Table 21 | Definition of duration ratings

Rating

Criteria

Permanent: The impact will remain long after the life of the project

Beyond project life: The impact will remain for some time after the life of the project

Project Life: The impact will cease after the operational life span of the project

Long term: 6-15 years

Medium term: 1-5 years

Short term: Less than 1 year

Immediate: Less than 1 month

Scoping Report

Page | 112

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 22 | Definition of extent ratings

Rating

Criteria

International: The effect will occur across international borders

National: Will affect the entire country

Province/ Region: Will affect the entire province or region

Municipal Area: Will affect the whole municipal area

Local: Extending across the site and to nearby settlements

Limited: Limited to the site and its immediate surroundings

Very limited: Limited to specific isolated parts of the site

Table 23 | Definition of probability ratings

Rating

Criteria

Certain/ Definite: There are sound scientific reasons to expect that the impact will definitely occur

Almost certain/Highly probable: It is most likely that the impact will occur

Likely: The impact may occur

Probable: Has occurred here or elsewhere and could therefore occur

Unlikely: Has not happened yet but could happen once in the lifetime of the project, therefore
there is a possibility that the impact will occur

Rare/ improbable: Conceivable, but only in extreme circumstances and/ or has not happened
during lifetime of the project but has happened elsewhere. The possibility of the impact
manifesting is very low as a result of design, historic experience or implementation of adequate
mitigation measures

Highly unlikely/None: Expected never to happen.

Table 24 | Application of consequence ratings

Range

Significance rating

-21

-18

Extremely detrimental

-17

-14

Highly detrimental

-13

-10

Moderately detrimental

-9

-6

Slightly detrimental

-5

Negligible

Slightly beneficial

Moderately beneficial

Highly beneficial

Extremely beneficial

Scoping Report

Page | 113

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Table 25 | Application of significance ratings

Range

Significance rating

-147

-109

Major - negative

-108

-73

Moderate - negative

-72

-36

Minor - negative

-35

-1

Negligible - negative

Neutral

Negligible - positive

Minor - positive

108

Moderate - positive

109

147

Major - positive

Despite attempts at providing a completely objective and impartial assessment of the

environmental implications of development activities, environmental assessment processes can
never escape the subjectivity inherent in attempting to define significance. The determination of the
significance of an impact depends on both the context (spatial scale and temporal duration) and
intensity of that impact. Since the rationalisation of context and intensity will ultimately be
prejudiced by the observer, there can be no wholly objective measure by which to judge the
components of significance, let alone how they are integrated into a single comparable measure.
This notwithstanding, in order to facilitate informed decision-making, environmental assessments
must endeavour to come to terms with the significance of the potential environmental impacts
associated with particular development activities. Recognising this, Aurecon has attempted to
address potential subjectivity in the current EIA process as follows:
Being explicit about the difficulty of being completely objective in the determination of
significance, as outlined above;
Developing an explicit methodology for assigning significance to impacts and outlining this
methodology in detail. Having an explicit methodology not only forces the specialist to
come to terms with the various facets contributing towards the determination of
significance, thereby avoiding arbitrary assignment, but also provides the reader with a
clear summary of how the specialist derived the assigned significance;
Wherever possible, differentiating between the likely significance of potential environmental
impacts as experienced by the various affected parties; and
Utilising a team approach and internal review of the assessment to facilitate a more
rigorous and defendable system.
Although these measures may not totally eliminate subjectivity, they provide an explicit context
within which to review the assessment of impacts.
In addition to the generic methodology described above, the following specialist studies apply their
own discipline specific methodologies:
Vulnerability and adaptation;
Visual;
Scoping Report

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Page | 114

Traffic; and
Land use.

The methodologies used by the aforementioned studies are outlined in detail in Appendix I.

7.7 ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Both the Nigerian EIA legislation and the IFC PS call for an assessment of the potential cumulative
impacts arising from the project. Cumulative impacts can be defined as those impacts that result
from the incremental impact, on areas or resources used or directly impacted by the project, from
other existing, planned or reasonably defined developments at the time the risks and impacts
identification process is conducted (IFC, 2012: 8).
The IFC further notes that cumulative impacts are limited to those impacts generally recognised as
important on the basis of scientific concerns and/or concerns from Affected Communities, for
example more traffic congestion and accidents due to increases in vehicular traffic on community
roadways.
Input is therefore required from the environmental specialists as well as from the Stakeholder
Engagement process to establish what the potential cumulative impacts of the project could be and
these would be assessed accordingly.

7.8 MITIGATION MEASURES

For each impact assessed, mitigation measures will be proposed to reduce and/ or avoid negative
impacts and enhance positive impacts. These mitigation measures will also be incorporated into
the ESMP to ensure that they are implemented during the planning, construction and operational
phases. The ESMP forms part of the ESIA Report, and as such its implementation would become
a binding requirement should this project be authorised.
There is a hierarchy of actions which can be undertaken to respond to any proposed project or
activity. These cover avoidance, minimisation and compensation. It is possible and considered
sought after to enhance the environment by ensuring that positive gains are included in the
proposed activity or project. If negative impacts occur then the hierarchy indicates the following
steps.

Scoping Report

Page | 115

Second River Niger Bridge, Nigeria

Impact avoidance: This step is most effective when applied at an

early stage of project planning. It can be achieved by:
not undertaking certain projects or elements that could
result in adverse impacts;
avoiding areas that are environmentally sensitive; and
putting in place preventative measures to stop adverse
impacts from occurring.

Impact minimisation: This step is usually taken during impact

identification and prediction to limit or reduce the degree, extent,
magnitude, or duration of adverse impacts. It can be achieved by:
Scaling down or relocating the proposal;
Redesigning elements of the project; and
Taking supplementary measures to manage the impacts.

Impact compensation: This step is usually applied to remedy

unavoidable residual adverse impacts. It can be achieved by:
Rehabilitation of the affected site or environment, for
example, by habitat enhancement;
Restoration of the affected site or environment to its
previous state or better; and
Replacement of the same resource values at another
location (off-set), for example, by wetland engineering to
provide an equivalent area to that lost to drainage or infill.
Figure 22 | Hierarchy of mitigation

7.9 TIMELINE
Table 26 sets out the timeframe for the scoping and ESIA phases.
indicative and may be revised as the assessment progresses, if required.

These timeframes are

Table 26 | Project timeline

Timeline
Activity

Timeframe

Submission of Scoping Report and ToR

June 2014

Specialist Studies

July 2014

Completion of Draft ESIA and ESMP Reports

August 2014

Stakeholder consultation

August 2014

Submit Final ESIA and ESMP Reports to FMEnv

Page | 118

REFERENCES

Nigerias Agenda 21

integrate environment into development

planning at all levels of government and
the private sector;

commence a transition to sustainable

development;

address sectoral priorities, plans,

policies and strategies for the major
sectors of the economy; and

simultaneously foster regional and

global partnership.

To facilitate sustainable human

settlements, the mission is to achieve a
state of environmentally sound human
settlements free from slum conditions and
in which all have access to adequate and
affordable shelter, efficient infrastructure
and services which will foster sustainable
economic growth, improved standard of
living for the well-being of all Nigerians.

National Integrated
Infrastructure Master
Plan (NIIMP) (20142043)

The Plan advocates for a coordinated

approach to address infrastructure
development in the country across all
sectors and regions. Other objectives are
as follows:

Strengthening of the linkages between

infrastructure sectors and the national
economy;

Harmonising and integration of the

several, disparate, infrastructure plans;

The project will contribute

to an efficient transport
infrastructure which will
foster sustainable
economic growth.

The project will contribute

to the strengthening of
linkages between
infrastructure sectors and
the economy.

Policy

Objective / Principle

Prioritisation of projects and

programmes for implementation;

Promotion of private sector participation;

Strengthening of the policy, legal,

regulatory and institutional frameworks;
and

Enhancing the performance and

efficiency of the economy.

Project alignment with

objective / principle

National Economic
Empowerment and
Development
Strategy (NEEDS)
(2004)

NEEDS aims to address the development

challenges of Nigeria and to provide the
foundations for sustainable poverty
reduction, employment generation, wealth
creation, and value reorientation. The
Strategy recognises that infrastructure
needs to cut across sectors and are central
to economic development. Nigerias
current infrastructure does not meet the
needs of the average investor, inhibiting
investment and increasing the cost of doing
business.

The project will improve the

capacity of transport
infrastructure that links
regions and in doing so will
facilitate investment and
economic development.

Anambra State
Economic
Empowerment and
Development
Strategy (SEEDS)
(2004)

The Anambra SEEDs has an ultimate goal

of poverty reduction. SEEDs therefore
address the following key sectors because
of their linkages and direct contributions to
poverty reduction, wealth creation and
employment generation. These include,
but are not limited to health, education,
agriculture, commerce and industry, basic
infrastructures (roads, water, electricity
etc.), human development and general
administration.

The project is based on a

partnership between the
private and public sector
and will reduce
infrastructure constraints to
enable growth.

Detla State Economic

Empowerment and
Development
Strategy (SEEDS)
(2005)

The Delta State SEEDS also aims to

promote accelerated social and economic
development of the state as means of
promoting the welfare of the citizenry.
SEEDs aims to address poverty alleviation,
sustainable development, good
governance, environmentally friendly
attitudes, promotion of private sector
growth drivers, value reorientation, wealth
creation and employment generation.

The project will contribute

towards provision of
infrastructural facilities
through private sector
participation in the
economy and would also
result in job creation
through direct public works.

Niger Delta Regional

Development Master
Plan (2005-2020)

The Plan aims to improve the quality of life

for citizens of the area. It recognises the
inter-related nature of development as well
as linkages between various sectors. In this
respect, it is recognised that transport and

The project would improve

accessibility along a key
transport corridor that is
recognised in the plan and
facilitate economic growth.

Policy

Objective / Principle

Project alignment with

objective / principle

other regional and local physical

infrastructure are essential for production
and distribution as well as for access of
employees to the work place and for access
of customers to products.

Onitsha Structure
Plan (2009)

The vision of Onitsha is to be the foremost

commercial nerve center of Anambra State,
the nation and the West African Sub-region
for achieving faster socio-economic growth
and sustainable human settlements
development and management. The Plan
therefore sets out a number of goals to allow
this vision including provision of a
tool/framework for promoting sound and
equitable economic growth, welfare of the
people, good governance, environmental
sustainability, infrastructural provisions and
capacity building.

The project would

contribute to infrastructure
provision through a public
private partnership which
the plan seeks to promote.

Draft Green Paper

On Federal Roads
and Bridges Tolling
Policy (2013)

The Draft Green Paper has been drafted in

response to the reliance on public funds for
road financing which has proved to be
haphazard and unreliable over the years.
Federal toll roads and bridges can reduce
journey times and travel costs and ensure
safer travel for road users on the selected
roads. It can also encourage more
investment and diversification of commercial
activity to outlying areas that are currently
closed off by poor access.

The project will be tolled

and therefore would reduce
journey times and travel
costs, and ensures safer
travel for road users with
economic benefits.

APPENDIX C
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

Drawing 1 Road Cross-Section

Drawing 2 Toll Plaza

Drawing 3 General Layout and Sections of the Bridge

Drawing 4 Soil Improvement

APPENDIX D
RELEVANT NIGERIAN ACTS, POLICIES
AND GUIDELINES

This table provides details about the legal context for development of the proposed bridge in Nigeria and shows how the proposed project complies with the
Acts, Policies and Guidelines. It provides detail for the summary provided in Section 3.2 of the Scoping Report.

RELEVANT ACTS

Relevant Acts
Legislation considered

The Constitution of The

Federal Republic of
Nigeria (1999)

Environmental Decree No
86 of 1992 known in the
statute
books
as
Environmental
Impact
Assessment Act CAP
E12, LFN (2004) (EIA
Act)

Relevant Organ of State /

authority

The Constitution forms the basis for all laws in Nigeria. The provisions in the Constitution are
supreme over all other laws. The Constitution recognises the importance of protecting and
improving the environment. The following sections of the Constitution are relevant:
Section 20: The State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water,
air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria;
Section 21: The State shall (a) protect, preserve and promote the Nigerian cultures
which enhance human dignity;
Section 33: Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of
his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of
which he has been found guilty in Nigeria; and
Section 34: Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person.

The Federal Government

The Federal Ministry

Environment (FMEnv)

Aspect of Project

The purpose of this ESIA is to establish the impacts of the project on the biological and socioeconomical environments and is therefore aligned with the Constitution of Nigeria.
The EIA Act is the primary legislation that governs this ESIA process and makes EIAs mandatory
for development projects that are likely to have adverse impacts on the environment. The EIA Act
stipulates that The public or private sector of the economy shall not undertake or embark on
public projects or authorise projects or activities without prior consideration, at an early stage, of
their environmental effects.
The following sections of this Act applies:
Section 2 (1): Requires an assessment of public or private projects likely to have a
1

Relevant Acts
Legislation considered

Relevant Organ of State /

authority

Aspect of Project

significant (negative) impact on the environment;

Section 2 (4): Requires an application in writing to the Agency before embarking on
projects for their environmental assessment to determine approval.
Section 13: Establishes cases where an EIA is required and
Section 60: Creates a legal liability for contravention of any provision.

In accordance with the EIA Act, this project was submitted to the FMEnv for the Initial
Environmental Evaluation (IEE) to determine the projects category. The FMEnv determined that
the project is considered a Category 1 project which requires a full EIA study. The EIA Act is
therefore the primary Act governing this ESIA.
NESREA replaced the Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act (No. 42 of 1988). It governs
the protection and sustainable development of the environment and its natural resources through
the establishment of the NESREA Agency. Section 7 of the Act provides authority to the Agency to
ensure compliance with environmental laws, local and international, on environmental sanitation
and pollution prevention and control through monitory and regulatory measures.
The
National
Environmental Standards
and
Regulation
Enforcement Agency Act
(No.
25
of
2007)
(NESREA)

The FMEnv/ NESREA

The following pieces of legislation applicable to this project have been established under NESREA
and have been published in the Federal Republic of Nigerias Official Gazette:
National Environmental (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores) Regulations, 2009.
S. I. No. 26. This Regulation provides for the conservation & wise use of wetlands & their
resources in Nigeria to ensure sustainable use of wetlands for ecological and tourism
purposes and to protect wetland habitats for species of fauna and flora.
National Environmental (Watershed, Mountainous, Hilly and Catchments Areas)
Regulations, 2009. S. I. No. 27. This makes provisions for the protection of water
catchment areas.
National Environmental (Sanitation and Wastes Control) Regulations, 2009. S. I. No. 28.

Relevant Acts
Legislation considered

Relevant Organ of State /

authority

Aspect of Project

The purpose of this Regulation is to provide the legal framework for the adoption of
sustainable and environment responsible practices in environmental sanitation and waste
management to minimise pollution.
National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing System) Regulations, 2009. S. I. No.
29. The provisions of these Regulations enable consistent application of environmental
laws, regulations and standards in all sectors of the economy and geographical region.
National Environmental (Access to Generic Resources and Benefit Sharing)
Regulations, 2009. S. I. No. 30. The overall purpose of these Regulations is to regulate
the access to and use of generic resources to ensure the regeneration and sustainability
of threatened species;
National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009. S. I. No. 35.
The main objective of the provisions of this Regulation is to ensure tranquillity of the
human environment or surrounding and the psychological well-being of inhabitants of an
area by regulating noise levels;
National Environmental (Soil Erosion and Flood Control) Regulations, 2010. S. I. No.
12. The overall objective of these Regulations is to manage all earth-disturbing activities,
practices or developments for non-agricultural, commercial, industrial and residential
purposes;
National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2010. S. I. No. 19. The
purpose of these Regulations is to prevent and / or minimise pollution to the Nigerian
Environment from construction, decommissioning and demolition activities; and
National Environmental (Surface and Groundwater Quality Control) Regulations, 2010.
S. I. No. 22. The purpose of these Regulations is to restore, enhance and preserve the
physical, chemical and biological integrity of the nation's surface waters, and to maintain
existing water uses.

Relevant Acts
Legislation considered

Infrastructure Concession
and
Regulatory
Commission Act (2005)
(ICR Act)

National
Environmental
Protection and Waste
Management
(Environmental Protection
Regulation S.1.15 (1991)

Relevant Organ of State /

authority

The
Infrastructure
Concession
Regulatory Commission

FEPA

Aspect of Project
The ESIA is will take all regulations in terms of NESREA into account and ensure compliance with
all relevant requirements.
Section 1 of the ICR Act notes that any Federal Government Ministry, Agency, Corporation or
body involved in the financing, construction, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, by
whatever name called, may enter into a contract with or grant concession to any duly pre-qualified
project proponent in the private sector for the financing, construction, operation or maintenance of
any infrastructure that is financially viable or any development facility of the Federal Government
in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
The project is for a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT)/ Public Private Partnership (PPP)
between the Ministry of Works and Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Motorways
Investment Company (NMIC) and Julius Berger Consortium, with concession term of 25 years.
This would therefore be governed by the ICR. The agreement between the parties does however
fall outside the scope of the ESIA.
This Act, although being replaced by NESREA (i.e. National Environmental (Sanitation and
Wastes Control) Regulations, 2009. S. I. No. 28) was also consulted. The objectives of the Act
were to:
Identify solid, toxic and extremely hazardous wastes dangerous to public health and the
environment;
Provide for surveillance and monitoring of dangerous and extremely hazardous wastes
and substances until they are detoxified and safely disposed of;
Provide guidelines necessary to establish a system of proper record keeping, sampling
and labelling of dangerous and extremely hazardous waste;
Establish suitable mechanisms and provide necessary requirements to facilitate the
disposal of hazardous wastes; and
Research possible reuse and recycling of hazardous waste.

Relevant Acts
Legislation considered

National
Inland Waterways (No. 31
of 1997)

Relevant Organ of State /

authority

The
National
Inland
Waterways Authority

Aspect of Project

The new Waste Act, under NESREA, will take preference over this Act. This Act will however be
consulted should there be ambiguousness in the new Act.
The National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) was established by the National Inland
Waterways Act No. 31 of 1997 with the statutory mandate to oversee the improvement and
development of the inland waterways for navigation. The Agency is also responsible for the
provision of alternative mode of transportation for the evacuation of economic goods and persons
as well as to execute the objectives of the national transport policy as they concern inland
waterways. The specific functions of NIWA relevant to this study are to:
Undertake capital and maintenance dredging;
Undertake hydrological and hydrographic surveys; and
Subject to the provisions of the environmental impact assessment act, carry out an EIA of
navigation and other dredging activities within the inland water and its right-of-ways.
The project will involve constructing a bridge over the River Niger. The construction would require
dredging in the river which would be governed by this Act. Further, it must be ensured that the
bridge does not impede navigation of the waterway. Movement of construction material up the
river by barge will also occur during the construction phase.

RELEVANT POLICIES

Relevant Policies
Policies considered

National Policy on the

Environment (1989,
revised 1999) (NPE)

Relevant Organ of
State / authority

NESREA Agency
(under the supervision
of the FMEnv.

Aspect of Project
The goal of the NPE is to promote sustainable development in Nigeria, in particular:
Secure a quality of environment adequate for good health and well-being;
Conserve and use the environment and natural resources for the benefit of present and future
generations;
Restore, maintain and enhance the ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the
functioning of the biosphere to preserve biological diversity and the principle of optimum
sustainable yield in the use of living natural resources and ecosystems;
Raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkages between the
environment, resources and development, and encourage individual and community participation
in environmental improvement efforts; and
Co-operate in good faith with other countries, international organisations and agencies to achieve
optimal use of trans boundary natural resources and effective prevention or abatement of trans
boundary environmental degradation.
NESREA has been tasked with implementing the NPE, amongst others. The ESIA undertaken for this
project is in response to the above goals to determine the significance of the potential impacts of the
project.

Nigerias Vision 2020

Nigerias Agenda 21

The
Government
The
Government

Federal
Federal

Refer to Appendix B of the Scoping Report.

RELEVANT GUIDELINES

Relevant Guidelines
Guidelines considered

National Guidelines for Environmental Audit in Nigeria (1992)

EIA Guidelines for Review of EIA Report in Nigeria (1992)

Applicability to the Project

The guideline seeks to protect, restore and preserve the ecosystems of Nigeria
and make guidelines needed to protect the health and welfare of citizens from
environmental degradation. It addresses the impacts of waste, storm water, air
pollution and inputs to the site. It considers the effects on soil, river and ground
water resources and requires continued evaluation during construction and
operation.
This aspect will be addressed in the reporting requirements of the
Environmental Management Plan.
The purpose of these guidelines is to raise the standard of EIA writing,
reporting and the review system of EIA reports. The specific objectives of the
guidelines are to:
a) Standardise EIA review procedures in a written form;
b) To ensure in-depth and rigorous review of every EIA report;
c) To provide a guide/ format that will enable a near consistent and
comparable review report amongst different reviewers;
d) To foster discipline-specific Quality Assurance in report reviews;
e) To provide a guidance that will assist in eliciting from experts/
reviewers a simple and quick to understand review report that will aid
decision making by the FMEnv and facilitate revision of Draft EIA
reports by proponents.
This Guideline must direct the FMEnv in their review of this ESIA Report.
Cognisance is taken in this ESIA of the review requirements to ensure that
ESIA report conforms to those stipulated for review.

EIA Guidelines, namely the Sectoral Guidelines on Infrastructure

Development and Transport (1995)

EIA Guidelines, namely the Sectoral Guidelines for Dredging Activities

(1992)

This guideline deals with EIAs of roads and highway projects and provides a
checklist to aid the project proponent in conducting a detailed significant EIA.
The ESIA is will take all these Guidelines into account and ensure compliance
with all relevant requirements.
The purpose of this guideline is to provide practical and succinct guidance in
undertaking environmentally sustainable dredging activities. It further:
a) Introduces the regulations relevant to the dredging sector;
b) Provides advice on the activities controlled by the regulations; and
c) Outlines which specific activities need authorisation from the FMEnv.
The ESIA is will take all these Guidelines into account and ensure compliance
with all relevant requirements.

APPENDIX E
FIELD WORK PLAN
(Please note that this report is dated 3 September 2013. The
project description is current as of this date. Please refer to the
Scoping Report for the most up to date description)

2nd Niger Bridge ESIA

Field Work Plan
3 September 2013

Submitted by:
Aurecon AMEI Limited
Ebne House 3rd Floor
33 Cybercity | Ebne| Mauritius
www.aurecongroup.com
Contact:
Diane Erasmus
T +27 44 805 5428
F +27 44 805 5454
E [email protected]
In association with:

Introduction

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Works (FMW) has proposed the
construction of a second bridge across the River Niger. The African Infrastructure Investment
Managers (AIIM) and the Julius Berger (JB) Consortium (the Consortium) as the preferred bidder for
the Design, Build, Finance and Operate agreement has appointed Aurecon AMEI Ltd (Aurecon) as the
Environmental Consultants to undertake and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in
terms of Nigerian Legislation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards.
The project has been registered with the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) and the field data
requirements have been specified in a letter from the FMEnv dated 12 June 2013 (refer to Appendix
A). The letter also stipulated the requirement for monitoring during two seasons. Subsequently an
initial Kick-off Meeting was held on 19 August 2013 to discuss the way forward with Aurecon, the
Consortium and the FMEnv and FMW. A further meeting was held with the FMEnv on 20 August 2013
and it was confirmed that the specified parameters were recommendations and Aurecon could
motivate for any deviations from the monitoring requirements.
Aurecon, their local partners and sub-consultants will be visiting the site during the week commencing
9 September 2013 and will commence with the first season (rainy season) sampling. The FMEnv will
observe and verify this monitoring. This Work Plan sets out the proposed activities during this visit, as
well as any deviations from the recommended parameters, for approval by the FMEnv. The ESIA team
is indicated in Table 1, and cvs are included in Appendix C.
Table 1 List of ESIA team with specialist studies team leaders
SPECIALIST FIELD

COMPANY

TEAM LEADER

EIA specialist

Aurecon

Diane Erasmus supported by

Kirsten Jones and Greg
Osugba

Local EIA specialists

Waste Matters / Macbenuz Enviros

Uzundu Clifford Uzochukwu

Public Participation

Digby Wells, supported by Waste

Matters / Macbenuz Enviros

Steve Horak

Air Quality

Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Ben Begusa, supported by

Wayne Omagamre

Aquatic Biodiversity

Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Anthony Ogbeibu

Geology/Geotechnology/Soils

Aurecon

Trevor Pape

GIS

Aurecon

Zelda Els

Traffic

Aurecon

Wayne Duff-Riddel

Visual

Aurecon

Paul Buchholz

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 1

SPECIALIST FIELD

COMPANY

Vulnerability and Adaptation

Aurecon

TEAM LEADER
Zelda Els

Data Collection Requirements

The various specialists that will be involved in the field work and their respective methodology and
plan for the September site visit have been set out below.
2.1

Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation

Specialist

Zelda Els, Aurecon South Africa

Date of Field Work

A site visit will be undertaken with the client and specialist team on
Monday 9th September 2013 but no field work will be undertaken to
collect data as historical data will be used in a desktop study.

FMEnv Parameters

Rainfall pattern and temperature

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

For climate change assessments, the team would normally use the
historical (30 years +) climate data and determine the average increase
expected (as indicated by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC)) due to climate change.
For this reason, monitoring for two seasons only would add no
significant value to the analysis. The specialist however would still be
visiting the site as part of the team.

Other Constraints

2.2

N/A

Surface Water

Specialist

Nico Rossouw, Aurecon South Africa

Assisted by Kenneth Mbalaso, Aurecon Nigeria

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013 with the client and specialist
team
Field work: 11 September 2013 (12 September date retained as a
contingency if additional time is required for sampling)

FMEnv Parameters

Eight sample locations are required as well as control samples:

Colour
pH
Turbidity
Salinity
Hardness
Heavy metals Cu, Pb, Fe
DO, BOD, COD, THC
Electrical conductivity
Phosphate
SO4
NO3
TSS
Microbiology (faecal coliform, total coliform, total plate)

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

All of the parameters will be collected using a small power boat. The
samples would be taken near the left bank, right bank and mid-stream,

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 2

2.2

Surface Water
upstream and downstream of the project area as illustrated in Figure 1
(Appendix B).
These samples would then be transported to a local accredited
laboratory for an analysis of the water quality constituents. The
monitoring of these parameters could be constrained by the capacity of
the laboratory within access of the site however it is assumed that these
parameters could be analysed as they are standard parameters.
Kenneth Mbalaso would return in November to undertake the dry season
sampling using the same techniques.

Other Constraints

All the parameters should be tested but this is also dependent on the
capacity and access to the local laboratory.
There are time constraints for the delivery of bacterial samples as they
should be delivered to a testing laboratory within 12 hours of collection
and this will be adhered to.

2.3

Ground Water

Specialist

Marius Terblanche, Aurecon South Africa

Assisted by Victor Eluwa, Aurecon Nigeria

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013 with the client and specialist
team
Field work: Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Eight sample locations are required as well as control samples around

the local major settlements:
Depth to and thickness
Hydraulics
Recharge
Uses (Groundwater Use)
Colour, pH, turbidity, salinity, hardness, heavy metals Cu, Pb, Fe,
K, Ba, DO, BOD, COD, THC, Electrical conductivity, Phosphate,
SO4, NO3, TSS

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

The bridge itself would not have a major impact on the geohydrological
environment. Anticipated impacts would arise from activities relating to
the construction of the bridge (construction camps, sanitation,
workshops, oil and fuel spills, leakage and spillages from fuel tanks,
etc.). The risk to the groundwater is relative to the use of groundwater by
the communities. The proposal is therefore to undertake a groundwater
census of the surrounding area on the 11 and 12 September.
Recommendations will be made to determine if more studies are
required, should there be use of groundwater resources. Investigation is
also being done to determine if the groundwater samples taken during
the soil tests (part of a separate study) may be used to determine the
information below.
It is proposed that this methodology is revisited after the initial site visit.
The way forward will be discussed with the FMEnv.
Comments are made below on the sampling parameters requested by
the FMEnv.

Depth to and thickness

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 3

2.3

Ground Water
It is assumed that the FMEnv is referring to the depth of the groundwater
table and aquifer thickness. The depth of the groundwater table can be
measured with an electric dipmeter. This can be done if boreholes
exist within 1km from the project area and if Aurecon can gain access to
the boreholes (i.e if there is enough space to insert a dipmeter).
The thickness of the aquifer can only be determined through drilling (a
geohydrologist would need to log the boreholes and report on
information such as waterstrikes, weathering, blow yields, etc.).
Geophysical surveys are also required to site boreholes. This is not
possible within the short timeframes and the budget for the ESIA.

Hydraulics

This would require test pumping of newly drilled or existing boreholes to

calculate aquifer parameters such as transmissivity, hydraulic
conductivity, storativity. Drilling of boreholes is not part of the scope of
the ESIA and the team will thus have to revert to theoretical values.

Recharge

If rainwater samples are possible, the Chloride Method could be used.

In the absence of this, theoretical values will be used.

Uses (Groundwater Use)

During the site visit legitimate groundwater within the project area will be
identified through a hydrocensus. During the hydrocensus groundwater
levels and water samples will be collected for chemical analysis (should
boreholes exist). Water samples will be analysed by a lab in Nigeria.
Sampling bottles would be arranged beforehand.
Victor Eluwa would return in November to undertake the dry season
sampling using the same techniques, if boreholes exist.
Other Constraints

2.4

All the parameters should be tested but this is also dependent on the
capacity and access to the local laboratory.

Geology and Geotechnical

Specialist

Nhlanhla Magigaba, Aurecon South Africa

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 (a.m) September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

Ten sample locations are required as well as control samples.

Physical parameters: profile (depth type), colour, permeability,
porosity, bulk density, texture (grain size).
Chemical parameters: heavy metals (V, Ni, Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn), pH,
moisture content, sulphate, nitrate.
Soil Microbiology: total heterogenic bacteria, total hydrocarbon,
fungi, total hydrocarbon bacteria (THB), faecal coliform.

Physical parameters

This information will be obtained from the Fugro Geotechnical

investigation. However it is not certain yet whether Fugro will be
determining the permeability of the in situ soils. The control samples
refer to representative samples elsewhere to the site, so as to compare
to the site itself-in terms of physical properties these vary per site

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 4

2.4

Geology and Geotechnical

worldwide as such, so this aspect is not applicable.

Chemical Parameter and Soil Microbiology

These aspects are beyond the geotechnical sphere of expertise and

should be assessed by a toxicologist or similar. These parameters are
not considered relevant to this project at this stage. Should it become
apparent during the project that these parameters are critical, this
approach will be revised as relevant.
Since there is existing information arising from the Early Works tasks,
the geotechnical specialist will therefore require 1.5 days in the field to
fully understand the receiving environment along the route.
Activities during the field work include the following:

Other Constraints

2.5

A general exploration of the route where there is access, refer to

Figure 1 (Appendix B)

Any exposures of soil and rock along the route. Where exposures
making notes on the composition of the soil/rock encountered.
Nhlanhla will have a GPS and mark such positions. Ideally holes in
the ground would be sought, as this points also towards various
layers that may be present. It is likely that there will be no rock
judging from aerial photography and current available geological
data.

Marrying exposures to available geological data/maps. Hence

Nhlanhla will have available Fugro data to compare with.

If Fugro are still on site Nhlanhla can visit their rigs and chat to their
geotechnical people on site about what they are seeing. Julius
Berger will have to assist us as to where Fugro can be found along
the route or put us in contact with Fugro.

As a priority, the route will be examined, then the search for

exposure will be widened to approximately 2.5km on either side of
the route, where time allows. This 2.5km distance is however a
rough estimate of the appropriate distance away from the route to
inspect.

Any borrow pits in the general area may be worth visiting (a wider
area than 2.5km on either side of route).

To also note the composition of any existing embankment fill

encountered along the route and environs.

At present, only 6 soil investigations have been undertaken in the river

and a further 13 will be undertaken later on at the locations where piling
will be undertaken. For this reason, Aurecon proposes to use the 6
locations and not 10 as prescribed.

Ambient Air Quality

Specialist

Ben Begusa, Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Assisted by Wayne Omagamre, Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 5

2.5

Ambient Air Quality

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 Friday 13 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Ten sample locations (in situ and at different elevations) are required.
Suspended particulate matter
NOx, SOx, CO2, CO, VOCs, H2S

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

The air pollution indicators and meteorological parameters will be

sampled and analysed. Samples will be collected at a height of between
1.5 to 2.0 metres above the ground level at each of the ten (10) sites.
The sites are as follows (refer to Figures 1 and 2 in Appendix B):
1 Oduke Nursery School
2- Okwe Primary School
3 Okwe General Hospital
4 St Peters Catholic Church
5 Powerline Primary School
6 Obi Okpu Primary School
7 West Bank Niger River
8 - East Bank Niger River
9 Idemili (west of Atani Road)
10 Olympic Road
Measurements will be carried out by collection of air samples on location
in different sampling devices. Samples will be collected by trapping,
using Active Sampling approach. It will involve the use of pumps and
flow regulating devices to pump known volume of air unto
absorbing/reactive surfaces. Most of the devices to be used, give realtime, insitu values. Brief descriptions of measuring devices to be used
are indicated below:

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)

Airborne particulate matter will be collected on a Whatman glass fibre

filter using a portable Casella Pro Dust high volume gravimetric sampler.
Before sampling, all unloaded glass fibre filters will be dried in a
desiccator at room temperature and their initial weight were taken. The
particulates will be collected on the pre-weighed filter by pumping 10LM1 volume of air through it for 4-8 hours. After sampling, the loaded filter
will again be desiccated and reweighed to determine the final weight.
The concentration of the total suspended particulates (TSP) in the air will
be determined using corrections for pump flowrate and operation time.
(Shaw 1987; Ukpebor et al., 2006; UNEP/WHO 1994b). The obtained
gravimetric value would be correlated with in-situ digital reading of the
device.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

To monitor nitrogen dioxide levels in air, a portable Crowcon Gasman

toxic gas detector model 19849H will be employed. This NO 2 sampler
has a detection range of 0 to 100ppm, response time of 30 seconds and
accuracy of 1ppm. At each of the sampling locations, readings will be
recorded every 30 minutes for 8 hours.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

The ambient levels of SO2 at the different sampling locations will be

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 6

2.5

Ambient Air Quality

obtained using a hand held meter Draeger accuro Gas Detector. It
uses an inserted sensor tube, which functions based on the principle of
Colorimetry, to quantify the gas. It has an accuracy of 1 ppm and a
detection range of 0.1 to 3ppm (without pressure corrections).

Ammonia (NH3)

The concentration of NH3 in the project area will be monitored by using a

Passive sampler Pro GasBadge gas meter. This sampler has a range
of 0 100ppm with alarm level set at 25ppm. It has a response time of
30 seconds and an accuracy of 1ppm.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A portable CEM CO-180 carbon monoxide meter will be used for the
detection of CO. The range of detection is between 0 to 500ppm,
resolution of 1ppm, response time of <30 seconds and accuracy of 1
ppm.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The VOCs will be measured with a portable handheld gas detector,

Draeger accuro Gas Detector Meter. It uses a sensitive tube which is
suitable for the detection of a large range of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). The detection limit of this detector is 0.1ppm.

Wind Speed

The wind speed will determined using Byrotech combined wind vane
and Anemometer. The anemometer read wind speed in metres per
second (m/s).

Humidity

Hair Hygrometer with a range of 0 100% will be used in measuring the

humidity.

Temperature

The prevailing temperature will be measured with a thermometer

Ben Begusa would return in November to undertake the dry season
sampling using the same techniques.
Other Constraints
2.6

N/A

Noise

Specialist

Marc Blanche, WardKarlson Consulting RSA

Assisted by Victor Eluwa, Aurecon Nigeria

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 12 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Noise levels (Db) is monitored in situ at ten locations

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

The measurement locations will be concentrated on sensitive receptors

present in and around the project site. The duration and location of
measurements, and the number of monitoring locations will be confirmed
during the site visit in consultation with the Social Specialists, Jan Perold

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 7

2.6

Noise
and Nic Boersema. Once the surrounding environment has been
investigated and locations identified, a baseline noise survey will be
undertaken in the vicinity of the key operational areas.
A Class 1 Sound level meter (SLM), that can measure the parameters of
LAeq, LAmax, LA10 and LA90 percentiles will be used.
The Aurecon Nigeria engineers would return in November to undertake
the dry season sampling using the same techniques.

Other Constraints

2.7

N/A

Ecology Aquatic Biodiversity

Specialist

Prof. Anthony Ogbeibu, Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 Friday 13 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

None

Other Constraints

N/A

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

Samples will be collected at 9 locations (to be determined during the site

visit on 9 September) as follows:
Fisheries
Fisheries studies will investigate fish species composition, spatial
distribution, diversity, condition factor, economic importance, harvest
methodology, fish landing, fishing grounds, and spawning routes. These
will be carried out through artisanal fishing using appropriate gears
(hook/line, cast nets, set gill nets and local traps), inspection of catches
by local fishermen both in the field and in fishing camps, interview of
fishermen in camps regarding catch composition and methodology,
survey of the fishes on sale in market-places within the project
environment, and interview with the fisheries middlemen about the
source of their fishes, landing/income per fishing gear, trends in
productivity and seasonality.
All species collected will be washed with the river water to remove dirt
and transported to the laboratory in ice blocks where they will be
identified to species level using identification keys and manuals.
Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
At each surface water station, composite phytoplankton and zooplankton
samples will be taken quantitatively by filtering 100 litres of water
through 55 m Hydrobios plankton net. This will be augmented with
qualitative samples to be taken by towing the plankton net at slow boat
speed for 3 minutes. All samples will be preserved in 4% buffered
formaldehyde in labelled polyethylene bottles and taken to the laboratory
for biotic analysis.
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Fauna
Benthic macroinvertebrate faunal samples will be taken from the bankroot biotope using the kick technique (Victor & Ogbeibu, 1985). The
substratum of a designated 0.25 m2 will be vigorously disturbed by
kicking for 5 minutes. The dislodged organisms will be sampled using a
154 m hand net. The sediment samples will be sieved in the field using

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 8

2.7

Ecology Aquatic Biodiversity

Specialist

Prof. Anthony Ogbeibu, Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 Friday 13 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

None

Other Constraints

N/A
250 m Tyler sieve. Benthic samples will also be taken from the
sediment using the Van veen Grab Sampler. All samples will be
preserved in wide-mouthed containers by adding some quantities of
40% formaldehyde.
Aquatic Macrophytes
All submerged, emergent, and floating aquatic macrophytes will be
assessed along the waterways and identified in the field. Unidentified
samples will be photographed and taken to the laboratory for
confirmatory identification.
Prof. Anthony Ogbeibu would return in November to undertake the dry
season sampling using the same techniques.

2.8

Ecology Terrestrial Biodiversity

Specialist

Prof. J.F. Bamidele, Waste Matters / MacBenuz Enviros

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 Friday 13 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

6 transects along which the flora and fauna, habitat status, floral
composition, density and distribution, vegetation suction and plant
pathology is examined.

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 9

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

The location of the Flora and fauna samples / transects will be

determined during the site visit on 9 September).
Flora
In order to acquire baseline information on the vegetation, study sites
will be established within various habitats that exist in the study area.
These will include homegardens, bush fallows and farms. Information on
species composition and structure will be obtained using quadrats
established within the plant habitats. Within each plot, all plants will be
identified to species level, and their heights measured with a Haga
altimeter where necessary. The number of strata in the vegetation will be
noted and the dominant species recorded. Where counting of individuals
are not possible as in situations where there are creeping plants, cover
will be measured using the Braun-Blanquet scale (Sutherland, 1997).
2
The population density of the trees will be determined using 100 m
quadrants placed within each relatively homogenous community type.
Unique, exotic, invasive and endangered species will be listed. Samples
of plants not identified on the field will be collected, pressed and carried
to the herbarium for correct identification. The health status of the
vegetation will be visually determined. Where a disease symptom was
noticed, samples of the plant organ(s) will be taken to the laboratory for
correct identification of causative organism(s).
Fauna
Land Dwelling Animals including Reptiles, Aves and Mammals shall be
studied using various methods and clues to ascertain their presence.
The selected areas in the project area shall be mapped and the line
transects walked.
Observations shall be made within the enclosed area. Sessile animals or
slow moving invertebrates shall be caught where possible, observed,
identified and picture taken.
They could be released/preserved as the needy may demand. Birds in
flight shall be viewed for identification by the aid of binoculars and
pictures shall also be taken.
Local hunters shall be interviewed for more information on the existing
animals encountered in the area.
Other markers such as trails and footprints, bird calls shall also be
observed.
Prof. J.F. Bamidele would return in November to undertake the dry
season sampling using the same techniques.

Other Constraints

Many areas of the alignment are difficult to access and accessibility will
be considered during the site visit when planning for the field work.

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 10

2.9

Socio-economic and Health

Specialist

Jan Perold and Nic Boersema, Digby Wells RSA

Assisted by Prof. Christopher Okaka, Waste Matters / MacBenuz
Enviros

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11- Wednesday 18 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Health, Education, Culture, Distribution of Livelihood, Land use etc with

structured questionnaire administration.

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

Data pertaining to all of these parameters will be collected through

structured questionnaires; and administered by the local specialist and
team based in Nigeria at a later stage. No grass roots entities during this
first site visit will be consulted. The team would prefer to first clarify with
government on their requirements and what the best approach would be.
The field work in September will therefore involve the following
Visit site and surroundings
Stakeholder identification and profiling
o Government (national regional and local)
o City departments/representatives
o Leaders of community structure
o Other (e.g. NGOs
Determine institutional/administrative and legal framework
Collect demographic and socio-economic data relevant to the
project
Determine and map the project zone of impact and nature of
impacts
Refine scope of work and method based on findings of the site visit
Determine scope and work programme for local consultants

Other Constraints

N/A

2.10

Traffic

Specialist

Greg Osugba, Aurecon Nigeria

Date of Field Work

Site visit: 9&10 September (field worktraffic counts only later in month)
Field work: Wednesday 25 Saturday 28 September 2013

FMEnv Parameters

Traffic data collected on the existing bridge and at Asaba and Onitsha
ends of the proposed roads.

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 11

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

The methodology includes a high level assessment (driving survey) of

the existing road network. Traffic counts at the 6 identified key
intersections are proposed for 25-28 September and will only be
undertaken during one season. These locations are indicated on Figures
1 and 2 (Appendix B). The counts at these locations are proposed as
follows:
Intersection 1 All intersecting roads onto A232 - (Classified
counts, 3hours AM, 3 hours PM)
Intersection 2 All intersecting roads onto A232 - (Classified
counts, 3hours AM, 3 hours PM)
Intersection 3 Existing bridge over Niger river - (Classified
counts, 24 HOURS both ways on the bridge)
Intersection 4 All intersecting roads onto A6 - (Classified counts,
3hours AM, 3 hours PM)
Intersection 5 A232/Asaba Igbuzor Rd/Ibusa Rd - (Classified
counts, 3hours AM, 3 hours PM)
Intersection 6 A232 / Ugwunwasike road (Classified counts,
3hours AM, 3 hours PM)

Other Constraints

2.11

None at present

Visual

Specialist

Paul Buchholz, , Aurecon South Africa

Date of Field Work

Site visit: Monday 9th September 2013

Field work: Wednesday 11 Thursday 12 (a.m) September

FMEnv Parameters

None

Methodology / Deviation
from Parameters

Key viewpoints of the planned infrastructure have been identified and

will be visited in order to undertake a characterisation of the existing
landscape and visual setting. Locations as far as 25km will be visited to
establish the degree to which the proposed project is visible.
Photographs and notes will be taken and 15 minutes is required per
observation point. Refer to Figures 1 and 2 (Appendix B) for observation
points.
It will not be necessary for Paul Buchholz to return in November for dry
season field work.

Other Constraints

N/A

Way Forward

Aurecon seeks approval from the FMEnv for the proposed work plan and is willing to enter into
discussion regarding any particular of the proposed activities. As indicated, certain aspects will be
discussed with the FMEnv when on site on the 11 September 2013. These discussions will be
informed by the site visit that will be undertaken on 9 September with the client and the specialists and
by the discussions in the team workshop on the 10 September.
This document is submitted to the Consortium, to be forwarded to the FMEnv to request that the
FMEnv be available to observe the sampling proposed from the 11 to 13 September 2013, at the site
of the proposed bridge.

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 12

APPENDIX A
Monitoring Requirements of Federal Ministry of Environment

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 13

APPENDIX B
Locations of Sampling for ESIA Field Work

Project 109965

03 September 2013

Page 14

Geotech

a: accessible;
b: probably not accessible; and
c: generally accessible (by foot).

Visual field visit

Hydrology
Traffic count
Air quality
Terrestrial biodiversity

Figure 1: Bridge Locality Map with Field Work Locations

Overview

Visual field visit

Traffic count
Air quality

Figure 2: Overview Map

APPENDIX F
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE
SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE
PROJECT
Stakeholder Engagement Report

Project Number:
AUR2289

Prepared for:
NSIA Motorways Investment Company and Julius Berger

June 2014

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd
(Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Fern Isle, Section 10, 359
Pretoria Ave Randburg Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 789 9498, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, DJ Otto, GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, J
Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O)
*Non-Executive
_______________________________________________________________________________________

This document has been prepared by Digby Wells Environmental.

Report Type:

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Project Name:

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT

Project Code:

AUR2289

Name

Responsibility

Signature

Date

Steve Horak

Report Writer

05 June 2014

Nestus Bredenhann

Report Reviewer

06 June 2014

This report is provided solely for the purposes set out in it and may not, in whole or in part, be used for any other purpose
without Digby Wells Environmental prior written consent.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Process ........................................................ 1

2.1.1

Scoping Phase ................................................................................................. 1

2.1.2

Impact Assessment Phase ............................................................................... 2

Methodology...................................................................................................................... 2
3.1

Identification of Stakeholders................................................................................... 2

3.2

Team Structure ....................................................................................................... 3

3.3

Presentation ............................................................................................................ 4

3.4

Geographical Location............................................................................................. 4

3.5

Engagement Mediums............................................................................................. 4

3.5.1
3.6
4

Engagement Materials............................................................................................. 6
Stakeholder Engagement Activities .................................................................................. 7

4.1

Scoping Phase ........................................................................................................ 7

4.2

Stakeholder meetings schedule............................................................................... 8

Stakeholder Comments..................................................................................................... 8
5.1

Stakeholder Meetings ....................................................................................... 5

Summary of Stakeholder Comments ....................................................................... 8

Stakeholder Engagement Way Forward ........................................................................... 9

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Stakeholder Engagement Methodology.................................................................. 2

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Presentation Details ................................................................................................ 4
Table 2: Stakeholder Meetings.............................................................................................. 5
Table 3: Engagement Materials ............................................................................................ 6

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Table 4: SE Activities for Scoping ......................................................................................... 7

Table 5: Scoping Phase Meetings Schedule ......................................................................... 8
Table 6: Summary of Stakeholder Comments ....................................................................... 9

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Stakeholder Database
Appendix 2: Background Information Document
Appendix 3: Pamphlet
Appendix 4: Newspaper Advert
Appendix 5: Comment and Response Report
Appendix 6: PowerPoint Presentation

Digby Wells Environmental

iii

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

LIST OF ACRONYMS
Acronym

Definition

BID

Background Information Document

CBOs

Community Based Organisations

CRR

Comment and Response Report

ESIA

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

IFC

International Finance Corporation

NGOs

Non-governmental Organisation

NSIA

Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority

NTS f

Non-Technical Summary

RAP

Resettlement Action Plan

Stakeholder Engagement

SER

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Introduction

The Stakeholder Engagement (SE) process has been designed to comply with regulatory
requirements set out in Nigerian environmental legislation and to where possible implement
international good practice guidelines, for example International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The process provides stakeholders with an opportunity to evaluate the proposed project and
to submit comments for enhancing project benefits, while minimising the projects adverse
effects.
This Stakeholder Engagement Report (SER) provides an overview of the SE process
implemented as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process
and the engagement activities undertaken.

Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Process

The SE process aims to achieve the following overarching objectives as part of the ESIA
process:
To ensure that stakeholders are well informed about the proposed project;
To provide stakeholders sufficient opportunity to engage and provide input and
suggestions on the proposed project;
To verify that stakeholder comments have been considered and addressed;
To draw on local knowledge in the process of identifying environmental and social
concerns associated with the proposed project, and to involve stakeholders in
identifying ways in which these can be addressed;
To comply with the local legislative requirements; and
To incorporate international good practice.
The SE process will be implemented in two (2) phases, as set out below. Each phase aims
to attain specific objectives.

2.1.1 Scoping Phase

Objectives for SE during the Scoping phase include the following:

To identify stakeholders interested or affected by the proposed project;

To formally announce the proposed project to identified stakeholders;

To provide the needed information to stakeholders about the proposed project, ESIA
and SE processes;

To obtain initial stakeholder comments; and

To identify potential projects risks.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

2.1.2 Impact Assessment Phase

As part of the Impact Assessment phase the following objectives will be achieved:
To provide stakeholders with feedback on initial comments raised and results from
specialist studies completed;
To obtain further comments from stakeholders; and
To provide stakeholders with an update of the proposed project, ESIA and SE
processes.

Methodology

The methodology employed for the SE process took into consideration the legislative
requirements, international SE practice guidelines and local cultural requirements such as;
language proficiencies, social sensitivities associated with the proposed project,
geographical location of communities and inclusion of the project team with completion of
stakeholder meetings. In Figure 1, the SE methodology is summarised and depicted
graphically.

Figure 1: Stakeholder Engagement Methodology

3.1

Identification of Stakeholders

To ensure a proper representation of stakeholders, the following identification methods were

used to develop a stakeholder database:
Site visit and interaction with the affected communities;
Stakeholder information received from the proponent;

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Stakeholder information received from the Federal Ministry of Works and State
Ministry of Environment;
Stakeholder information received from the real estate surveyors;
Responses received from the publication of newspaper and radio advertisements;
Responses received on the distribution of the Background Information Document
(BID) and Pamphlet; and
Updates of the stakeholder database after stakeholder meetings were conducted.
Stakeholders from the following sectors of society were identified and consulted throughout
the SE process:
Government: Federal (National), State and Local Authorities;
Traditional Authorities: Kings, Paramount Chiefs, Town and Village Chiefs;
Landowners: Affected Landowners;
Associations: for example Sand Dredging Association and Harbour Layout
Association Fishermen Associations.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Environmental organisations and
Community-based Organisations (CBOs).
MacBENUZ Environs Limited, Waste Matters and Aurecon Nigeria were instrumental in the
identification of stakeholders because of their extensive local knowledge and SE experience
in Nigeria. A Stakeholder Database has been compiled which will be updated throughout the
ESIA process (see Appendix 1).

3.2

Team Structure

In order to adhere to stringent time frames for the project, two (2) consultation teams were
had to be utilised with representation from the proponent and project team. The purpose of
these teams was to ensure that stakeholders were enabled to participate in the ESIA
process openly by means of facilitation of discussions and provisioning of information that is
accessible and clear. The teams had representation from the following organisations in order
to ensure that stakeholder comments could be addressed meaningfully:
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA): responsible to address
corporate and organisational related comments;
Aurecon Nigeria: overall project managers and compilation of the ESIA report;
meeting schedules and meeting facilitation.
Digby Wells Environmental, South Africa: responsible for the overall SE process,
facilitation and official presentation to stakeholders;
Waste Matters: responsible to assist with local knowledge, provisioning SE
expertise, meeting scheduling, facilitation and in some cases translation; and

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

MacBENUZ Enviros Limited: responsible to assist with local knowledge,

provisioning SE expertise, meeting scheduling facilitation and in some cases
translation.

3.3

Presentation

The tool utilised to centralise and focus stakeholder meetings was an English PowerPoint
presentation for all meetings (refer to Appendix 6). The presentation was either presented to
stakeholders or used as a foundation for discussions. Maps were also shown and an English
A1 poster set, which was the same as the PowerPoint, utilised for Oko-Amakom
Landowners Meeting. See Table 1 below for a more detailed description of the presentation
used.
Table 1: Presentation Details
Scoping Phase Presentation
Objective: provide the needed information about; the proposed project
Presentation content

Information about the project proponents and consultants

Project background

Project description

Project location map

ESIA legislative process

Specialist studies to be undertaken

Project / SE schedule
This was a 5-page presentation / poster set, May 2014

A single presentation for all the stakeholder meetings was used to ensure that a consistent
message was conveyed to stakeholders and that the process was unbiased. During the
presentations made to Landowners, and in some of the key stakeholder meetings,
translation of the information was provided and people were encouraged to ask for clarity if
any part of the presentation was not understood.

3.4

Geographical Location

Two main towns were consulted which are found on each side of the River Niger; namely
Asaba situated in the Delta State and Onitsha located in the Anumbra State. Team 1
focused on consultation on the Asaba side of the river and Team 2 on the Onitsha side of
the river.

3.5

Engagement Mediums

Various engagement mediums were used during the SE process in order to address the
requirements associated with geographical locations of communities, social and cultural
contexts. These included a combination of varied stakeholder meetings and engagement
materials, as described below.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

3.5.1 Stakeholder Meetings

Different stakeholder meetings were undertaken and these have been detailed in Table 2
below.
Table 2: Stakeholder Meetings
Meeting type

Objectives

Description

Phase

One-on-one
Consultations

Provide project

One-on-one consultations were used for

consultation with Government Officials and
Traditional Authorities. Each of these
individuals gave specific inputs. The
formal PowerPoint presentation was used
as a discussion point during these
meetings.
Full detail of the meeting schedules are
provided in Table 5

Scoping

These were meetings held in Oko-Amokom

Village on the Asaba side of the river,
which is a directly affected village, and in
Onitsha with directly affected landowners.
Full detail of the meeting schedules are
provided in Table 5

Scoping

Focus group meetings were held with

some of the Traditional Authorities, Local
Government and Federal and State
Ministries. These were smaller groups of
five to ten attendees.
Full detail of the meeting schedules are
provided in Table 5

Scoping

Key stakeholder meetings were held with

representation of Associations, NGOs,
Traditional Authorities and Government
Officials; one in Asaba and one in Onitsha.
Full detail of the meeting schedules are
provided in Table 5

Scoping

information

Address specified
concerns

In-depth discussions to
improve solutions

Landowners
Meetings

Provide project
information

Obtain inputs specific

to landowners

Focus Group
Meetings

Provide project
information

Address specified
concerns

In-depth discussions to
improve solutions
Key Stakeholders
Meetings

Provide project
information

Address specified
concerns

In-depth discussions to
improve solutions

Stakeholder meetings were scheduled one week in advance by MacBENUZ, Waste Matters
and Aurecon Nigeria by means of delivery of formal letters to the relevant Chiefs or Officials
within the State Ministries / NGOs, and Associations. Meetings were also confirmed
telephonically a day or two in advance of meetings being undertaken.
Meetings with Chiefs were conducted according to the prescribed protocol. Participation
from attendees was encouraged and it was also made clear that translation will be provided
on request. Specific attention was given to obtain comments from women who attended the
landowner and key stakeholders meetings. Comments were written down on formal
comment registers and attendance registers of each meeting held were kept.
It must also be mentioned that Digby Wells Environmental together with Aurecon South
Africa and the Consortium (which consists of NSIA, Julius Berger and Federal Ministry of
Works) met with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Environment on
21 May 2014 in Abuja.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

All comments raised by stakeholders at the respective meetings as indicated above are
captured in the Comment and Response Report (CRR) (see Appendix 5). Stakeholder
comments will be closely considered and addressed, where possible or applicable
responses provided to the comments raised by stakeholders and these are included in the
CRR.

3.6

Engagement Materials

During each of the scoping phase of the ESIA different materials were used to convey the
needed messages to stakeholders. Table 3 below provides further details of these materials.
Table 3: Engagement Materials
Material

Objectives

Description

Phase

Background
Information
Document (BID)

Provide project specific

information
Provide information
about the ESIA and SE
processes
Provide the needed
contact details

Included the location and a description of

the proposed project, the legislative
processes that would be followed, locality
map, the specialist studies to be
conducted, environmental and the
consultation process including contact
details of the responsible people.
BIDs were provided to each participant at
the Chiefs and Government meetings and
approx. 50 copies at each meeting were
distributed at the Landowners and Key
Stakeholders Meetings (where applicable).
See Appendix 2 for the BID.

Scoping

Pamphlet

Provide project
background

Provided a summary of the project

including the project background, project
description, SE process and map of the
project. The pamphlet was provided to
each participant at each of the meetings
which were conducted. The pamphlet was
available in both English and Igbo (a local
language for the area). See Appendix 3 for
the pamphlet.

Scoping

Presentation

Provide project
background
Provide visual images
for further explanation

This has been addressed in the SER

already in section 3.3. In essence, the
presentation was used as a tool to provide
project information and to stimulate
discussion. A data projector was used for
the key stakeholders meetings. For the
landowner meetings the PowerPoint
presentation was printed as an A1
laminated poster set. This was also left
behind after the meeting
See Appendix 6 for the PowerPoint
presentation.

Scoping

Newspaper
Advertisement

Announce project to
wider stakeholders
Provide project
information
Provide the needed
contact details

Included the location and a description of

the proposed project, the legislative
processes that would be followed,
environmental, the consultation process
including the contact details of the
responsible person.
See Appendix 4 for the advertisement.

Scoping

Radio

Announce project to

Included the location and a description of

Scoping

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

wider audience
Provide the needed
contact details

the proposed project, the legislative

processes that would be followed,
environmental and the consultation
process including contact details of the
responsible person.
The Radio Advertisement was a further
summary of the advertisement see
Appendix 4

Stakeholder Engagement Activities

4.1

Scoping Phase

Consultation with stakeholders during the Scoping phase of the ESIA was undertaken and
details of the various activities are provided in Table 4.
Table 4: SE Activities for Scoping
Activity
Identification of stakeholders

Arrangement of stakeholder
meetings

Meetings with relevant

stakeholders
Distribution of Background
Information Document (BID)
Distribution of Pamphlet

Placement of Radio
Advertisement

Placement of Newspaper
Advertisement
Obtained comments from
stakeholders

Digby Wells Environmental

Details
Scoping Phase
A stakeholder database was compiled comprising of
various sectors of society who are affected by the project
These were identified by Aurecon Nigeria, Waste Matters
and MacBENUZ and Digby Wells
Meetings with stakeholders, which included Chiefs
Government Ministries, Associations, NGOs and Land
Owners, were arranged in the second last week of May
2014.
Meetings with identified stakeholders were undertaken
by the two teams between 26 30 May 2014. Full details
of the meeting schedule are included in Table 5.
BIDs were handed out to each participant at Traditional
Authority, Government, Land Owner and Key
Stakeholder meetings between 26 30 May 2014.
The pamphlet was distributed at all meetings between 26
and 30 May. It was made available in both English and
Igbo.
The advert was run on the Delta State Broadcasting
Station, Asaba (DBS 97.9 FM) and Anambra State
Broadcasting Service, Onitsha (ABS 90.8FM). The
adverts were read in three times a day in English, Igbo
and Pidgin on 29 May 2014.
The advert was placed in English in the Punch
Newspaper on the 27 May 2014.
Comments, issues of concern and suggestions received
from stakeholders are captured in the Comment and
Response Report (CRR). A summary of comments are
presented below in Table 6.

Reference in SER
Appendix 1
Stakeholder database.

Table 5
Meeting schedule.
Appendix 6
PowerPoint Presentation
Table 5
Meetings schedule.
Appendix 2
Background Information
Document.
Appendix 3
Pamphlet.
Appendix 4
Newspaper and Radio
Advertisements

Appendix 4
Newspaper and Radio
Advertisements
Appendix 5
Comment and Response
Report.

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

4.2

Stakeholder meetings schedule

In Table 5 a detailed breakdown is set out of each teams meetings schedule, stakeholders
consulted, number of attendees at each meeting.
Table 5: Scoping Phase Meetings Schedule

Combined
Teams

Team 2

Team 1

Team

Date

Stakeholders Engaged

Location

Total Attendees

26 May 2014

Traditional Authority of Asaba (The Asaba of

Idemili Local Government Council

Onitsha

29 May 2014

Landowners and Occupiers (Oko-Amakom)

Asaba

210

29 May 2014

Landowners and Occupiers

Onitsha

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders, Asaba

Asaba

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders, Onitsha

Onitsha

170

Stakeholder Comments

Comments raised by stakeholders throughout the ESIA process will be captured in the CRR,
which also includes responses given by the project team (see Appendix 5). The CRR
provides an Executive Summary of the SE methodology, SE activities and comments raised.
The section below provides a summary of stakeholder comments received during the
scoping process.

5.1

Summary of Stakeholder Comments

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Table 6 below provides a summary of comments as these appear in the CRR.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Table 6: Summary of Stakeholder Comments

Local communities are expectant of compensation they might receive.

Air Quality

Request for air quality to be investigated.

Noise

A noise impact study should be undertaken.

Traffic

Request that a study be undertaken considering traffic impacts.

Road Network

How the new roads will connect to existing roads needs to be explained.

Right of Way (ROW)

There is confusion with regards to the positioning of the ROW.

Borrow Pits

The position of borrow pits needs to be indicated.

Flooding

There is concern that new roads will result in flooding of areas.

Need for land use plans to be considered.

Need for alternative land to be provided.
Alternative land is not easy to obtain.
Uncertainty if construction has started already.
The project should be undertaken as soon as possible.
There is high unemployment.
The project should employ local people.
There are local skills available, and not only for manual labour.
Uncertainty on how employment will be arranged.
Employment of local youths is important.

Old Niger River Bridge

Uncertainty if how the old bridge will remain as it is.

Security

Uncertainty if the new bridge will have its own security or police post.

Resettlement

No settlements should be allowed near the road verge.

It will need to be explained to people why they need to be resettled.

Impact Assessment

Clarity needed if the ESIA will consider both Environmental and Social Impacts.

Compensation

Consultation

Land use

Time Frames
Employment

Stakeholder Engagement Way Forward

In order to provide stakeholders with more detailed information about the proposed project,
copies of the Scoping Report, Non-technical Summary and CRR will be made available from
3 July 24 July 2014 (21 days) to be viewed at the following places:
Federal Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report and a copy of the NonTechnical Summary (all in English);
State Ministry of Environment: A copy of the Scoping Report (English), and copies of
the Non-technical Summary (English and Igbo) and the CRR (English) at both the
Awka Office and Asaba Office;

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Local Government Chairmen: Copies of both the Non-technical Summary (English

and Igbo) and the CRR (English) will be placed at the Local Government Councils of
Idemili, Ogbaru and Oshimili; and
Traditional Leadership: Copies of both the Non-technical Summary (English and Igbo)
and the CRR (English) will be placed at the Asagba of Asaba, Obi of Onitsha,
authorities of Obosi, Odekpe, Okpoko and Oko Amakom.
The project documentation will also be placed on the following websites:
www.digbywells.com (Documentation filed under Public Documents)
www.aurecongroup.com (Documentation filed under Public Participation)
www.nsia.com.ng (Documentation filed under Downloads)

A second round of stakeholder meetings will be undertaken during September / October

2014 with completion of the specialist studies and availability of the ESIA Report. Various
stakeholder meetings, including a Public Hearing in line with the requirements of the
Nigerian Environmental Legislation, will be held.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
AUR2289

Appendix 1: Stakeholder Database

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
Key Stakeholder Database
Organisation

Name and Surname

Designation

Contact Information

Federal Ministry of Environment

Mr J.A. Alonge
Deputy Director of EIA

08035893120
[email protected]

Federal Ministry of Environment

BF Ekunsumi

Government / Authorities Federal

08038152377

Organisation

Name and Surname

Designation

Contact Information
[email protected]

Federal Ministry of Works

Engr BK Okafor

08036790421
[email protected]

Ministry of Works Awka

Arc C.C Ilozumba

Commissioner

08064536981

Ministry of Lands, Survey & Urban

Development

Sir Patrick Ferife

Commissioner

08033205751

Delta State, Ministry of

Environment

Nwaka Nwabuokei
Regulator

08138513522
[email protected]

Anambra State, Ministry of

Environment Awka

J.C Ibuzo
Director of Ecology / Environment
(now retired)

07069000056
[email protected]

Anambra State, Ministry of

Environment Awka

Mrs Ifekandu Ngozi

Director of Ecology / Environment

07035090127

Anambra State, Ministry of

Environment, Awka

Dr.A.I. Nnalue
Permanent Secretary

08033504440
08075074444
[email protected]

Anambra State Ministry of Lands,

Awka

Mba Douglas
Permanent Secretary

08033234623

Anambra State Ministry of Works,

Awka

Engr Ilozumba
Commissioner of Works

08064536981

Delta state Ministry of

Environment, Asaba

Mr Ufiofio Isaac
Director Ecology

07031635632

Ministry of Lands, Survey and

Town Planning, Awka

Mba Douglas Ifeanyi

Permanent Secretary

08033234623

Ministry of Works, Asaba

D.A Umukoro
Permanent Secretary

08063328000

Idemili LGC Anambra State

Hon Obi Idemobi

Chairman

08033816963

Oshimili South LGC Delta State

Hon Eloka Aziekwu

Vice Chairman

08036797052

Oshimili South Local Government

Ijeh Afam Peter

Secretary

08033159727

Ogbaru Local Government Council

Hon. Victor Nwachukwu Agolua

Executive Chairman

08051412808
08091443737

Ogbaru Local Government

Chris C Anize
Deputy Chairman

08033201872

State Authorities

Local Government

Organisation

Name and Surname

Designation

Contact Information

Paramount ruler of Onitsha

Anambra State

HRM Nnaemeka Achebe

Obi of Onitsha

08079732123 (Palace
Secretary)

Paramount ruler of Asaba

HRM Prof. J.C. Edizien

Asagba of Asaba

08063654668 (Palace
Secretary)

Paramount ruler of Obosi Town,

Anambra State

HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka

08033385208
[email protected]

Paramount Ruler of Odekpe Town

HRM Emmanuel. C. Onyia

08033130179

Okpoko Community

Chief B.C. Mofunanya

Eze Okpoko

08068425000

Oko Amakom Community

HRM Eze Anyafulu

Akor of Oko Amakom

08037916847

Oko Anala Community

HRM Dr Engr Osita

Akor of Oko Anala

08091144667

Igbo National Council

Godsent Chilos

07037997507

Nigerian Environmental Society

(NES)

Paul Akporowho
Chairman NES Delta State

08033665340

Town Authorities

NGOs

Communities / CBOs / Associations

Harbor Industrial Layout
Adim Williams
Association Onitsha
Secretary
Maritime Workers Union Onitsha
Chika Orji
and Delta
Chairman
Quarry Operators Multipurpose
Victor Nwakacha
Cooperative society, Asaba
Ogbaru Sand dealers Association
Gilbert Obi
Chairman
Fishermen group Odekpe
Nnamdi Obeche
Woman Organization
Kate Akapati
Oko Amakom
Multi Pourpose Co-operative
Onwudu Francis
Vice Chairman
Okpoko Community
Ude RS Udemba
Owele of Okpoko Community
Okpoko Community
Innocent Ogbuefi
President General Okpoko
Community Development Union
Raphael Agusi
Human Rights Guide Association

Labour Unions
Maritime Workers Union Water
Transport Workers Branch

Comreak Peter Ozegbe

Chairman

08030653879
[email protected]
08038785516
08037785943
08037998642
07066691023

08037858862
08068125312
08037263025

080 33880720
[email protected]
[email protected]
08038785516

Organisation
Maritime Workers Union Water
Transport Workers Branch
National Union of road Transport
worker Anambra
National Union of road Transport
worker Delta
Chiefs
Anala
Anala
Odekpe
Asaba
Asaba
Oke
Obosi Traditional Authority
Obosi Traditional Authority

Name and Surname

Designation
Orji Augustine Chike
Secretary
Charles Nweke
Secretary
Chief Ifeanyi Obi
Chairman

Contact Information

Honourable Tony Ogwu

Honourable Chuks Obusom
Chief E.C Onyia-Okakwu
Prof Chike Endozien
Paramount Chief
Chief DR B.M Anwasia JP
Alaniza Odua
Chief Ben Obah
Chiduben Iweka Eze
Traditional Ruler
Nze Okenwa S.I
Palace Admin Secretary

08060865157
08037217971
08027109494

08037379422
08033448711
08037578343

08033336744

08064926520
08064926520

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Appendix 2: Background Information

Document

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
DOCUMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL AND
SOCIAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT FOR THE
SECOND RIVER NIGER
BRIDGE PROJECT
May 2014

Prepared for:
The Consortium comprising the NSIA Motorways Investment
Company (NMIC) and Julius Berger

For any project related information please contact:

Steve Horak, Vanessa Viljoen or Gregory Osugba
Address:

Aurecon Nigeria: Address: Block 20, Plot 32B, Admiralty Way, Lekki
Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos I Nigeria

Tel:
Email:

+234 811 792 3815

[email protected] or [email protected] or
[email protected]

Website:

www.digbywells.com (Documentation filed under Public Documents)

_________________________________________________
Digby Wells and Associates (International) Limited (Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates
(Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 07264148.
Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 123 363 1062, Fax: +44 123 361 9270, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
________________________________________________
Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, DJ Otto, GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, AJ Reynolds (Chairman)
(British)*, J Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O)
*Non-Executive
_________________________________________________

BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Second Niger River Bridge
AUR2289

PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT

A Consortium comprising the NSIA Motorways Investment Company (NMIC) and Julius Berger,
together with the Federal Ministry of Works Nigeria, proposes to develop a second bridge over the
Niger River (the Second Niger Bridge Project) linking the towns of Onitsha and Asaba. This
Background Information Document (BID) has been developed in order to:

Share information about the proposed project;

Present the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process to be undertaken
according to Nigerian legislation and international good practice standards;

Provide more detail about the Stakeholder Engagement which will be followed during the
ESIA process; and

List the environmental and social specialist studies to be undertaken.

1.1 Appointed Environmental and Social Assessment Practitioners

It is important to investigate potential impacts that the proposed project might have on the
environment and people. The Consortium has appointed independent consultants to complete various
components for the proposed project, please see below:
Overall project managers and compilation of the ESIA
report. Aurecon Nigeria is part of the Aurecon global
consulting firm.
Responsible for the Stakeholder Engagement process,
Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Action Plan.
Digby Wells is based in South Africa.
Nigerian Consulting firms assisting with the ESIA, the
Stakeholder Engagement, Resettlement Action Plan and
Social Impact Assessment will provide local knowledge and
expertise.

BACKGROUND

NMIC and Julius Berger have teamed up and signed a Cooperation Agreement to act as consortium
partners to develop the Second Niger Bridge Project. A Special Project Company will design, build,
operate and transfer the Project in a public-private partnership with the Federal Government of
Nigeria. The proposed bridge is to be constructed from Onitsha to Asaba. Plan 1 below provides more
detail about the local setting of the Second Niger Bridge Project and the proposed areas where
construction will take place.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Second Niger River Bridge
AUR2289

Plan 1: Regional Setting of the Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The bridge is to be built south of the existing bridge to provide an additional link between Asaba and
Onitsha, having six lanes in total (three lanes in each direction). The total length of the bridge and
access roads is 11.9km. The road and bridge will be a toll road on completion and will be primarily
used for commercial and long-distance traffic while the old bridge will not be tolled and will be for the
use of non-commercial local traffic. Construction of the project will require resettlement of households.
A Resettlement Action Plan will be developed to ensure that the process is done fairly. It is estimated
that the complete construction period will be four (4) years. The ESIA and Resettlement Action Plan
will assess four sections of the development. These are described in more detail in the table below:
Asaba Road Section
Toll Plaza
Second Niger Bridge
Onitsha Road Section

Length of 2.8 km
Toll plaza will be located on the bridge approach, will have 20 lanes
Length of 0.5 km
Length of 1.6 km

Diversion of a creek is required

Length 7 km

BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Second Niger River Bridge
AUR2289

Preliminary preparation has started on site and includes the following (April October 2014):

Construction of temporary access road;

Mining of borrow pits for material;
Clearance of vegetation and earthworks;
Construction of culvert; and
Setup of Main yard and facilities.

A reasonable number of staff of various skills will be

required during construction period. There will be a
percentage of local employment. People will be
informed about the recruitment process that will be
followed at the time of construction.

Main construction will include the following (expected to commence in October 2014):

Bridge construction and installation of additional construction yards;

Dredging of sand and mining of borrow pits to be used for the embankments;
Soil improvement measures for swampy areas; and
Construction of roads and secondary bridges.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

An ESIA assesses all aspects and impacts of a proposed development on people and the
environment and it also aims to manage all aspects and impacts throughout the life cycle of the
project. The ESIA will be undertaken in line with Nigerian legislation and international good practice.
The various specialist studies in the ESIA which aim to determine potential impacts of the proposed
project include the following:

Air Quality
Visual
Geohydrology
Hydrology
Geology/Geotech/Soils

Traffic and Transport

Noise
Social
Aquatic Biodiversity
Land Use and Planning

Risk Assessment
Terrestrial Biodiversity
Vulnerability and Adaptation
Waste Management
Resettlement Action Plan

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The first round of engagement with stakeholders will include meetings to take place during May
June 2014 and will provide a background about the proposed project to all stakeholders. The second
round of meetings is anticipated to be undertaken in September 2014, once the ESIA report has been
completed. At that time, feedback on specialist study findings and mitigation measures will be
provided. Stakeholders will be informed in time about the various stakeholder meetings to be
undertaken.
All comments provided by stakeholders will be included in a Comment and Response Report which
will accompany the Final ESIA Report to be submitted to the Federal Ministry of the Environment.
Your comments will ensure that all relevant comments and concerns are considered by specialists
completing the studies. Please provide your comments in any of the following ways:

At the various meetings to be held; and / or

By contacting the project staff (information is provided on the cover page).

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Appendix 3: Pamphlet

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
BACKGROUND
A Consortium comprising the NSIA Motorways
Investment Corporation (NMIC) and Julius Berger,
together with the Federal Ministry of Works Nigeria,
proposes to develop a second bridge over the Niger
River linking the towns of Onitsha and Asaba.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT
The Consortium has appointed independent consultants
Aurecon Nigeria as overall project managers, who will be
assisted by Digby Wells Environmental, Waste Matters
and MacBENUZ Enviros to undertake an Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project.
The ESIA will be undertaken in line with Nigerian
legislation and international good practice. Various
specialist studies will be completed to understand how
the project could impact on people and environment and
to identify ways to avoid or manage the impacts.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The new bridge including approach roads will be built
south of the existing bridge and have a total length, of
11.9km. The road and bridge will be a toll road on
completion. Construction of the roads to the bridge will
require that some households may need to be moved
and a Resettlement Action Plan will be developed to
ensure this is done fairly. It is estimated that the
complete construction period will be four (4) years.

The project will include building the Asaba Road, the Toll
Plaza, the Bridge and the Onitsha Road sections.
Preparatory works will be from beginning of April until
October 2014 and the main construction works are
expected to start from October 2014.
A reasonable number of staff of various skills will be
required during construction period. There will be a
percentage of local employment. People will be
informed about the recruitment process that will be
followed at the time of construction.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The first round of engagement with stakeholders will
include meetings to take place during May and June
2014. The meetings will inform people of the project and
gather issues for further study. The second round of
meetings is anticipated to be in September 2014 to
present the findings of the ESIA. Please provide your
comments at the various meetings to be held and / or by
contacting the project team (contact information is
provided below).
Gregory Osugba, Steve Horak or Vanessa Viljoen
Tel: +234 811 792 3815 Website: www.digbywells.com
Address: Aurecon Nigeria, Block 20, Plot 32B, Admiralty
Way, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos I Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

NYOCHASI MMETTA NA DIMMA GBURUGBURU OBODO NKE

R NGO AKWA-MMIRI NKE-AB NKE OSIMIRI NIGER GENWE
OKPURU OKWU
tt l-r ngo jikr t n buru ma otu, nke nime ha
bu NSIA Motorways Investment Corporation (NMIC),
Julius Berger nakwa Federal Ministry of Works, Naijiria,
kwadoro iru akwa-mmiri nke-abuo nke Osimiri Niger nke
ga ejiko obodo nke Onitsha nakwa Asaba.

NYOCHASI MMETTA NA ODIMMA

GBURUGBURU OBODO
tt l-r ngo jikr t n buru ma otu, ahptala
otu nime ndi okacha mara noru ngo bu Aurecon Naijiria,
ka kpkta r-ngo ndi z ga-nyere aka di ka Digby
Wells Environmental, Waste Matters na-kwa MacBENUZ
Enviros ka ha buru ndi ga-ar r Inyochasi Mmetta na
Odimma nke gburugburu Obodo (nke a nakpo na okwu
oyibo, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment,
ESIA) nke r ngo a. A ga emejuputa ESIA n soro
emume iwu ala nke Naijiria nakwa nke mba uwa nile. Nd
okacha mara nmuta di iche iche ga elebanye anya ma
nwe nghta otu oru ngo a ga-esi metuta nd mmad na
ebe obibi ha, ma choputa kwa z zere ezi a ga-eji metuo
ma gbochie kwa metta ahu ndi a.

kwapu, ma ga-eweta tamatu nkwaghari nke iji wetera ha

ebe obibi z, nke a ka a ga-eme ma mekwa ya nz di
mma. A nele anya atumatu ircha z a ga-ewe aro an
(4).
Oru ngo ga-agnye iru okporo z Asaba, ihe t okporo
z eji naputa ego, kw-mmiri na okporo uzo oke nke
Onitsha. Ngwado r nbo ga-ebido site n mmalite onwa
nke April ruo nonwa October 2014 ma na isi r na-at
anya ka na-amalite site nonwa October 2014.
A ga-acho otutu mmadu ndi nwere aka oru di iche iche oge
oru ngo a ga amalite. Aga enwe okara ndi ulo a ga akpo naoru. A ga agwakwa ndi mmadu maka okpukpo na usoro eji
akpo ndi mmadu noru tupu oge eji malite oru ngo.

NJIK-AKA NDI ONWE

Agba nke mbu nke njik-aka nke ndi onwe tinyere nzuk
ga-adi n onwa May na nke June, 2014. Nzuko a ga-agwa
ndi mmadu gbasara r ngo a ma ihe omumu ndi zoake
aga-amu. Agba nzuko nke-abuo ka a na-atu anya na
ga-adi nonwa-September, 2014 nka a ga-eweputa
nchoputa nke ESIA. Biko weputa atumatu gi obula na ime
nzuko d iche iche a ga-enwe ma o b kptr ndi otu r
ngo a (ozi madu nyere n'okpuru).

NKWA ETU ORU GA DI

Akwa-mmiri hr a ma z esi abia ya ka a ga-aru na
ndida-anwu (south) nke akwa ochie, o ga-nwe ngkta
nke ogologo ya bu 11.9km, ma tinyere kwa oghere nke
okporo z ya.
Okporo z na kwa Akwa-mmiri a ga-enwe ebe gbala
gana akw-gw tupu gaa (Toll). rr okporo z na
akwa-mmiri a ga-ach ka otutu ezi nl si ebe ha bi

Gregory Osugba or Steve Horak

Ekwenti:+234 811 792 3815 Website: www.digbywells.com
Okwu Ulo: Aurecon Nigeria, Block 20, Plot 32B, Admiralty
Way, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos I Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Appendix 4: Newspaper Advert

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Appendix 5: Comment and Response Report

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE
SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE
PROJECT

COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT

FOR THE DRAFT EIA REPORT

Project Number:
AUR2289

Prepared for:
A Consortium comprising the NSIA Motorways Investment Company and
Julius Berger

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd
(Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Fern Isle, Section 10, 359
Pretoria Ave Randburg Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 789 9498, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, LF Koeslag, PD Tanner (British)*, AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, J
Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O)
*Non-Executive
_______________________________________________________________________________________

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER

NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

Summary of the Key Comments ....................................................................................... 1

2.1

Noise....................................................................................................................... 3

2.2

Short Stream/Creek Diversion ................................................................................. 3

2.3

Water ...................................................................................................................... 4

2.4

Biodiversity.............................................................................................................. 4

2.5

Agriculture ............................................................................................................... 5

2.6

Post-construction Rehabilitation .............................................................................. 5

2.7

Socio-Economic ...................................................................................................... 6

2.7.1

Employment ..................................................................................................... 6

2.7.2

Community Development ............................................................................... 13

2.7.3

Resettlement.................................................................................................. 13

2.8

Transport / Roads ................................................................................................. 20

2.9

Health and Safety.................................................................................................. 26

2.10

Compensation ................................................................................................... 28

2.11

Land Value / Ownership .................................................................................... 42

2.12

Project Specific.................................................................................................. 45

2.13

Environmental Impact Assessment.................................................................... 49

2.14

Niger Bridge ...................................................................................................... 56

2.15

Public Participation ............................................................................................ 59

2.16

General ............................................................................................................. 65

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER

NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

Introduction

The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Motorways Investment Company

(NMIC) and Julius Berger signed a Cooperation Agreement, acting as consortium partners to
develop the Second Niger River Bridge Project. The Consortium will design, build, operate
the Project in a public-private partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria (Federal
Ministry of Works). The proposed bridge is to be constructed between Onitsha and Asaba.
The bridge is to be built south of the existing bridge to provide an additional link between
Asaba and Onitsha, with six lanes in total (three lanes in each direction). The total length of
the bridge and access roads is 11.9km. The road and bridge will be a toll road on completion
and will be primarily used for commercial and long-distance traffic while the old bridge will
not be tolled and will be for the use of non-commercial local traffic. Construction of the
project will require the resettlement of households. A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will be
developed to ensure that the process is done fairly. It is estimated that the complete
construction period will be four (4) years. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
(ESIA) will assess the development and the RAP will address resettlement issues.
The purpose of this report is to:
Present a record of stakeholder comments received, which have direct bearing on the
proposed project, during stakeholder meetings and written comments received.
A summary of key comments is presented below.

Summary of the Key Comments

The table below presents a summary of the key issues which have been raised thus far.
Category

Comments Raised

Consultation

Local communities are expectant of compensation they might receive.

Air Quality

Request for air quality to be investigated.

Noise

A noise impact study should be undertaken.

Traffic

Request that a study be undertaken considering traffic impacts.

Road Network

How the new roads will connect to existing roads needs to be explained.

Right of Way (RoW)

There is confusion with regards to the positioning of the RoW.

Borrow Pits

The position of borrow pits needs to be indicated.

Compensation

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER

NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT

AUR2289

There is concern that new roads will result in flooding of areas.

Need for land use plans to be considered.

Old Niger River Bridge

Uncertainty if the old bridge will remain as it is.

Security

Uncertainty if the new bridge will have its own security or police post.

No settlements should be allowed near the road verge.

It will need to be explained to people why they need to be resettled.
Clarity needed if the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will
consider both Environmental and Social Impacts.

Land use

Time Frames
Employment

Resettlement
Impact Assessment

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

2.1
2.1.1

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

A noise impact study will form part

of the specialist studies for the
ESIA.

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

The creek which passes through

the Harbour Industrial Layout, as
well as Okpoko meanders
northwards across the alignment
for a short distance before
crossing the alignment
southwards again. The meander
will be removed and filled in and
diverted south of the alignment to
remove the need for additional
culverts or drainage.

Noise

A noise impact must also be

done.

2.2

CONTRIBUTOR

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

Short Stream/Creek Diversion

2.2.1

The Diversion of the stream; We

do not understand what you
really want to do and at what
point.

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

2.2.2

The stream also provides a

natural boundary between
communities and this also needs
to be considered.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

This will be considered in the

Social Impact Assessment of the
project.

2.2.3

There is a creek that runs across

the RoW. The creek should not
be diverted rather a flyover
should be constructed because
the impact of the diversion may
be high if not well managed

The Governor

Anambra State
Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Works Governor

The impact of the stream

diversion will be considered as
part of the ESIA.

2.3.4

The Idemili River forms a natural

boundary with other communities
and should not be diverted to
avoid boundary dispute.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

This will be considered in the

Social Impact Assessment of the
project.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

2.3

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Water

2.3.5

Oko is a low lying area prone to

flooding and is concerned about
the community being flooded.
What are your mitigation
measures?

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

There will be culverts to ensure

that the water is not diverted into
areas as a result of the bridge and
road. Design has taken this issue
into consideration.

2.3.6

HRH pointed out that the Idemili

River Channel is blocked with
refuse and this has led to
flooding of the upstream section
of river, affecting houses and
farmland located in the area.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

This will be considered as

relevant in the ESIA.

2.4

Biodiversity

2.4.1

When the clearing starts, the

team should meet with the
Forestry Ministry and Ministry of
Environmental on Biodiversity so
that the impacts can be
determined and managed.

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

Thank you for the comment this

will be recommended to the
project team.

2.4.2

People must be aware that in the

Idemili stream there are sacred
animals and fish below the
Obossi bridge near the police
station. The fish and animals are
sacred and may not be eaten.
Shrines are also important and
should be avoided if possible.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

Thank you for the comment,

noted. This will be considered in
the ESIA.

2.4.3

Pythons are also sacred animals

and should not be killed.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

Thank you for the comment. This

will be a consideration in the
fauna and social studies, and will
be included in the Environmental

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
and Social Management Plan.

2.5

Agriculture

2.5.1

Some plots have crops on them

that have not been planted by
the land owner.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

This will be considered in the

development of the RAP.

2.5.2

Member of the communities are

predominantly fishermen and
farmers and the project might
affect fishing in the area during
construction.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

This will be considered in the

Social Impact Assessment of the
project.

2.5.3

The farmers will be most

economically impacted.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

This will be investigated in the

Social Impact Assessment and
will be addressed in the RAP.

2.6

Post-construction Rehabilitation

2.6.1

Borrow pits, hope there will

reclamation.

Oshimili Local
Government

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oshimili Local
Government

The rehabilitation of the borrow

pits will be addressed in the
Environmental and Social
Management Plan developed for
the project.

2.6.2

Will the borrow pits be filled up

later?

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

Borrow pits rehabilitation will be

covered in the Environmental
Management Plan developed fort
the project if the borrow pit is a
temporary pit established
specifically for this project. Some
of the borrow pits will be
submerged during the wet
season.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED
2.6.3

They enquired to know the

mitigation measures put in place
to address all envisaged impacts
of the project.

2.7

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of Land

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Permanent Secretary

It was clarified that the ongoing

ESIA will identify all potential
impacts of the project and to
identify adequate mitigation
measures to address them.

Socio-Economic

2.7.1

The community is very interested

in the project because it will be of
social and economic benefit to
them, but the community must
be carried along.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

Thank you for the comment; the

community will be included in the
process.

2.7.2

The socio-economic condition of

the people needs to be
understood.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

This is the reason why a social

impact assessment is to be
undertaken.

2.7.3

It will help to open up the country

and stimulate economic activities
in the area. It will help the two
cities to develop at a balanced
pace.

Obi of Onitsha

Onitsha Community

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Obi of Onitsha

The socio-economic impacts of

the project will be investigated as
part of the ESIA.

2.7.4

He pointed out that markets may

spring up at the landing of the
bridge and shops constructed
along the express way.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

The recommendation will be

made that it is a joint
responsibility between
government and the Consortium
to ensure that markets do not
pose a problem along the express
way.

2.7.5

Most people concerned by the

project will be affected
economically especially the
farmers.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

This will be a consideration in the

Social Impact Assessment
undertaken as part of the ESIA.

2.7.1

Employment

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

2.7.1.1

Employment: You affirmed that a

limited number of employment of
various skills will be required
during construction period and
reassured us there will be a
percentage (%) of local
employment.
We agree and look forward
anxiously to partnering with you.
We believe that during the 2nd
public hearing in September,
2014, the percentage will be
spelt out and Odekpe quota of
employment released, as well as
the employment procedure.

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

2.7.1.2

The youths of the area should be

considered for employment so as
to avoid youth unrest.

Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

2.7.1.3

Maritime workers union is a

major stakeholder in the
waterways and such members
should be considered for
employment as boat operators
during the project.

2.7.1.3

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

METHOD

RESPONSE

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

Noted. There will be limited jobs

but there will not be many and
these will be temporary during the
construction of the roads and
bridge.

Ogbaru Local
Government

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

There will be limited local

employment, which will include
the employment of youths.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Maritime Workers
Union

Noted. There will be limited jobs

but there will not be many and
these will be temporary during the
construction of the roads and
bridge.

Employment issues should be

discussed and agreed before the
commencement of the project
and not midway into the project.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

With The Akor of Oko
Kingdom

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible.

2.7.1.4

Requested that the youths of the

villages be considered for
employment

Vice Chairman Oshimili

South Local
Government Area

Oshimili South Local

Government

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Vice Chairman
Oshimili South Local
Government Area

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible.

2.7.1.5

Enquired whether local people

are going to be used in the

Prof. Chike Endozien

Asaba Community

21 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment

Digby Wells Environmental

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

DATE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

execution of the job.

METHOD

RESPONSE

with the Asabga of Asaba

has been made to employ locally

as far as possible.

2.7.1.6

Raised the issue of using local

communities for employment
during construction. Also
mentioned that the Consortium
needs to identify the skilled
labour in the community before
going elsewhere. There is also a
youth empowerment officer

Asaba South Traditional

Council members

Asaba South
Traditional Council

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting for

Authorities of Asaba South
Traditional Council
members

The Consortium has committed to

employing locally as far as
possible.

2.7.1.7

How would employment be

undertaken?

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible.

2.7.1.8

The community are interested in

providing jobs to the local people
and labour in the construction of
the bridge. They want to benefit.
Let the leaders be part of the
employment process.

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

Noted. There will be jobs but

these will be limited and
temporary during the construction
of the roads and bridge.

2.7.1.8

Let the displaced people be the

first to be employed.

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

This recommendation will be

made to the Consortium.

2.7.1.9

Let job creation be thrown open

to all communities to be
represented.

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

Noted

2.7.1.10

When people are employed,

after 4 years what will be the
nature of the pay off?

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

This still needs to be determined.

There are limited and temporary.
The contracts will only last for the
period of the construction phase.

2.7.1.11

Who will be paying the local

employees?

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

This is still to be determined.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

Onitsha

These still need to be determined.

2.7.1.15

Okpoko would suffer due to the

project. Will there be special
consideration for the community.
Appealing for direct interaction
with the consortium on social
issues and employment.

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

As part of the development of the

RAP there will be consultation
undertaken with the Okpoko.

2.7.1.16

Project should accommodate

Igbo Engineers and involve our
well learned people. Our people
should be represented in the
process

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

This is noted and will be

addressed.

2.7.1.17

There is high unemployment and

the project will provide
employment which we are
grateful for.
How will people be employed?

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

The SIA will look at the

employment of local people but it
must be understood that local
employment will be limited and
the period of employment is for
only four years during the
construction of the bridge. The
way that employment will be
undertaken is still to be decided.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

2.7.1.21

We would like the employment of

local youths.

Chairman of Idemili
Local Government
Council

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

The Consortium has committed to

employing a percentage of locals.

2.7.1.22

There is high level of

unemployment in the area and in
that regards HRH enquired to
know modalities for employment
so the community will know how
to get some of the youths
employed.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

held with Igwe of Obosi

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible.

2.7.1.23

It was clarified that employment

shall be considered in the ESIA

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

Key Stakeholder Meeting

held with Igwe of Obosi

At this stage the number of

people to be employed is not yet

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

studies and that the local people

will enjoy maximum benefit of the
project especially in the area of
employment.

RESPONSE
clear, but a commitment has been
made to employ locally as far as
possible.

2.7.1.24

The people from the community

should be employed during the
project so as to avoid unrest.
The community has the capacity
to provide both skilled and
unskilled workers and should be
given priority during employment.

Chief Emmah
Chukumu Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible.

2.7.1.25

He advised that youths of the

affected areas should be
considered for employment
during the project to ensure a
peaceful execution of the project.

Chairman of Idemili
North Local
Government Area

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

Written Comment

The employment policies and

procedures including percentages
of local employment are still to be
confirmed.

2.7.1.29

Policy of JB to employ
indigenous people

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible and this will

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
include the employment of Igbos.

2.7.1.30

Want percentage of skilled and

non -skilled for the indigenous
people of the area.

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible and this will
include the employment of Igbos.

2.7.1.34

Igbos out performed others in

testing but not employed

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible and this will
include the employment of Igbos.

2.7.1.35

Want JB to reverse all anti Igbo

policies

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible and this will
include the employment of Igbos.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

2.7.1.36

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

Recall all those unjustly and

unjustifiably dismissed

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The employment policies are still

to be confirmed but a commitment
has been made to employ locally
as far as possible and this will
include the employment of Igbos.

2.7.2

METHOD

RESPONSE

Community Development

2.7.2.1

The Community Liaison Officer is

not Igbo.

Igbo National Council

26 May 2014

Written Comment

Comment noted

2.7.2.2

What are the benefits for the

community? We need
scholarships.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The Consortium is investigating

different options to ensure that
there is community benefit. This
will be detailed in a Community
Development Plan.

2.7.2.3

What will the project sponsor do

for the community apart from job
provision?

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The Consortium is investigating

different options to ensure that
there is community benefit. This
will be detailed in a Community
Development Plan.

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

This is the purpose of a

Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
The RAP falls outside the
immediate scope of this ESIA but
is a study running parallel to the
ESIA which deals with the
impacts of land use change
resulting from the project, as
identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties. Compensation
will be done in accordance with

2.7.3
2.7.3.1

Resettlement

We want to believe that these

studies will help in your
relocation settlement action plan
and in building-up and assessing
the indices for just & fair
compensation.

Digby Wells Environmental

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
the relevant laws.

2.7.3.2

Farmers whose farmlands are

affected should be given an
alternative land allocation.

Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

Ogbaru Local
Government

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

These kinds of arrangements will

be investigated as part of the
RAP. The RAP falls outside the
immediate scope of this ESIA but
is a study running parallel to the
ESIA which deals with the
impacts of land use change
resulting from the project, as
identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.3

Nominated two people to

represent the Local Government
Authority in the resettlement
committee. The two persons are:
Chinedu Uwoloh- 08080342444,
0818394666
John Paul Ndupu- 07011589745

Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

Ogbaru Local
Government

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

Thank you for the comment. The

RAP falls outside the immediate
scope of this ESIA but is a study
running parallel to the ESIA which
deals with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.4

Nominees for the resettlement

committee should be paid since
they will leave their businesses
to join the committee.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

This falls outside the scope of this

ESIA but the comments will be
forwarded to the relevant parties.

2.7.3.4

The people are concerned about

the length of time to be given to
the affected people to move after
the payment of compensation.
They were told that 21 days will
be given to them to vacate their
houses for demolition. The time
is too short for anyone to build a
new house and move in.

Oko Amakom
Community

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oko Amakom
Community

A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

is being developed in parallel with
the ESIA. The RAP aims to
conform to the Equator Principles
(EPs). According to the EPs,
affected persons must be given
adequate notice and well as
relocation assistance if required.
The Consortium is working
towards developing realistic and

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
fair timeframes.

2.7.3.5

Nominated three people to

represent the Local Government
in the resettlement committee.
The people nominated include;
Hon. Eloka Steve Aziekwu (Vice
Chairman)
Hon. Fred Anyafulu
Hon. Afam Ijeh

Vice Chairman Oshimili

South Local
Government Area

Oshimili South Local

Government

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Vice Chairman
Oshimili South Local
Government Area

Thank you for the comment. The

RAP falls outside the immediate
scope of this ESIA but is a study
running parallel to the ESIA which
deals with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA, as
identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.6

Relocation is a package on its

own, write early to the Hon
Commissioner of Lands and brief
him on the issues raised so that
they will be involved.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

Thank you for the comment the

commissioner will be kept
informed and where necessary
will be involved.

2.7.3.7

Will people be affected on both

sides of the bridge and if so what
plans have been put in place for
acquire land for their
resettlement and what
compensation.

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

A Resettlement Action Plan is

being developed to address the
issues of compensation and
replacement land. The RAP falls
outside the immediate scope of
this ESIA but is a study running
parallel to the ESIA which deals
with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.6

People tend to want to stay in

their ancestral home and will
resist relocation. They need to
be consulted properly

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

Extensive consultation will be

undertaken as part of the
development of the RAP. The first
principle of a RAP is to resettle as
few households as possible and
that people should not be worse
off after resettlement. The

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
importance of ancestral homes
will be a consideration in the
development of the RAP. The
RAP falls outside the immediate
scope of this ESIA but is a study
running parallel to the ESIA which
deals with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.7

What is the resettlement plan?

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

The RAP is a plan that is being

put in place for resettlement and
compensation of those whose
property is affected by the
development. The RAP falls
outside the immediate scope of
this ESIA but is a study running
parallel to the ESIA which deals
with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.8

What are the measures to

resettle industries and their
workers who will be affected?
What is the form of
compensation considering that
they are employing labour?

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

The aim of the RAP is to ensure

that resettlement and /or
compensation is fair to all
affected. The issue of industry
and their labour will be addressed
in the RAP. The RAP falls outside
the immediate scope of this ESIA,
as it is a study running parallel to
the ESIA which addresses the
impact of resettlement. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.7.3.9

The people should be given

enough time to move.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

This will be included as part of the

RAP. The RAP falls outside the
immediate scope of this ESIA but
is a study running parallel to the
ESIA which deals with the
impacts of land use change
resulting from the project, as
identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.9

Will Federal Government provide

relocation Land?

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The Consortium is still developing

a RAP. The RAP will indicate if
compensation or relocation will be
required. The RAP falls outside
the immediate scope of this ESIA
but is a study running parallel to
the ESIA which deals with the
impacts of land use change
resulting from the project, as
identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.10

Settlement at the landing site of

the bridge will result in buildings
being destroyed etc. Is there
compensation and have they
been informed.

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholder Meeting

Onitsha

The RAP evaluates who needs to

be compensated and how. The
RAP falls outside the immediate
scope of this ESIA but is a study
running parallel to the ESIA which
deals with the impacts of land use
change resulting from the project,
as identified in the ESIA. The
comments will be forwarded to the
relevant parties.

2.7.3.11

Question of relocation. This

should be done before the work
commences. The people

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholder Meeting

Onitsha

Thank you for the comment this is

noted this is the reason a RAP is
being developed for the project.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

concerned should not be kept

ignorant and then have to go to a
court of law.
2.7.3.12

We need to be involved so that

we can assist in the identification
of alternative land for the
resettlement.

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

Thank you for the comment,

noted. This will be forwarded to
the relevant parties dealing with
this aspect.

2.7.3.13

We have provided three people

for the Resettlement Working
Group.

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

The Resettlement Working Group

is a committee that (in IFCcompliant RAPs) represents
displaced persons and other
relevant stakeholders and serves
as the primary vehicle for
resettlement- and compensationrelated negotiation and
information dissemination. Local
Government needs to be
represented on the Resettlement
Working Group. This will be
forwarded to the relevant parties
dealing with this aspect.

2.7.3.14

Land is not easy to acquire and

there is not sufficient land for
resettlement, this will need to be
carefully considered.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government Council

This will be considered in the RAP

developed for the project, which
falls outside of the ESIA process,
but is running parallel to it. This
comment will be forwarded to the
relevant parties dealing with this
aspect.

2.7.3.15

It is important peoples economic

livelihood is considered. If
relocation is decided it will need
to be an area where they can
continue to practice their
livelihoods.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government Council

The RAP, which falls outside of

the ESIA process, but is running
parallel to it, is working with the
state to decide where
replacement land can be found.
This will be investigated as part of

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

with Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government Council

Thank you for the comment. This

will be forwarded to the RAP
team.

If some peoples houses are

marked for demolition without
any information about how they
will be resettled, they may be
shocked and could die as a
result of the shock, but if there is
an assurance that compensation
will be paid, then they will
cooperate with the government.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

These issues will be addressed in

the RAP, which falls outside of the
ESIA process, but is running
parallel to it.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

2.8

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Transport / Roads

2.8.1

Embankment of up to 6m high:
At what point on the right of
way?

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

In general embankment is 5 to 6m
high above the existing ground
level to protect the infrastructure
from flooding.

2.8.2

Width of the right of way on both

sides of the centre line axis:
We requested for a detailed
survey plan for the Onitsha
sector of the road, to enable us
and our attorney - Ora Egbunike
and Associates, assess the
involvement of Odekpe
Community. So far- no survey
plan has been received, and so
far we have not heard you talk of
buffer zones.

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

The average Right of Way (RoW)

is 91.44m (100 yards) and
therefore the distance on either
side of the centre line is 45.72m.
However this is wider near the
embankments, the toll plaza and
the interchange. There is a plan
attached in the ESIA.
Resettlement will be considered
for those in the RoW but the ESIA
will consider the impacts of the
project for all affected in a greater
area. The comment regarding the
survey plan has been forwarded
to the Consortium.

2.8.3

I recall that in the 1950s, I

travelled by road between
Osogbo and Calabar and
between Osogbo and Port
Harcourt. On each journey, the
travelling party and our vehicle
was carried by ferry service
between Asaba, Delta State and
Onitsha, Anambra State. At that
time, apart from the railway/road
bridge crossings of the River
Niger at Jebba and the River
Benue at Makurdi, vehicular
traffic was carried across all

Akintola Omigbodun

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The amount to be tolled has not

been determined yet and will be
dependent on a number of factors
which are not known at this stage.
However, the economic impacts
of the bridge will form part of the
ESIA and will consider the
impacts of tolling on the
community.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

major rivers by ferry services.

The journey to Calabar required
a second ferry journey from Oron
to Calabar. During the 1970s, a
number of bridges were
constructed across the major
rivers and tolls were paid by
vehicles using these bridges until
tolls were cancelled during
President Obasanjos term in
office. Would the EIA study give
us an idea of what a ferry
journey would cost today
between Asaba and Onitsha? A
credible EIA study must provide
information to support any tolls
that would be charged on this
new bridge.
2.8.4

Requested for the drawings of

the road alignment to be given to
them so that they know the RoW
properties that will be affected.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

The overview of the proposed

development is included in the
ESIA report, as well as in the
Non-Technical Summary, as well
as the Background Information
Document.

2.8.5

Members are mostly waterway

transporters, transporting goods
and people along the Niger River
from Lokoja through Onitsha to
Patani, Bayelsa state.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Maritime Workers
Union

Thank you for the comment.

2.8.6

Because of the nature of the

environment, any road to be
constructed in the area must
have a reasonable elevation so
as to withstand the flooding in
the area.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

The access roads have been

designed in such a way so that
they will accommodate flooding.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.8.7

The road leading to the

community is in a very bad
shape and the people requested
that the road should be graded
and sand filled to enable them
move freely and transport their
farm products to town pending
when a bigger contract will be
awarded to tar the road. This will
give them a sense of belonging.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

The projects focus is on the

development of access roads for
the bridge, as well as the
construction of the bridge; the
development of secondary roads
does not form part of this project.
It is acknowledged that there is a
community need for roads to the
community but the construction of
such roads falls outside the scope
of the immediate project.

2.8.8

Request was also made to

consider the construction of a
flyover at the junction of the road
leading to the community to
minimize accidents.

Eze Christopher Obi

Oshimili South Local

Government

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting with

Vice Chairman Oshimili
South Local Government
Area

Comment noted. This will be

assessed in the RAP, which is an
independent study being
undertaken in parallel to the ESIA.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

2.8.12

Major part of the road falls within

the Head bridge acquisition and
needs to be settled with the
Director of Lands. Has the land
already been acquired for the
road?

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

2.8.13

Delta road is not tied with

existing road unlike that of
Onitshas end.

2.8.14

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The road has not clearly been

defined on the ground. The
people, land owners etc. that will
be affected are of great concern.
The road should be clearly
defined so that we will know who
will be impacted.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The RoW has been established

and the government surveyors
have done a survey to determine
how is affected within the RoW.
This has been supplemented by
an additional survey undertaken
by the RAP team, in an
independent by parallel study to
the ESIA.

2.8.15

We need to be talking specifics.

Can Julius Berger give us full
road network plan? One must
know the exact coordinates of
the road.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

An overview of the proposed RoW

and the additional Works is
included in the ESIA and the NonTechnical Summary, as well the
Background Information

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
Document.

2.8.16

How far apart are the

communities? People will want to
migrate towards the roads.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

As indicated on the map, the

communities are relatively close
to the road. The migration of
communities to the road side will
need to be managed by the local
government.

2.8.17

aspect will be assessed in the
Traffic Impact Assessment as part
of the ESIA.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

2.8.20

Where is the take-off points of

the proposed road on the Asaba
side relative to the existing roads

Ministry of Environment

2.8.20

All communities along the new

road at Asaba before that toll
gate at the Bridge must be
consulted. The EIA to involve
every issue along the right of
way (RoW) at the Asaba end.

2.8.20

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

This has not been determined yet

and will form a second part of the
project, which falls outside the
scope of this project.

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

Thank you for the comment. The

goal of the Stakeholder
engagement Plan is to include as
many people as possible.

Communities also want to be

informed about the access road
to the proposed bridge and how
it ties in with the proposed road
projects by the state
government. There is a need to
harmonize with government
planned projects around the
vicinity.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

The connecting roads to the

bridge will form part of another
Phase of the greater project and
falls outside the scope of the
project. The recommendation will
be made that there is
harmonization between all phases
of the project.

2.8.21

The Ministry of Works needs to

understand what the route is of
the road, so that it can fit in with
their planning. They also need
to understand the right of way.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

The connecting roads to the

2.8.22

From what point at Asaba will the

road begin.

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholder Meeting

Asaba

This aspect, which forms part of

Phase 2, has not yet been fully
determined, and is outside the
scope of this Phase 1 project but

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
is likely to be a by-pass
somewhere near the airport.

2.8.23

Will the old road and bridge be

upgraded?

2.9

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Environment

At this stage, there are no plans

to upgrade the existing road and
bridge, and these will remain in
their current state.

Health and Safety

2.9.1

Major area of concern is the

safety of members and
passengers during the
construction of the bridge.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Maritime Workers
Union

The ESIA will include a social

impact assessment that
addresses health and safety. This
will therefore be addressed as
part of the Environmental and
Social Management Plan (ESMP).

2.9.2

The Union met in Abuja and

requested that the project
proponent should partner with
the Union in the area regarding
safety. A speed boat should be
provided for the Union to be
used for safety awareness of the
public along the waterways and
let them know that the bridge
construction is ongoing.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Maritime Workers
Union

This request has been submitted

to the Consortium.

2.9.3

The Union requested shoreline

protection in the area to check
the erosion because they
gradually lose their houses and
farmland.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

The issue of erosion is will be

addressed by the biodiversity,
geotechnical and hydrological
specialists in the ESIA and EMP.

2.9.4

This group stated they would

assist the project with security for
the area should it be needed.
One member, who is the head of
the security group, will provide

Asaba South Traditional

Council members

Asaba South
Traditional Council

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with all Community
Authorities of Asaba South
Traditional Council

Thank you for the offer. The

contact information will be
provided to the project team.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

members

the contact details of the group

to assist the project.
2.9.5

How are you prepared to prevent

armed robbery on the toll road?

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The toll road will have its own

police post which will be
responsible for policing along the
toll road. Security matters are
expected to be a joint
responsibility between the
Consortium and the police.

2.9.6

ensure that these groups are be
engaged in the process as part of
the project.

2.9.10

There is the potential for crime

on the toll road. Does the design
include a police post?

Obosi Members

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

Yes, the design includes a police

post at the toll plaza.

2.9.11

There should be no settlements

or stalls near the road verge as
this poses a health hazard and

Obosi Members

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

Thank you for the comment,

noted. The Consortium will be
informed of this concern for the

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

these settlements should not be

These agencies will be engaged

when the project is rolled out to
ensure such bodies are involved
for the life phase of the project.

2.9.15

Chiduberu Iweka Eze pointed

that there is a certain level of
crime in the area and advised a
security post should be sited in
the area.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

The design includes a police post

2.10 Compensation
2.10.1

We want to believe that these

studies will help in your
relocation settlement action plan
and in building-up and assessing
the indices for just & fair
compensation.

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

Thank you for the comment.

These aspects will form part of
the RAP, which is an independent
but parallel study to the ESIA.

2.10.2

We agree with you that

September, 2014, is good for the
2nd public hearing, ahead of the
start of real engineering work in
October, 2014 and that

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

Comment noted the process of

compensation must occur before
the main works can commence.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

compensation will be effected

before the commencement of
construction work in October,
2014, so that peace will reign
and fears discarded.
2.10.3

Improper capturing at Ogbeakwu

Odekpe by Mark Ugorji & Co.
(Estate Surveyors, Valuers and
Facility Managers): It has come
to our notice that one Mark
Ugorji & Co purportedly an
estate surveyor and valuer
working for the Federal
Government, on this project,
stole into Odekpe Community at
Ogbeukwu end, conducted his
survey of some houses marked
for demolition, concluded his
capturing, and disappeared into
Abuja with a report.
We further understood that some
estate surveyors, not known to
the community stole into the
community alongside Mark
Ugorji & Co and, collected
powers of attorney from
individuals, under the pretext,
that the powers were donated to
them.
HRH, Okakwu Odekpe is aware
and the Federal Government is
also aware that such clandestine
practices, in the past, had been
froth with fraud, and involved
protracted litigations, and as
such must be avoided.

Digby Wells Environmental

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe CLO

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer (Community
Liaison Officer)

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

The concerns related to the

behaviour of the Estate Surveyors
are noted. This exercise was
undertaken as an appointment
from the Ministry of Works and is
not part of the current ESIA or
RAP processes. The letter has
been forwarded to the Consortium
to address such concerns through
the correct channels.
The information regarding the
correct way of approaching the
community is noted and we will
ensure such procedures are
followed in the ESIA and RAP
currently being undertaken.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Who identifies the bona fide

owners of properties in a
community? Who else if not the
authorities of the community?
The traditional ruler is the
starting point. This is why the
Federal Government insists that
traditional rulers must be
involved, ab initio. The traditional
ruler of Odekpe is Okakwu
Odekpe and he has delegated
this responsibility to a body. This
responsibility is guaranteed
through this body made up of
Odekpe CLO, Odekpe town
union executives (OPU), Odekpe
land management Executives
and Odekpe Youths Executives
all working together.
Any attempt to by-pass this
body, will lead to false results,
and problems and we do not
pray for such.
We are inclined to believe that
this is an oversight by Mark
Ugorji & Co. and we are
demanding that the error or
disagreement in procedure be
corrected immediately, by
identifying with the traditional
ruler for a start and revisiting
their field exercise.
For your information, Odekpe
Community has donated their
power of attorney to Ora
Egbunike and Associates (Estate

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

Surveyors and Valuers). This

covers structures, economic
crops, shrines and fish ponds,
sand beaches and ancestral
burial grounds and it is only the
community representatives who
can point out these items.
All and sundry who have an
evaluation job or interest in
Odekpe, on this project will be
advised to liaise with Ora
Egbunike and Associates. Any
individual or company, who ups
out of this arrangement is on his
own risk and peril and will be
answerable to HRH Okakwu
Odekpe and Odekpe
Community.
2.10.4

Inverse Condemnation claims: We wish to draw your attention

to the damages caused to
Okpakilika Village, Odekpe at
Obanwagwu Island on the
downstream side of the bridge.
About 40% of the Island is
currently at the bottom of River
Niger peoples houses and a
primary school have gone below.
The damage to the land has
been caused by recurrent
flooding and landslides over the
years, as a result of the
construction and operation of the
1st Niger Bridge at Onitsha. You
may wish to investigate this and
consider their claims under the

Digby Wells Environmental

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

The impact of the second bridge,

specifically as related to the
impact of flooding, will be
determined in the ESIA.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

inverse condemnation
proceedings, as the claims are
not negligible. As a matter of
fact, the claims are enormous.
2.10.5

If government will pay adequate

compensation to the people,
then they will cooperate and
there wont be any problem

Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

Ogbaru Local
Government

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Chairman

Thank you for the comment.

2.10.6

We have appointed our own

estate surveyor to ensure that
the process is undertaken fairly
and to assist the state surveyor.
People will not be allowed to
cheat in the process.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

Thank you for the comment. This

recommendation is noted.

2.10.10

They enquired to know what will

happen to those who have the
intention to crop their land but
could not do that any longer
because of the project. It was

Oko Amakom
Community Members

Oko Amakom
Community

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Oko Amakom
Community

This aspect will be addressed in

the RAP study, which is an
independent and parallel study to
the ESIA.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

clarified that no compensation

will be paid unless there are
crops on the land as at the time
of enumeration.
2.10.11

Enquired how the economic

values of trees will be paid for by
the government. It was clarified
that every economically
important tree has a standard
rate to be paid by the
government.

Oko Amakom
Community Members

Oko Amakom
Community

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oko Amakom
Community

This aspect will be addressed in

the RAP study, which is an
independent and parallel study to
the ESIA.

2.10.12

The community has appointed

an independent surveyor
(Oraegbunike) to verify what the
government surveyors have
done to ensure that the people
are not underpaid.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

Thank you for the assistance.

2.10.13

The Council should be consulted

to identify the right people to be
paid compensations.

Prof. Chike Endozien

Asaba Community

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Asagba of Asaba

This will be undertaken as part of

the RAP, which is an independent
and parallel study to the ESIA.

2.10.14

To what extent will you be

providing for fish/farming?

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

There will be no provision for fish

farming. However, should this
activity currently be taking place
within the RoW, there will be
some form of compensation. This
will be assessed in the RAP,
which is an independent and
parallel study to the ESIA.

2.10.15

The Ministry of Lands advised

against monetary values.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

Comment noted. Compensation

will be made in line with Nigerian
law, and aims to meet the IFC
Performance Standards and the
requirements of those affected.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.10.16

There are three (3) autonomous

communities in the Local
Government Area. These are
Asaba, Oko Amakom and Okpe.
You need to liaise directly with
these communities and
compensation should be paid to
the communities concerned
directly.

Oshimili Local
Government

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oshimili Local
Government

Thank you for the comment.

These communities are being
consulted and the
recommendation that the
compensation should be paid
directly to the communities will be
made.

2.10.17

Compensation with respect to

Forest Laws, which protect the
vegetation, must be considered.

Ministry of Environment

not yet developed. What will my

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

is being developed in parallel with

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

compensation be?

RESPONSE
the ESIA. As part of the RAP
process, negotiations will be held
with affected persons to
determine fair compensation
procedures and rates..

2.10.23

RoW which has been covered by
the road construction with no
compensation paid yet.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

This will be addressed in the

RAP, which is a parallel and
independent study to this ESIA.
The Consortium is working out the
types and forms of compensation

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
for this project.

2.10.27

People insisted that the report

should state clearly that
compensation should be paid
directly to affected people. Each
middle man takes a cut, so they
must not be part of the process.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

Noted, this will be a strong

recommendation in the RAP,
which is an independent and
parallel study to this ESIA.

2.10.28

The 20 lane toll gates will be on

the Oko side. Therefore a lot of
land will be taken. The loss of
economic trees and vegetation,
property and agriculture crops.
Who conducted the survey? Are
they competent surveyors? Has
the Forestry Ministry been
involved?

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

Government registered estate

surveyors were used, appointed
to undertake the process in line
with Nigerian legislation. The
appropriate compensation for
losses will be made. The current
RAP, which is an independent
and parallel study to this ESIA,
will also address these issues.

2.10.29

Who assessed the assets

/property affected by the Early
Works activities completed to
date? Is it the surveyor? What
compensation has been
determined especially for
economically important trees?
Were the state surveyors
involved?

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

An Estate Surveyor from the

Federal Ministry of Works
evaluated the assets. Federal
Government has undertaken to
ensure that appropriate
compensation is paid, in line with
Nigerian legislation.

2.10.30

Oko-Amakom is a fishing area.

When the bridge is constructed
the fishing community will be
affected. What will our
compensation be?

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

The impact on the fishing

community will be addressed in
the Social Impact Assessment, as
well as in the RAP, which is an
independent and parallel study to
this ESIA.

2.10.31

All sands dredged come from

Asaba side that will shift erosion
to our side, especially with the

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

This concern will be addressed in

the ESIA, specifically in the
hydrology assessment and

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

embankments on Onitsha side.

The comment is noted. The

impact on dredgers will be
considered in the Social Impact
Assessment of the ESIA and the
RAP, which is an independent
and parallel study to this ESIA.

2.10.35

The local population that needs

to be resettled and are expectant
of the compensation to be paid.

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of the Environment

The government surveyor has

established which landowners are
in the RoW and who needs to be
compensated. This aspect is also
being addressed in the RAP,
which is an independent and
parallel study to this ESIA.

2.10.36

The people are not troublesome

and the project should have no
issues with the resettlement and
compensation.

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of the Environment

Thank you for the comment. The

comment is noted.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.10.37

Who takes care of the

compensation payments for
properties and economic trees?

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

The Federal Government will be

responsible for payments. The
survey has already been
conducted for RoW and there will
be compensation for trees, fields
and structures. It will also be
investigated if there is alternative
land available. This will also be
addressed in the RAP for this
project, which is an independent
and parallel study to this ESIA.

2.10.38

Some affected people will

demand alternative housing
instead of compensation. The
question is how this land will be
provided particularly if the State
Ministry of Lands has not been
involved.

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

These issues will be addressed in

the RAP, which is an independent
and parallel study to this ESIA
and is being developed for the
project. Consultation is being
undertaken with all relevant
authorities.

2.10.39

When it comes to compensation

payments, the king should be
involved to verify that the correct
people are paid.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

The information regarding the

correct way of approaching the
community is noted and we will
ensure such procedures are
followed in the ESIA and RAP
currently being undertaken.

2.10.40

There are fishponds in the right

of way which will need to be
compensated for. Not only
houses should be compensated.

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

This impact will be addressed in

the Social Impact Assessment of
the ESIA and the RAP, which is
an independent and parallel study
to this ESIA.

2.10.41

We will require that

compensation is paid and that
local employment takes place.
People need to be fully
compensated for their losses

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

This impact will be addressed in

the Social Impact Assessment of
the ESIA and the RAP, which is
an independent and parallel study
to this ESIA.

Digby Wells Environmental

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

especially farmers.
2.10.42

The Igwe of Obosi informed the

team that the community hired a
surveyor to work with the
government surveyors during the
enumeration of properties along
the RoW in order to lessen
confusion.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

the Social Impact Assessment of
the ESIA and the RAP, which is
an independent and parallel study
to this ESIA. Consultation as part
of these processes will be held
with the relevant parties and
recommendations will be made to
the Consortium regarding how

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
compensation should be paid.

2.10.46

The community has appointed

an estate surveyor to work and
monitor what the government
appointed surveyor is doing and
ensure that the enumeration is
properly done

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment. We

would welcome the findings of the
community appointed surveyor.

2.10.47

HRH enquired how the

community will be compensated
if the impact of the project will
affect fishing in the river, which is
one of the major occupations of
the people. He pointed out that
any project whose impact will
affect the people so much should
not be encouraged.

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

This impact will be addressed in

the Social Impact Assessment of
the ESIA and the RAP, which is
an independent and parallel study
to this ESIA.

2.10.48

When asked what additional

assistance would be required,
everyone insisted that this should
be in the form of additional
monetary compensation (over
and above what would be paid
according to governmentapproved compensation rates for
structures, crops, etc.).
It was emphasized repeatedly
that the affected individuals are
not a community, but individuals
with disparate interests and
origins. It is therefore not
appropriate to treat them as a
group or to assume that
everyone would require the same
kind of resettlement assistance.

Participants in meeting
with landlords and
tenants

Odekpe Community

2 June 2014

Focus group meeting

International best-practice
standards stipulate that
preference should be given for inkind rather than monetary
compensation. However,
decision-making on compensation
measures will be a consultative
process, and stakeholder
preferences will be taken into
account.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

As above

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

compensation. People have

individual preferences regarding
the styles of their homes, and
replacement homes provided by
the Project would make them feel
as if they were living in a camp.

2.11 Land Value / Ownership

2.11.1

Project will not directly affect the

Maritime Workers in terms of
land and properties.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

held with Maritime Workers
Union

Comment noted.

2.11.2

The people were informed that

the government will pay for the
affected properties, trees and
crops but not the land because
government owns the land while
the individuals own the
properties.

Oko Amakom
Community Members

Oko Amakom
Community

23 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

held with Oko Amakom
Community

The Federal Government will be

2.11.3

It was also clarified that when a

group of people are affected, an
alternative land may be provided
and every one that owns land in
the affected area will be entitled
to equivalent size of land in the
new area.

Oko Amakom
Community Members

Oko Amakom
Community

23 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

held with Oko Amakom
Community

Comment noted.

2.11.4

Noted that land disputes have

started in some of the
communities especially Oko
Amakom as a result of the
proposed project.

Prof. Chike Endozien

Asaba Community

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Asagba of Asaba

Comment noted. This impact will

be addressed in the Social Impact
Assessment of the ESIA and the
RAP, which is an independent
and parallel study to this ESIA.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

2.11.5

Land acquisition is the

responsibility of the Ministry of
Land & Surveys and they should
be consulted on all land matters,
not the Ministry of Works.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

2.11.6

The Right of Way (RoW) falls

within planned development, so
you need to meet with the
Director of Lands.

2.11.7

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The issue of the Right of Way

was raised. Is the RoW fixed and
already demarcated? Even
though there is a conceptual road
alignment, there are still people
who do not know about the
proposed project and are still
buying land and properties within
the right of way.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

The RoW has been determined

for the project and a RAP is in the
process of being developed. It is
advisable that people do not buy
land after the RoW has been
demarcated as they will not be
eligible for compensation.

2.11.9

We were not consulted around

the quantum of land that might
be required and were not
consulted by the Federal Ministry
of Lands Surveyor.

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

The Ministry of Lands should form

part of the Resettlement Working
Group, which is one of the next
stages of the RAP. The purpose
of the meeting today is to inform
you of the project.

2.11.10

What land acts and regulations

are required at state level and is
there a land use plan for the
State?

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

At this stage the Federal Acts and

Regulations are used. There is no
documented land use plan at this
point.

Digby Wells Environmental

RESPONSE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

2.11.11

Plots that have not been

developed go back to the State
within a three year period if these
have not been developed.

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

2.11.12

We have engaged our own

surveyor to assist the Federal
Ministry surveyor, to assist in
verification of the rightful land
owners.

2.11.13

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

Obosi Members

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

this project. The recommendation
will be made to the Consortium
and this will be a consideration in
the development of the RAP,
which is an independent but
parallel study to the ESIA.

2.11.17

The State and the Local

Government Council own the
land and will advise that the
project complies with the town

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

Comment noted.

Digby Wells Environmental

RESPONSE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

planning law so as to ensure that

the land use of the area is
maintained.
2.11.18

The Chairman was informed that

the Local Government Council
may be asked to provide
replacement land for the affected
people

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

Comment noted.

2.11.19

The Chairman asked how long it

will take to get replacement land.
He stated that might take about 1
year. He pointed out that the
issue of choice may arise here as
the affected people may not like
the new area that will be given to
them.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Ogbaru Local
Government Council

Comment noted. This will be

considered in the RAP, which is
an independent but parallel study
to the ESIA.

2.11.20

One of the staff admitted that he

has been in touch with some of
the surveyors working on the
project. He pointed out that the
titles of all undeveloped plots of
land along the RoW will be
revoked.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of Land

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Permanent Secretary

Comment noted.

2.11.21

There is no land use map of the

area

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of Land

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Permanent Secretary

Comment noted. Information is

provided in the Background
Information Document.

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers
Union

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Maritime Workers
Union

One of the reasons for

undertaking and ESIA is to
understand and mitigate the
negative impacts.

2.12 Project Specific

2.12.1

The project is a welcome

development, but there may be
other negative impact that may
be associated with the project.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.12.3

The community complained that

people from other Oko
communities have been
meddling with the affairs of Oko
Amakom people since the project
started. They are of the opinion
that the project affects only
people from Oko Amakom
community and they dont see
reason why other villages
especially Oko Anala should try
to impose people on them to
control the project. According to
the speaker, the paramount ruler
of Oko Anala whose community
is very far away from the project
area and is not affected in
anyway has set up a committee
and appointed a Community
Liaison Officer to oversee the
project. The people are not ready
to accept that. Oko Amakom
people have set up their own 9
member committee to worker
with Julius Berger on the project.

Oko Amakom
Community

Oko Amakom
Community Members

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oko Amakom
Community

Comment noted.

2.12.4

The Akor of Oko Kingdom

assured the team of their
cooperation, peace and security
in the community during the
project

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

Comment noted.

2.12.5

In which month is the clearing of

bush and sand to start?

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

It has already started on the

access road on the Asaba side
but will also start on the Onitsha
side of the river. Only clearing
required for the Early Works will
take place now. Clearing for the

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

2.12.13

It should be investigated if there

is not an alternative to the

Anambra State Ministry

of Works

Anambra State
Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Governor of

This will depend on the design of

the road and bridge it might not

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

diversion of the creek. The

diversion of the creek can cause
environmental impacts. Can a
flyover the creek be created so
that the water can pass
underneath?

METHOD

RESPONSE

Anambra State

be possible to build a bridge or

culvert to allow the creek to follow
its natural course. This impact will
be assessed in the ESIA.

2.12.14

It is important the project work

through the Chiefs.

Chairman of Idemili
Local Government
Council

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

The paramount chiefs will be

Thank you for the comment. All

stakeholders will be considered in
the project and we will make sure
that we consult with them.

2.12.18

The project is a welcome

development as it will help to
decongest the old bridge which is
currently carrying more than its
capacity

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Permanent
Secretary

Thank you for the comment.

2.12.19

Will assist in making available

the relevant environmental laws
as regards the proposed project
and give all necessary support to
ensure that the project becomes
a success.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Permanent
Secretary

Thank you for the comment.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.12.20

The Governor expressed

optimism on the commencement
of the project. He promised to
give all the necessary support to
ensure that the project is
success.

The Governor

Anambra State
Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Works Governor

Thank you for the comment.

2.12.21

If the host communities are not

carried along during the planning
and execution the project, the
project may become difficult.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment. We

will ensure that the community is
consulted with and informed
about the project.

2.12.22

The Chairman of Idemili gave the

assurance that the Local
Government Council is ready to
assist with anything required to
ensure that the project is a
success.

Chairman of Idemili
North Local
Government Area

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Chairman of
Idemili North Local
Government Area

Thank you for the assistance

offered.

2.12.23

He also promised to give all

necessary support to help the
project move forward.

Chairman of Idemili
North Local
Government Area

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Chairman of
Idemili North Local
Government Area

Thank you for the assistance

offered.

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and Letter

These potential impacts will be

investigated in the ESIA,
specifically by the geotechnical
and hydrological specialists as
part of the ESIA.

2.13 Environmental Impact Assessment

2.13.1

ESIA for Odekpe Main Town and

Obanwagwu Island/ demand for
proactive measures: You may
wish to carry out the specialist
studies enumerated, on AUR
2289 (page paragraph 4) on the
down stream side of the bridge
as a result of constructing bridge
pillars (1st Niger Bridge). This
has caused a lot of changes
particularly the minor tributary of
the River Niger on Anambra

Digby Wells Environmental

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

State side has now changed to

be the major, while the major
tributary on the Delta State side
has shrunk to become the minor
tributary.
2.13.2

A second bridge on the down

stream is going to cause more
havoc - double havoc, on the
river banks of Ogbanwagwu
Island and Odekpe main town
with a possibility of an erosion
incursion of such magnitude that
will drive us out of our present
location, and there is no where to
go to, as the back of Odekpe is
water logged.
We are not limiting your studies
in any way. Rather we are calling
on you to be very thorough and
consider the effects over time
and to be proactive.
You may wish to study seriously
the possibilities and alternatives
of stabilizing the shorelines of
Ogbanwagwu Island and the
shorelines of River Niger along
Odekpe Main Town, and other
environmental and social impacts
that could result from this second
Niger Bridge.

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

2.13.3

The FMENV has responsibility

for the protection and
development of the environment
in Nigeria. Any new construction
is expected to be environmentally

Akintola Omigbodun

Digby Wells Environmental

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

First Watch

17 June 2014

Email and Letter

These potential impacts will be

investigated in the ESIA,
specifically by the geotechnical
and hydrological specialists as
part of the ESIA.

26 May 2014

Written Comment

Thank you for the comment. The

ESIA will be undertaken in line
with the principles outlined,

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

and socially sound, economically

viable and in compliance with the
Environmental Impact
Assessment Act No. 86 of 1992.
An EIA study puts together
information on existing conditions
in the projects area of influence.
The EIA study would then
evaluate the likelihood that
adverse ecological effects may
occur in the process of the
planning, construction and
operation of the project.
Furthermore, for social, cultural,
economic and health conditions
the EIA study would look at the
effects of the project on the ways
in which people live, work, play,
relate to one another, organise to
meet their needs and cope as
members of society.
2.13.4

There are a number of other

things which the EIA study
should look into. The study
should ensure that the owners of
parcels of land acquired for the
right-of-way of the road are paid
their compensation promptly. The
promoters, the Delta State
Government and the Anambra
State Government must ensure
that layout plans for the
development of land areas
adjacent to the new road are
specified by the state
governments. In particular, these

Digby Wells Environmental

Akintola Omigbodun

First Watch

26 May 2014

Written Comment

Thanks you for the comment.

These aspects will be investigated
as part of the ESIA.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

plans must ensure that the road

is truly an expressway which
would imply that access to the
road is only at a limited number
of locations.
2.13.5

HRM enquired if the project will

be delayed pending the
completion and submission of the
ESIA report.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

The project will not be delayed by

the ESIA.

2.13.6

Need to look beyond the

immediate communities. There
could be communities that might
be affected downstream from the
construction site.

Oshimili Local
Government

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oshimili Local
Government

An ESIA must consider all

affected parties, regardless of
where they are located. The ESIA
will consider impacts of the
project on downstream
communities.

2.13.7;

Secretary: It is important that the

socio economic and resettlement
issues are addressed in the
ESIA, as well as the
environmental impacts.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

Thank you for the comment. The

ESIA will assess both socioeconomic and environmental
impacts resulting from the
proposed project.

2.13.8

Dredging should be made

separate from the bridge
construction. It should be a
separate EIA.

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

Dredging will be considered in this

ESIA as it is part of the project
scope and is an impact re

2.13.9

The harbour is susceptible to

flash and sustained flooding. The
canal built by Government is
blocked. The other canal then
overflows during heavy rains.
Has the design/ESIA taken this
into consideration?

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

Such issues will be assessed in

the ESIA and recommendations
made to manage such impacts,
as required.

2.13.10

Radiation has been neglected in

your specialist studies. This

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

The scoping phase will determine

what specialist studies need to be

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

should be included.

RESPONSE
done. Radiation is not a specific
concern related to bridge and
road construction and as such, no
detailed study is being
undertaken.

2.13.11

We have had several previous

studies undertaken with no
results being made available.
These kinds of studies make it
difficult for us to see how the real
concerns are addressed. In your
studies taking place for Okophpo,
consider us.

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

The studies will be made

available to people to read for
themselves.

2.13.12

Is there any plan to share

geotechnical survey with those
concerned?

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

The ESIA documentation, which

includes a study related to this
aspect, will be made available.

2.13.13

Will the impacts on people be

investigated; such as Air Quality
and Traffic impacts?

Anambra State Ministry

of Lands Awka

Anambra State
Ministry of Lands
Awka

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Lands Awka

These will be assessed in the

Impact Assessment Phase of the
project in the Air Quality and
Traffic studies and a mitigation
plan will be developed to manage
the negative impacts.

2.13.14

The EIA reports must be made

available for review. An
Environmental Management Plan
must be developed to manage
the negative impacts and
enhance.

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

The reports form part of the ESIA

process being undertaken and the
Scoping Report, as well as the
ESIA Report and the ESMP will
be made available for public
comment.

2.13.15

Will the EIA only evaluate the

biophysical impacts or also the
impact on people?

Chief Emmah
Chukumu Onyiah

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

Both biophysical and social

impacts will be investigated in the
ESIA and measures to mitigate
negative impacts and optimise
positive impacts will be
recommended.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

Digby Wells Environmental

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

see the project as an enemy in

the sense that they may be
displaced without adequate
compensation or alternative
arrangement.
2.13.21

The Igwe of Obosi was asked if

there are areas of interest as
regards the environment that
should be put into consideration
in the course of the ESIA. HRH
pointed out that there is a sacred
river called Idemili River around
the project area. It is forbidden to
kill fish within a section of the
river ranging from the old bridge
to the new bridge crossing
Onitsha- Owerri road. There are
also shrines in the area.

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Igwe of Obosi

Thank you for the information.

This will be provided to the
relevant specialists for
consideration in the ESIA.

2.13.22

He enquired how long the ESIA

process will take.

The Governor

Anambra State
Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Works Governor

It was clarified that it may last till

October 2014. He advised that
the ESIA should be fast tracked
so that the project will not be
delayed

2.13.23

He enquired if the work is

restricted to Environmental
Impact Assessment or it also
includes valuation of crops.

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

The RAP, which is an

independent but parallel study to
the ESIA, will include the
evaluation of crops.

2.13.24

As clarification, it was stated that

all potential impacts will be
identified and mitigation
measures proffered to ensure
that the identified impacts are
properly addressed. There is also
going to be environmental
monitoring of the project to

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment

noted.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

ensure that there is compliance.

2.14 Niger Bridge

2.14.1

The Federal Government of

Nigeria, FGN, has recently
flagged off the construction of a
new bridge across the River
Niger at Onitsha. There have
been reports that requirements
for an Environmental Impact
Assessment, EIA, study could
delay the construction of the
project. However, the Federal
Ministry of Environment, FMENV,
has indicated that it has given
approval for the construction of
the project to go ahead pending
completion of an EIA study.

Akintola Omigbodun

First Watch

2.14.2

The second River Niger bridge at

Onitsha is being executed on a
design, build, finance, operate
and transfer model. The bridge is
located downstream of the
existing bridge on a new
alignment. It would be dual
carriageway with 8 traffic lanes
and pedestrian walkways. The
length of the bridge is 1590m as
part of an 11.90km long road
project with the cost of
construction put at
N117.86billion. The promoters of
the project are to be given a
concession for a period of 25
years.

Akintola Omigbodun

First Watch

Digby Wells Environmental

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The Federal Ministry of

Environment has issued an
interim approval for the Early
Works, allowing certain activities
to commence while the ESIA is
being undertaken. The ESIA is
currently being undertaken and
this will be completed prior to the
commencement of the Main
Works in November.

Written Comment

This is correct other than that

statement that there will be 8
traffic lanes. A maximum of 6
lanes (3 in each direction) is being
considered.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.14.3

The community will experience

ecological impacts during and
after the construction of the 2nd
Niger Bridge.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

These will be investigated as part

of the ESIA and mitigation
measures will be recommended.

2.14.4

The community has experienced

similar impacts after the
construction of the 1st bridge
which has led to the erosion
along the shoreline of the Niger
River in the community. Several
houses located along the
shoreline have been destroyed
by erosion.

Eze Christopher Obi

Anyafulu (HRM)

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

These potential impacts will be

investigated in the ESIA,
specifically as part of geotechnical
and hydrological specialist
studies.

2.14.5

What is the distance between the

old bridge and the new bridge?

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

Approximately 1.6 Km.

2.14.6

The Ministry of Works would

want the bridge specification and
other technical details of the
project to be submitted to the
ministry as promptly as possible.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

These will be submitted once the

details have been finalised.

2.14.7

Specific complaint about the

naming of the bridge as it is not
Asaba side but Oko Amakom
side - that is what the bridge
should be called.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The project is called Second River

Niger Bridge project, but we
acknowledge your comment.

2.14.8

Want to re-emphasize that it is

not Asaba-Onitsha bridge but
Oko-Onitsha bridge.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The name of the project is the

Second River Niger Bridge project
and the reference to the town is
just to place the project spatially.

2.14.9

They stated that any signboard

by the bridge must read Oko and
not Asaba.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The message circulated to the

project team and the Consortium.
But as indicated the name of the

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE
project is Second River Niger
Bridge Project.

2.14.10

Name change is a problem. It will

be proper if the bridge in called
Oko-Onitsha.

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

The project is called the Second

River Niger Bridge project.

2.14.11

Where is the bridge landing on

the Onitsha side?

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

The bridge will be constructed

between the two power lines
across the river.

2.14.12

The harbour layout will be

affected. The harbour association
should be notified of the Bridge
Development.

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of Environment

The project team has met with

this Association and members
were invited to the Key
Stakeholders Meeting.

2.14.13

Will the old bridge still have twoway traffic?

Igwe of Obosi Members

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Igwe of Obosi

Yes the existing bridge will stay

as it is.

2.14.14

There is severe vibration on the

old bridge.

Chairman of Idemili
Local Government
Council

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman of Idemili
North Local Government
Council

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

2.14.15

The bridge is very important for

us and we do not want any
disruption and want the project to
go smoothly.

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

2.14.16

Onitsha and Asaba are twin cities

and a lot of people live in Asaba
do business in Onitsha so the
bridge is highly desirable. It is
required for physical, mental and
social bridging of the two towns.

Obi of Onitsha

Onitsha Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting with

Obi of Onitsha

Thank you for the comment. The

comment is noted.

2.14.17

HRH also enquired about the

status of the old bridge after the
construction of the new one, as
well as other benefits that may

Chiduberu Iweka Eze

Obosi Community

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting with

Igwe of Obosi

The existing bridge will remain as

it is now but heavy duty vehicles
may not be allowed to use the
bridge. In terms of other benefits,

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

accrue to community apart from

employment.

RESPONSE
it is not yet clear at this stage
other areas the community will
benefit from the project. This will
be detailed in the ESIA Report.

2.14.18

I expect that the existing bridge

would be strengthened and
renovated once the second
bridge has been put into use.

Akintola Omigbodun

First Watch

26 May 2014

Written Comment

At this stage there are no plans to

upgrade the existing bridge.

2.14.19

He pointed out that the bridge is

of very great importance to all
Igbo people and they will not
want anything to disrupt the
project.

Igwe E.C Onyia of

Odekpe

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting with

His Royal Highness, Igwe
of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment. The

Email and attached letter

Thank you for the comment.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.15.4

We also agreed that

representatives of Odekpe
community from Okakwus
palace - the community liaison
officer and his team which
includes Odekpe Town Union
Executives (OPU), Odekpe Land
Management Executives and
Odekpe Youths Executives, will
be involved in ESIA and
compensation processes, for
peace to reign as it is the
representatives of the community
that are known to those whose
properties will be affected, not
police or army but the army and
police however could be there for
extra security while we will rely
more on the community input for
peace. Further agreement is that
the CLO and the chairman of
Odekpe Youths, will be your
contact persons, with Odekpe
Community. (Refer to
discussions at Okakwus palace,
Odekpe comments from HRH).

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

This comment has been

forwarded to Consortium and is
currently being addressed.

2.15.5

Non-Documentation of
notification: Even though we
have been informed orally and
we are cooperating with you, we
have noted that there is no
official letter on record, from
Government (Federal or State)
informing us that the 2nd Niger
Bridge is passing through some
sections of Odekpe Community,

Engr Ossai VN
Odekpe Community
Liaison Officer

Office of the
Community Liaison
Officer

17 June 2014

Email and attached letter

This comment has been

forwarded to Consortium and is
currently being addressed.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

indicating their intention to

acquire land and properties for
the right of way and indicating
their commitment to pay
compensation. This is the time to
correct this lapse.
2.15.6

An EIA study has the advantage

that the public has to be
consulted with relation to the
project. Government actions are
normally shrouded in secrecy
and for this project, the public
should be consulted on how
much it would cost for a vehicle
to use the bridge. The public
wants new infrastructure but we
are ambivalent as to who should
pay for the infrastructure. When a
project is completed and ready
for use, the public then comes up
with the position that our taxes
could readily have paid for the
project. The government would
also have to indicate if there
would be any payment for a
crossing of the existing bridge at
some future date

Akintola Omigbodun

Environmental impact
of the second River
Niger bridge at
Onitsha

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The cost of the toll has not been

determined yet as this is
dependent on a number of factors
which have not yet been clarified.
The economics of the toll system
do not form part of the scope of
the ESIA. However, the Social
Impact Assessment will consider
the impact of tolling on the
community as one of the aspects
of its study.

2.15.7

The government appointed

surveyor did not consult anyone
during the course of his job.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Town

22 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Traditional Ruler of
Odekpe Town

The comment is noted. It is

understood that the surveyor did
consult with people when the
survey of the RoW was
undertaken. However, the
surveyor process is outside of the
current RAP and ESIA and we will
ensure that we consult with all
affected parties as part of the

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

Consultation has been

undertaken as part of this process
and will be ongoing.

2.15.11

Consultation was conducted in

Oko Amakom. There is the need
for consultation to be extended to
other Oko villages especially Oko
Odifulu because the impact of
the project may extend to other
communities.

Vice Chairman Oshimili

South Local
Government Area

Oshimili South Local

Government

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Vice Chairman
Oshimili South Local
Government Area

The comment is noted and

consultation with these
communities can be undertaken
in the next round of engagements.

2.15.12

The entire relevant community

representatives attended the
meeting.

Asaba South Traditional

Council members

Asaba South
Traditional Council

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with All community
Authorities of Asaba South
Traditional Council
members

Thank you for arranging their

attendance at the meeting.

2.15.13

This is a project that has been

eagerly anticipated. The project
has started without consultation.
This should have been done
before the commencement of the

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The comment is noted and this is

one of the reasons the meetings
are taking place this week.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

project.
2.15.14

The Consortium should not leave

the State out of the planning
during the EIA.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The intention of the meeting being

held today is to ensure that such
bodies are included in the
process.

2.15.15

Oko-Amakom community on
Asaba side is concerned as they
need to be consulted during the
EIA process. They claim that
they were not consulted in other
EIA Processes.

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

The Oko-Amakom will be

extensively consulted in the ESIA
process and meetings with this
group will take place this week.

2.15.16

The Ministry advised the team to

do more consultation to involve
the Ministry of Environment
during data gathering and to
continue to contact the Ministry.

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of
Environment

Thank you for the comment. The

Ministry has been involved in the
wet and dry season sampling and
the stakeholder engagement
meetings. There will be more
interaction with the Ministry during
the impact assessment phase of
the project.

2.15.17

There is a need to avoid other

consultations with people who
are not affected by the project.

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The project team needs to consult

all parties who are interested in
and affected by the proposed
project, not only those who are
directly affected.

2.15.18

The Chief expressed

appreciation on behalf of all to
the South African team. He
hopes to have more of the
meetings as the work
progresses.

Asaba Members

Asaba Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Asaba

The project team thanks the Chief

for his comment.

2.15.19

The Kings for the different areas

need to be met with.

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of the Environment

This has taken place.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

process.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Ogbaru
Local Government Council

They will be engaged throughout

the life of the project.

2.15.24

Local Government needs to play

its part in the process.

Chairman of Ogbaru
Local Government
Council

Ogbaru Local
Government Council

26 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Ogbaru
Local Government Council

The assistance of local

government will be required
throughout the project.

2.15.25

The Obi of Onitsha stated that he

was quite happy that the team
had visited him and promised to
be of assistance with anything

Obi of Onitsha

Onitsha Community

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Obi of Onitsha

Thank you for the comment and

the offer of assistance.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

that will make the project move

forward. He is willing to make the
local people available with whom
the team can liaise as focal
points to be able to work more
closely to the people. The team
should be free to approach him
or any of the Chiefs if there is
any issue to be discussed or any
problems encountered in the
course of the ESIA or RAP.
2.15.26

The communities should be

consulted from time to time to
discuss the progress of the work
so that issues will be discussed
and problems sorted out.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Odekpe Community

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness,
Igwe of Odekpe

The communities will continue to

be consulted.

2.15.27

The visit of the ESIA team has

given the Chairman the
assurance that the project is a
reality.

Chairman of Idemili
North Local
Government Area

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Chairman of
Idemili North Local
Government Area

Thank you for the comment.

2.15.28

The Chairman promised to

consult with the affected
communities within his
jurisdiction in order to know their
concerns.

Chairman of Idemili
North Local
Government Area

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Chairman of
Idemili North Local
Government Area

Thank you for the assistance.

2.16 General
2.16.1

HRM Obi Akacze wants to

undertake a site visit.

HRM Obi Akacze

26 May 2014

Written Comment

The site setup activities have just

commenced. A site visit with the
Consortium can be considered
once site establishment is
complete.

2.16.2

Members of the Maritime

Workers Union operating in the

Maritime Workers Union

Maritime Workers

23 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Maritime Workers

Noted.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

Union

area represent the Delta District,

which comprises people from
Delta and Anambra States.

METHOD

RESPONSE

Union

2.16.3

On the 28th of March, 2014, His

Royal Majesty (HRM) wrote a
letter of introduction to the
Federal Ministry of Works as the
recognized traditional ruler in all
Oko community. Oko community
is made up of six communities.

Akor of Oko Kingdom

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Akor of Oko
Kingdom

Thank you for the comment.

2.16.4

HRM introduced the attendants

of the meeting as committee
members constituted to oversee
the project and it is made up of
members from the six Oko
communities

Akor of Oko Kingdom

Oko Kingdom

23 May 2014

Asaba Community

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Asagba of Asaba

Noted, thank you. All information

will be channeled through this
office.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.16.8

There are nine communities that

make up the Council.

Prof. Chike Endozien

Asaba Community

21 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Asagba of Asaba

Thank you for the information.

2.16.9

We need to work through the

structures of Asaba to obtain the
right contacts for consultation.

Asaba South Traditional

Council members

Asaba South
Traditional Council

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting for

All community Authorities
of Asaba South Traditional
Council members

Thank you for offering to assist

the project in this way.

2.16.10

The Asagba would be travelling

and would be deputised by the
Eyase

Asaba South Traditional

Council members

Asaba South
Traditional Council

26 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting for

All community Authorities
of Asaba South Traditional
Council members

Comment noted and contact will

be made with the Eyase.

2.16.11

You need to look at the Master

Plan of Asaba as the capital of
Delta State. Take a look at the
plan, but you also need to
understand it.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

Comment noted. The plan will be

studied.

2.16.12

You need to do a memorandum

on the project.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

This should be undertaken by the

Consortium and will form part of
the development of the RAP.
Land acquisition will follow the
approved government process.
The RAP will make
recommendations on what this
process should entail in order to
comply with international best
practice

2.16.13

There needs to be a proper land

acquisition process for the RAP.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

Thank you for the comment. This

comment will be forwarded to the
Consortium and the RAP team.

2.16.14

Are the Surveyor General &

Urban Manager involved in the
project? Your project will
interface with Asabas Main

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The comment is noted and will be

brought to the attention of the
project team. These parties will
be included on the database and

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

Market Project.

RESPONSE
will be consulted going forward.

2.16.15

Borrow pits are too close to the

highway. This needs to be
addressed.

Ministry of Land Survey

& Urban Development

Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Ministry of Land
Survey & Urban
Development

The position of the borrow pits are

fixed as these are areas which
are suitable for the construction of
borrow pits. The impacts of the
location will be assessed in the
ESIA to determine how negative
impacts can be mitigated.

2.16.16

List of Youth Leaders:

Vice Chairman Oko Youth
Leader
V. Oko Chukwudum Ezinwa
080 3377 9476
V. Okwe Malchi Ofordium
080 2102 6385
Youth League Oko Hon Eloka
Azikwu 080 367 97052
Youth League Okwe Agunga
Fumnanya 080 67923367
V Asaba
Youth League Asaba
Woman Leader OMU and
NCWS

Oshimili Local
Government

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Oshimili Local
Government

Thank you for the information.

2.16.17

This body needs to understand if

there are possibilities of the
Consortium partnering with the
State Ministry of Works.

Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Ministry of Works

The project is being undertaken

with the Federal Ministry of
Works.

2.16.18

Please be aware that people may

make false claims.

Onitsha Landowners

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

This aspect will be borne in mind

and will be addressed in the RAP
developed for the project.

2.16.19

Should the borrow pit be sited

within the area or far away to

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

29 May 2014

Onitsha Landowners
Meeting

The borrow pits need to be close

to where the roads are being built,
but their location is determined by

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

venue and impacted community
is NOT part of Asaba but it is
separate i.e. Oko-Amakom

Oko-Amakom
Community Landowners

Oko-Amakom
Community
Landowners

29 May 2014

Oko-Amakom Community
Landowners Meeting

The comment is noted and this

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

2.16.25

Who monitors the practices of

the Consortium (JBN & NSIA)?
(Human Rights Commission
asked this question )

Onitsha Members

Onitsha Community

30 May 2014

Key Stakeholders Meeting

Onitsha

The Government of Nigeria and

the Federal Ministries of Works
and Environment. If there is
donor funding, there will also be
international monitoring of the
project to ensure compliance with
the Equator Principles.

2.16.26

What local laws and regulations

are applicable to the
environment?

Anambra State Ministry

of the Environment

Anambra State
Ministry of the
Environment

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Anambra State
Ministry of the Environment

The Scoping Report details the

laws and policies that need to be
complied with.

2.16.27

A banner should be erected

advertising the project.

Anambra State Ministry

of Works

Anambra State
Ministry of Works

27 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with the Governor of
Anambra State

Thank you for the comment,

noted. This recommendation will
be made to the Consortium.

2.16.28

The Chairman will discuss the

project with the affected. He will
communicate with them and get
their issues and feed these back
to the project proponent.

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

Focus Group Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

2.16.29

The Chairman indicated that he

would like to offer support as far
as possible and that he can be
called on for any assistance.

Chairman of Idemili
Local Government
Council

Idemili Local
Government Council

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Chairman Idemili North
Local Government Council

Thank you for the comment,

noted.

2.16.30

Local people should be given the

opportunity to explain the project
as they have the local context.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

Thank you for the comment,

noted. One of the goals of this
consultation is to obtain local
information about the project
area.

2.16.31

Would like an explanation of the

relationship between Julius
Berger (JB) and yourselves.

Chief Emmah Chukumu

Onyiah

Royal Highness Igwe

of Odekpe

28 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with His Royal Highness
Igwe of Odekpe

Nigerian Sovereign Investment

Authority (NSIA) and Julius
Berger have formed a Consortium
known as the Motorways
Investment Company (NMIC).

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

into consideration.

2.16.37

The State do not have any

environmental laws, rather they
rely on Federal laws and
regulations on environment.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Permanent
Secretary

Thank you for the information.

2.16.38

The Permanent Secretary

pointed out that there was a plan
to establish a Free Trade Zone
along the shoreline around the

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Permanent
Secretary

Thank you for the information.

Digby Wells Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE PROJECT
COMMENT AND RESPONSE REPORT
AUR2289

COMMENT RAISED

CONTRIBUTOR

ORGANISATION/
COMMUNITY

DATE

METHOD

RESPONSE

proposed project area, but the

plan did not materialize.
2.16.39

Anambra State people are

generally peaceful as long as
their interests are protected.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of
Environment

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with the Permanent
Secretary

Thank you for the comment; the

comment is noted.

2.16.40

The Permanent Secretary

enlisted the support of the
Ministry of Lands for the project
and expressed interest in being
part of the project. The Town
Planning Ministry of the Ministry
will be involved to the extent
required.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of Land

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Permanent Secretary

Thank you for the assistance.

2.16.41

The Permanent Secretary

promised to make available all
relevant documents available to
enhance the project.

Permanent Secretary

Anambra State
Ministry of Land

27 May 2014

One on One Meeting held

with Permanent Secretary

Thank you for the information.

Digby Wells Environmental

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Appendix 6: PowerPoint Presentation

Project Background
Who is developing the project
A Consortium comprising the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Julius
Berger, together with the Federal Ministry of Works Nigeria, proposes to develop a
second bridge over the Niger River linking the towns of Onitsha and Asaba.

Project Background
NSIAs Motorways Investment Company (NMIC), and Julius Berger Investments Ltd. (JBI), have signed a
Cooperation Agreement for NMIC and JBI to act as financial partners to design, build, and operate the
Second Niger Bridge Project in a public-private partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Appointed Environmental Assessment Practitioners

Overall project managers and compilation of the
ESIA report. Aurecon is a global consulting firm.
Responsible for the Stakeholder Engagement
process,
Social
Impact
Assessment
and
Resettlement Action Plan. Digby Wells is based in
South Africa with representation in London, Mali,
Accra, Bamako, Dakar and Perth.
Nigerian Consulting firms assisting with the ESIA,
the Stakeholder Engagement, Resettlement and
Social Impact Assessment will provide local
knowledge and expertise.
1

Project Description
The bridge will be built south of the existing bridge and will provide an additional link between
Asaba and Onitsha, having six lanes in total (three lanes in each direction). The total length of the
bridge and access roads is approximately 12.5 km. The road and bridge will be a toll road on
completion and will be used for commercial traffic while the old bridge will not be tolled and will
be for the use of non-commercial traffic. Construction of the access road on the Asaba side of the
river will require resettlement of households and a Resettlement Action Plan will be developed. It
is estimated that the complete construction period will be four (4) years.
There are four (4) sections to the development:

Asaba Road

Toll Plaza

Bridge

Onitsha Road

Will need relocation of existing road

Length 2.4 km
Toll plaza will be located on the bridge approach, will have 20
lanes
Length of 1.5 km
Length of 1.6 km

Divewrsion of creek is required

Length 7 km
2

Project Schedule

Early Works
March October 2014

Construction of temporary access road, requiring

compensation
Creek diversion (Onitsha)
Dredging of sand to be used for the embankments
Mining of borrow pits
Vegetation Clearance
Activities will be undertaken
along the entire length of
Construction of culvert
the roads and bridge
Set up of camp and yards
simultaneously.

Main
Construction
October 2014 July 2018

Bridge construction and installation of additional

construction camps and yards;
Road construction, dredging of sand, mining of borrow
pits;
Main yard and the construction camp near the Onitsha
port north of the old bridge; and
Smaller yards are required, but the main yard will be at
the Onitsha port
500 to 1000 staff will be required at peak
construction period. People will be informed
about the recruitment process that will be
followed.
2

Project Location

ESHIA & Stakeholder Engagement Process

Requirements

Authorisation is required
from EPA

Requirements with regard to assessment, mitigation and management of

socio-economic impacts related to the project.
Operations to international good practice , need for a Resettlement Action
Plan.
Contact: Aurecon Nigeria

Gregory Osugba
Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Tel: +234 1710 148 Address: Block 20,
ESHIA will be conducted in terms of Nigerian legislation and International Plot 32B, Admiralty Way, Lekki Peninsula
Scheme 1, Lagos I Nigeria
good practice (IFC, Equator Principles).
Email: [email protected]
Specialist studies were conducted September 2013.

ESHIA scoping report will be available to stakeholders in June 2014.

Air Quality

Traffic and Transport

Risk Assessment

Visual

Noise

Terrestrial Biodiversity

Geohydrology

Social

Vulnerability and Adaptation

Hydrology

Aquatic Biodiversity

Waste Management

Geology/Geotech/Soils

Land Use and Planning

Resettlement Action Plan

Stakeholder Engagement
May 2014
Aug / Sep 2013
Sep 2014

Digby Wells Environmental and South

Africa
Steve Horak or Vanessa Viljoen
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]

Project announcement
Stakeholder meetings
Scoping phase of the ESIA
Stakeholder meetings for feedback
Impact assessment phase of the

Submission to EPA for a decision about the proposed project

Public hearing

APPENDIX G
SAMPLING LOCATIONS FOR SPECIALIST
STUDIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4

Geohydrology .................................................................................................................................. 2
Hydrology ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Air Quality ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Noise ............................................................................................................................................... 5

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 | Hydrocensus sample points .................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 | Map showing the location of the water quality sampling points in relation to the existing and
proposed bridges .................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3 | Location of noise receptors in relation to the project alignment ............................................. 6
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 | Surface water sampling points ................................................................................................. 3
Table 2 | Surface water sampling points ................................................................................................. 4
Table 3 | Receptors locations.................................................................................................................. 5

Geohydrology

Figure 1 | Hydrocensus sample points

Hydrology

Water samples were undertaken at nine points (refer to Figure 2). The initial coordinates of the
sampling points were fed into a GPS to aid navigation to the sampling point. During the site visit the
actual coordinates of the points were recorded and these coordinates are presented in the table
below.

Figure 2 | Map showing the location of the water quality sampling points in relation to the
existing and proposed bridges

Table 1 | Surface water sampling points

Surface water

Type of asset

Number

Length (m)

% of total area surveyed

NR01

6.245932

6.72493

Control site upstream of Asaba urban edge.

NR02

6.142051

6.756898

NR03

6.140336

6.765701

NR04

6.12009

6.74995

Downstream of proposed bridge (right bank).

NR05

6.1188

6.75264

Downstream of proposed bridge (mid-stream).

NR06

6.11675

6.75716

Downstream of proposed bridge (left bank).

Control upstream of the project site (right hand1 arm of the

river).
Control upstream of the project site (left hand arm of the
river).

Left arm/ bank and right arm/ bank refers to an observer facing in a downstream direction

NR07

6.107965

6.745004

Downstream of project area and near dredging area (right

bank).

NR08

6.102988

6.757064

Downstream of project area (left bank).

NR09

6.09286

6.72157

Downstream of dredging area (right bank).

Air Quality

The table below provides a description of sampling locations and coordinates for undertaken for the
air quality assessment for the wet (September 2013) and dry (March 2014) seasons.
Table 2 | Air Quality sampling points
S/NO

SAMPLE CODE

SAMPLING LOCATION

Elevation
(m)

SNB - AQ1

SNB - AQ2

SNB - AQ3

SNB - AQ4

Obosi Interchange. 140 SE in direction of

proposed laterite source site.
NKPIKPA New Layout (V.N EZERIE ST
Junction) Residential area. About 500 m from
proposed road route.
Residential area along Atani Road. 50 m
from River Niger bank. Refuse dump by the
bank.
ATANI Rd-Olympic Rd, Junction Harbour
Industrial Layout Fairly heavy traffic i.e. 38
automobiles/min.

SNB - AQ5

SNB - AQ6

SNB - AQ7

SNB - AQ8

SNB - AQ9

SNB - AQ10

Sand Mining Beach

Yard Onitsha, Industrial Area, by the River
Niger.
Oko Amakom Community. NZEKWE
ENEBELI St, hamlet with very few houses.
Located along the communitys King Palace
Road.
Amakom Primary School II Power line
bordered by residential mud houses.
St Anthony Catholic Church Power line
Amakom Powerline Market Area.
Power line Jetty River Bank. Oko Amakom.
About 250m, 40 NE from old Niger Bridge.
Okwe Community. residential area. About
50m from a secondary vegetative area

COORDINATE
Latitude N
Longitude E
060 05 40.5
0060 48 36.3
060 06 12.9
0060 47 27.9

0600
0060

06 24.7
45 39.1

060
0060

07
46

13.4
13.3

060
0060

07
45

00.7
42.4

060
0060

07
44

35.2
22.9

060
0060
060
0060
060
0060
060
0060

07
44
07
44
07
45
09
44

23.6
52.1
35.6
59.7
34.4
04.8
40.1
25.6

37
28
31

Noise

The baseline noise survey was undertaken during the dry season sampling period (early
March 2014). Measurements were taken at a standard height of 1.5 m and minimum of 3 m away
from any reflecting surfaces. A Casella CEL-490 Type 1 sound level meter was used for the shortterm measurements. Measurements were taken over a 15 to 30 minute period at each of the
locations. Based on the initial field visit the following measurement points have been selected (Table
3 and Figure 3). These noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) are located in close proximity to the
proposed alignment.

Table 3 | Receptors locations

Reference

Description

Classification*

Coordinates
Longitude (N)
Latitude (E)
060 0540.5

NSR1

NSR2

Obosi Interchange

Industrial

Nkpikpa New Layout (V.N Ezerie

Street Junction) Residential area

060 4836.3
06006 12.9

Residential

0604727.9
0600624.7

NSR3

Residential area along Atani Road

NSR4

Atani Rd-Olympic Rd,

Harbour Industrial Layout

Junction

NSR5

Sand Mining Beach Yard Onitsha,

Industrial Area, by the River Niger.

NSR6

Oko Amakom Community. Nzekwe

Enebeli Street, hamlet with few
houses.
Located
along
the
communitys King Palace Road.

NSR7

Amakom Primary School II Power

line bordered by houses.

NSR8

Power line Jetty River Bank. Oko

Amakom. About 250m, 40 NE from
old Niger Bridge.

Residential

0604539.1
0600713.4

Industrial

060 4613.3
0600700.7

Industrial

06045 42.4
06007 35.2

Residential

School/
Residential

00604422.9
060 0723.6
0604452.1
060 0734.4

Residential

0604504.8

Figure 3 | Location of noise receptors in relation to the project alignment

APPENDIX H
SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE MAPS

Map 1 Social Overview Map

Map 2 Land Use Map

APPENDIX I SPECIALIST DISCIPLINE

SPECIFIC METHODOLOGIES

CONTENTS
1.

VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION ............................................................................................ 1

1.1
Phase 1: Scenario development Development of the vulnerability assessment to climate
change 1
1.1.1

Step 1: Technical issues ..................................................................................................... 1

1.1.2

Step 2: Scenario development ............................................................................................ 1

1.2
Phase 2: Sectoral assessment ~ formulation, prioritization and development of climate
change adaptation action plan ............................................................................................................ 4

1.2.1

Know your enemy................................................................................................................ 5

1.2.2

Reducing hazards vs reducing vulnerability ........................................................................ 5

1.2.3

Potential risk reduction measures ....................................................................................... 5

VISUAL ............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1

Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 7

2.2

Visual quality and aesthetic pleasure ...................................................................................... 8

2.3

Landscape character and sense of place ............................................................................... 8

2.4

Key viewing locations .............................................................................................................. 9

2.5

Visual sensitivity .................................................................................................................... 11

2.6

Visual modification ................................................................................................................ 12

2.7

Data ....................................................................................................................................... 14

2.8

Application of the methodology ............................................................................................. 14

TRAFFIC ........................................................................................................................................ 17

LAND USE ..................................................................................................................................... 19

1.
1.1

VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION

Phase 1: Scenario development Development of the vulnerability
assessment to climate change
1.1.1
Step 1: Technical issues
The first step of this project is to define and understand the scope of this project. This entails
the:
Preparation of a detailed work-plan, including a strategy that involves all relevant
stakeholders, timelines, etc.
Design of a strategy to link the vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) assessment with
previous national and local studies or projects and on-going related projects.
Analysis of policy instruments and mitigation initiatives in place to minimize the
impact of climate change or reduce vulnerability levels.
Step 1 would provide the foundation from which to commence to the next phase, scenario
development, where the V&A assessment model will be created.
1.1.2

Step 2: Scenario development

Step 2 in Phase 1 is the scenario development where the consequences of possible future
conditions are assessed. This also includes the assessment of how organisations or
individuals might respond, or how they could be better prepared for them. Part of the
scenario development is to identify the types of scenarios required to conduct this V&A
assessment (e.g. climate, socio-economic, etc.) and the temporal or spatial resolution
needed for these scenarios (e.g. area based, time-based, or conditions based). Finally the
climate vulnerability maps are compiled in Geographic Information System (GIS) where after
the strategies are developed for the creation of the defined scenarios.
A very basic risk assessment model based on GIS technology will be developed that will be
simple to apply for future V&A assessments after this study. A comprehensive disaster risk
assessment combines scientific research with a consultative process through workshops
and expert interviews. In this study, approach inputs would be obtained from various
identified stakeholders. The results from both of these processes are then combined to form
a comprehensive picture of the risk profile for the project area. The inclusion of a
consultative process allows the inclusion of traditional knowledge of the project area.
The quantification of the resulting risk is done by applying the United Nations International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) formula to the scored disaster risk variables;
hazard, vulnerability and capacity to cope.
Risk = Hazard * Vulnerability / Capacity to Cope
These scores will be used in order to prioritise the risk in the final phase of the analysis.
The CCVAA model will consist of three sections, where an assessment of the hazard, the
vulnerability, and the capacity to cope, is performed. These three sections are discussed in
more detail in the following paragraphs.

Hazard assessment
During a hazard assessment the probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses
resulting from the hazard, are identified. A hazard assessment is thorough and technical
study of the nature and behaviour of the hazard by studying the location, severity, frequency
and probability thereof. Figure 1 indicates an example of a flood hazard map showing areas
prone to flood due to certain scenarios for a city. These results will be used to identify
vulnerable communities and environments in the vulnerability assessment.

Figure 1: Example of a flood hazard map

Vulnerability assessment
Vulnerability refers to a set of conditions resulting from physical, social, economic and
environmental factors, which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact of a
hazard. The vulnerability of a community is normally determined from statistical data.
Vulnerability is divided into four categories, namely:
Societal: The focus of this analysis is to identify those neighbourhoods where
individual resources are minimal. The limited availability of resources in a community
suggests that the community might be vulnerable, or susceptible, to any hazard
event.
Economic: The phase focuses on the identification and analysis of the economic
vulnerabilities to hazard impacts.
Environmental: The purpose of this analysis is to identify locations where there is
potential for secondary environmental impacts from natural hazards and to target
vulnerable locations for risk reduction activities.
Critical Facilities: This analysis focuses on determining the vulnerability of key
individual facilities or resources within your area.
The inundation result obtained from the hazard assessment will be overlaid with various
additional GIS data sets to determine these vulnerable areas within the project area. For
example, infrastructure data will overlay with the flood hazard GIS layer to see where

possible damage to infrastructure can occur due to flooding. Environmental data sets will be
used to get an indication of vulnerable biological diversity. Examples of GIS data sets that
will be included in the model for vulnerability assessment are:
Infrastructure;
All environmental data (wetlands, parks, reserves, etc.);
All demographics/economic/development data;
Disaster/Emergency Management data (hospitals, clinics, etc.); and
Other data (cadastral, schools, transport,etc.).
After the vulnerable areas have been identified, the level of thereof, needs to be determined.
This will be done by allocating values to each vulnerability parameter. A subsequent total
vulnerability map (see Figure 2: high in red; medium in orange; and low in yellow)
will be produced using the following formula:
Total vulnerability map = Societal Vulnerability Map + Economic Vulnerability Map +
Environmental Vulnerability Map + Critical Facilities Vulnerability Map

Figure 2: Example of an aggregated vulnerability map

Assessment of the capacity to cope/manageability
This stage will assess the present status of disaster risk management within the project
area. Through the coping capacity analysis, the strong and weak points are highlighted and
opportunities, ultimately to reduce risk, are identified. Parameters that are considered
include local government management capabilities, government response, awareness and
early warning. The total capacity to cope map will be calculated using the formula below:
Total Capacity to Cope Map = Capacity Map 1 + Capacity Map 2 + Capacity Map 3
Relative risk prioritisation
This section involves producing aggregated maps based on the information obtained in the
previous steps as well as a total risk map based on the UNISDR formula. The data will also
be provided as a table, indicating the risk priority.
3

The overall purpose of generating the total hazard vulnerability and capacity maps (as
explained above) is to provide the project area with the means of identifying areas of high
concern and where the most vulnerable communities are situated. The final stage in the GIS
spatial analysis process is to generate a disaster risk profile map of the district based on the
UNISDR formula:
Risk = Hazard * Vulnerability / Capacity to cope
ArcGISs Spatial Analyst extension will provide the functionality (in terms of map algebra)
needed to produce the final total risk map (see Figure 4). The results will also be presented
in tabular format (see Figure 3) per coastal region.

Figure 3: Example of a relative risk prioritisation table

Figure 4: Example of an aggregated risk map (based on the UNISDR formula)

1.2

Phase 2: Sectoral assessment ~ formulation, prioritization and development

of climate change adaptation action plan

The final phase of the study is to use the results obtained from the CCV&AA model to
provide clear and practical recommendations for the immediate, medium- and long term.
Disaster risk reduction plans (DRRPs) focus on addressing the intolerably high risks and the
high risks to which vulnerable communities are exposed, by preparing DRRPs that will
reduce these risks to acceptable or tolerable levels.
4

1.2.1

Know your enemy

The essential first step in any risk reduction strategy is to understand the nature of the
hazards (for example sea level rise) to be faced. Understanding each hazard requires insight
into:
Its causes;
Its geographical distribution, magnitude or severity, and probability;
Frequency of occurrence;
The physical mechanisms of destruction;
The elements and activities most vulnerable to destruction; and
The possible economic and social consequences of the disaster.
Risk reduction involves implementing measures that will save lives; lessen personal injury;
reduce property losses; as well as, reduce the adverse consequences of hazards to
economic activities and social institutions.
1.2.2
Reducing hazards vs reducing vulnerability
Protection against threats can be achieved by removing the causes of the threat, (reducing
the hazard) or by reducing the effects of the threat if it occurs (reducing the vulnerability of
elements at risk). For most types of natural hazards, it is impossible to prevent the actual
geological or meteorological process from occurring: volcanoes erupt, earthquakes occur,
cyclones and windstorms rage. The focus of risk reduction measures against these hazards
is primarily on reducing the vulnerability of elements that are likely to be affected.
1.2.3
Potential risk reduction measures
From the hazard profiles and the descriptions of actions that may be possible to reduce their
effects, it is evident that protection is complex and needs to be built up through a range of
activities undertaken at the same time. Protection cannot be simply provided by any single
authority or agency. Authorities cannot provide housing that is wind-resistant for every
citizen in cyclone-prone areas. Authorities can and do, however, influence individuals
towards protecting themselves and the rest of the community. A summary of the potential
risk reduction measures are given below:
For most of the risks associated with natural hazards, there is little or no opportunity
to reduce the hazard. In these cases the focus of your risk reduction measures must
be on reducing the vulnerability of the elements and activities at risk.
For technological hazards, reducing the hazard is likely to be the most effective risk
reduction strategy.
Actions by planning or development authorities to reduce vulnerability can broadly be
classified into two types:
Active: Active measures are those in which the authorities promote desired
actions by offering incentives ~ these are often associated with development
programs in areas of low income.
Passive: Passive measures are those in which the authorities prevent undesired
actions by using controls and penalties ~ these actions are usually more
appropriate for well-established local authorities in areas with higher incomes.

Community-based risk reduction actions are likely to be responsive to peoples real

needs, to mobilise local resources and use local materials and contribute to the longterm development of the community, though in engineering terms they may be less
effective than larger-scale capital-intensive alternatives.
Engineering measures range from large-scale engineering works to strengthening
individual buildings and small-scale community-based projects. Codes of practice for
disaster protection are unlikely to be effective unless they are accepted and
understood by the community.
Training of local builders in techniques to incorporate better protection into traditional
structures (buildings, roads, embankments) is likely to be an essential component of
such measures.
Careful location of new facilities, particularly community facilities, such as, schools,
hospitals and infrastructure plays an important role in reducing settlement
vulnerability. In urban areas, dispersion of elements especially at risk is an important
risk reduction principle.
The linkages between different sectors of the economy may be more vulnerable to
disruption by a disaster than the physical infrastructure. Diversification of the
economy is an important way to reduce the risk and a strong economy is the best
defence against disaster, as authorities can use economic incentives to encourage
individuals or institutions to take disaster risk reduction actions.
Building disaster-protection takes time. It needs to be supported by a program of
education, training and institution building to provide the professional knowledge and
competence required.
Risk reduction planning should aim to develop a "safety culture" in which all
members of society are aware of the hazards they face, know how to protect
themselves, and will support the protection efforts of others and of the community as
a whole.

2.
2.1

VISUAL
Methodology

Visual impact assessments should not be seen as an obstacle in the approval process.
Visual input, especially at the early concept stage of the project, can play an important role in
helping to formulate design alternatives, as well as minimising impacts, and possibly even
costs, of the project.
It is in the nature of visual and scenic resources to include abstract qualities and
connotations that are by their nature difficult to assess or quantify as they often have cultural
or symbolic meaning. It is necessary therefore to include both quantitative criteria (such as
viewing distances), and qualitative criteria (such as sense of place), in visual impact
assessments.
An implication of this is that impact ratings cannot simply be added together. Instead the
assessment relies on the evaluation of a wide range of considerations, both objective and
subjective, including the context of the proposed project within the surrounding area. The
phrase beauty is in the eye of the beholder is often quoted to emphasize the subjectivity in
undertaking a visual impact assessment.
The analysis of the interaction between the existing visual environment (landscape character
and sense of place) and the planned infrastructure provides the basis for determining visual
impacts and mitigation strategies. This is completed by defining the visual effect of the
planned infrastructure and visual sensitivity of viewing locations to determine impact.
The evaluation of the existing visual environment consists of the assessment of both the
landscape setting, and key viewing locations within it. The landscape setting can be defined
in terms topography, vegetation, hydrology and land use features. These elements define
the existing visual character of the landscape with which the planned infrastructure interacts.
The use of the basic elements of form, line, colour and textures has become the standard in
describing and evaluating landscapes. Modifications in a landscape which repeat the
landscapes basic design elements are said to be in harmony with their surroundings.
Modifications which do not harmonize, often look out of place and are said to contrast or
stand out in unpleasing ways.
These basic design elements and concepts have been incorporated into the methodology to
lend objectivity, integrity and consistency to the visual impact assessment process. By
adjusting planned infrastructure designs so that the elements are repeated, visual impacts
can be minimised.
The methodology is therefore a systematic process designed to separate the existing
landscape and the planned infrastructure into their features and elements and to compare
each part against the other to measure contrast in order to analyse potential visual impact of
the proposed development and activities. An understanding of basic design principles and
how they relate to the appearance of planned infrastructure is essential in order to minimize
visual impacts.
7

It must be noted that the methodology is not intended to be the only means of resolving
these impacts and should be used as a guide, tempered by common sense, to ensure that
every attempt is made to minimize potential visual impacts.

2.2

Visual quality and aesthetic pleasure

Social science and design literature extending over more than 40 years empirically
demonstrates the relationship between visual experience and aesthetic pleasure
(appreciation of beauty). Each of these studies underscores the strong association between
human visual experience and aesthetic pleasure. Some of the studies also point out the
aesthetic effects of other senses (smell, sound, touch), but they conclude that sight is the
dominant sensual basis for aesthetic experience of landscapes.
Several studies also indicate that movement (driving, walking, cycling, rowing etc.) through
the landscape is a complex experience that is crucial for scenic perception and user
satisfaction. (National cooperative highway research program, Report 741, 2013).
2.3

Landscape character and sense of place

Oberholzer 2005 defines sense of place as the unique quality or character of a place,
whether natural, rural or urban. It is also sometimes referred to as genius loci meaning 'spirit
of the place. Sense of place is important because it enhances the user experience in a
setting and encourages public participation in planning.
Landscapes that warrant a very high level of protection are intact landscapes where existing
landscape character and sense of place is beautifully expressed. The scale of unnatural
intrusions also does not dominate the scene and for which the introduced forms, lines,
colors, textures and patterns mimic the native environment so effectively that they are
unobtrusive.
Landscape character is defined as the distinct, recognizable, and consistently occurring
pattern of elements in a particular type of landscape as created by particular combinations of
geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use, field patterns, and human settlement.
Character is what makes landscapes distinctive and creates a particular sense of place in a
locality (National cooperative highway research program, Report 741, 2013).
The European Landscape Convention (2000) defines landscape as:
an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction
of natural and/or human factors. The term landscape is thus defined as a zone or area as
perceived by local people or visitors, whose visual features and character are the result of
the action of natural and/or cultural (that is, human) factors. This definition reflects the idea
that landscapes evolved through time, as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and
8

human beings. It also underlines that landscape forms a whole, whose natural and cultural
components are taken together not separately
The scientific literature on landscape perception concludes that human perception of the
landscape, including visual quality and visual impacts, is a transactional process. Perceived
visual quality is therefore the result of the interaction between the landscape and people.
Understanding both the affected landscape and the affected population of viewers is
necessary for determining visual quality and visual impacts.
It is therefore essential that the people in the landscape are involved in identifying the
character of the existing landscape, particularly what is visually valuable, and in determining
visual impacts and the appropriate level of mitigation.
2.4

Key viewing locations

Key viewing locations are those areas where people are likely to obtain a view of the
planned infrastructure. These viewing locations have different significance based on
numerous factors, collectively evaluated though land use and viewing distance to the
planned infrastructure.
The selection of the key viewing locations is based on their location within the defined viewshed where they would have a clear view of the planned infrastructure.
Factors that will be considered in selecting the key viewing locations are:

Angle of observation - The apparent size of a project is directly related to the angle
between the viewer's line-of-sight and the slope upon which the planned infrastructure is
to take place. As this angle nears 90 degrees (vertical and horizontal), the maximum
area is viewable.
Numbers of viewers - Areas seen and used by large numbers of people are potentially
more sensitive. Protection of visual values usually becomes more important as the
number of viewers increase.
Length of time the project is in view - If the viewer has only a brief glimpse of the
planned infrastructure, the contrast may not be of great concern. If, however, the
planned infrastructure is subject to view for a long period, as from an overlook, the
contrast may be very significant.
Distance from the project - The greater the viewing distances, the lower the visual
sensitivity. The visual modification of a development is assumed to be the highest when
the observer is very close to it and has a direct line of site. The visual modification then
decreases with distance and is also known as distance decay (Hull & Bishop 1988).
Relative planned infrastructure size - The contrast created by the project is directly
related to its size and scale as compared to the surroundings in which it is placed.
Season of use - Contrast ratings should consider the physical conditions that exist
during the heaviest or most critical visitor use season, such as tree defoliation during the
winter, leaf colour in the fall and lush vegetation and flowering in the spring.

Critical viewpoints, e.g. views from communities, major roads, conservation areas etc.
Field of vision - The visual impact of a development can be quantified to the degree of
influence on a persons field of vision both horizontally and vertically. The visual impact
of a development will vary according to the proportion in which a development impacts
on the central field of vision. Within the central field of vision images are sharp, depth
perception occurs and colour discrimination is possible. Developments, which take up
less than 5% of the central field of vision, are usually insignificant in most landscapes
(Human Dimension and Design, 1979).

The horizontal central field of vision for most people covers an angle of between 50 and 60.
Within this angle, both eyes observe an object simultaneously. This creates a central field of
greater magnitude than that possible by each eye separately. This central field of vision is
termed the 'binocular field' and within this field images are sharp, depth perception occurs
and colour discrimination is possible. Developments, which take up less than 5% of the
central binocular field, are usually insignificant in most landscapes (5% of 50 = 2.5).
The vertical central field of vision covers and angle of between 25 and 30 (limit of colour
discrimination). The typical line of sight is considered to be horizontal or 0. A persons
natural or normal line of sight is normally a 10 cone of view below the horizontal and, if
sitting, approximately 15. Objects that take up 5% of this cone of view (5% of 10 = 0.5)
will only take up a small proportion of the vertical field of view, and are only visible when one
focuses on them directly.

Visibility - Viewed by the human eye 1.8 m from the ground across a flat surface such
as the sea, the horizon will be of the order of 6 km distant, due to the curvature of the
earth. Viewed at an elevation of 60 m, the horizon will be of the order of 32 km distant
and from the top of a 1000 m mountain the horizon will be at a distance of
approximately 113 km. A tall structure standing above the horizon would of course
increase these distances significantly; for example, for an observer at 1.8 m who is
viewing a man-made structure 50 m tall, the effective distance to the horizon is 34 km
and for a 100 m structure the distance is 46 km (Miller & Morrice, no date).
Human perception - Human perception is affected by the acuity of the human eye. In
good visibility (visibility is meteorologically defined as the greatest distance at which an
object in daylight can be seen and recognised), a pole of 100 mm diameter will become
difficult to see at 1 km and a pole of 200 mm diameter will be difficult to see at 2 km. In
addition, mist, haze or other atmospheric conditions may significantly affect visibility (Hill
et al, 2001). Assuming this relationship is linear, and assuming absolute clarity of view,
this suggests that the outer limit of human visibility in clear conditions of a pole 5000
mm (5 m) in diameter (a representative figure for a 60+ m high tower) will be of the
order of 50 km; and the absolute limit of visibility imposed by the limit of the horizon
viewed across a flat plane is similar at approximately 46 km.

Human perception is important in considerations of if and how planned infrastructure will be

seen. People perceive size, shape, depth and distance by using many cues, so that context
is critically important. When people see partial or incomplete objects, they may mentally fill

in the missing information, so that partial views of infrastructure may have less effect than
imagined. Although people may be able to physically see an object, unintentional
blindness caused by sensory overload, or a lack of contrast or conspicuousness, can mean
they fail to perceive the object. In a contrary way, large size, movement, brightness and
contrast, as well as new, unusual or unexpected features, can draw attention to an object. In
all these effects, issues such as experience, familiarity and memory may have an important
role to play. Therefore, perception depends on experience, the visual field, attention,
background, contrast and expectation, and may be enhanced or suppressed.
2.5

Visual sensitivity

Visual sensitivity is a measure of how critically a change to the existing landscape is viewed
by people from different land use areas in the vicinity of a development.
In this regard, residential, tourist and/or recreation areas generally have a higher visual
sensitivity than other land use areas (e.g. industrial, agricultural or transport corridors),
because they use the scenic amenity values of the surrounding landscape and may be used
as part of a leisure experience and often over extended viewing periods.
Landscapes are subdivided into three (3) distanced zones based on relative visibility from
travel routes or observation points. The three zones are:

Foreground-Middle ground Zone - This is the area that can be seen from each
travel route for a distance of 5 to 8 kilometres where management activities might be
viewed in detail. The outer boundary of this distance zone is defined as the point
where the texture and form of individual plants are no longer apparent in the
landscape. In some areas, atmospheric conditions can reduce visibility and shorten
the distance normally covered by each zone.
Background Zone - This is the remaining area which can be seen from each travel
route to approximately 24 kilometres, but does not include areas in the background
which are so far distant that the only thing discernible is the form or outline. In order
to be included within this distance zone, vegetation should be visible at least as
patterns of light and dark.
Seldom-Seen Zone - These are areas that are not visible within the foregroundmiddle ground and background zones and areas beyond the background zones.

Land-use areas are generally characterised in terms of low, moderate or high visual
sensitivity, as follows:

Low visual sensitivity - industrial areas, local roads, mining and degraded areas.
Moderate visual sensitivity - tourist roads, major roads, sporting or recreational areas
and places of work.
High visual sensitivity - rural residences, recreation areas, conservation areas, scenic
routes or trails.

Visual sensitivity may range from high to low, depending on the following additional factors:

2.6

The visual absorption capacity - The potential of the landscape to conceal the
proposed project.
Viewing distance The greater the viewing distances, the lower the visual
sensitivity. The visual modification of a development is assumed to be the highest
when the observer is very close to it and has a direct line of site. The visual
modification then decreases with distance and is also known as distance decay.
General orientation - General orientation of residences to landscape areas affected
by a project. Residential, tourist and/or recreation areas with strong visual orientation
towards the planned infrastructure (i.e. those with areas such as living rooms and/or
verandas orientated towards it), will have a higher visual sensitivity than those not
orientated towards the planned infrastructure.
Type of users - Visual sensitivity will vary with the type of users. Recreational
sightseers may be highly sensitive to any changes in visual quality, whereas workers
who pass through the area on a regular basis may not be as sensitive to change.
Amount of use - Areas seen and used by large numbers of people are potentially
more sensitive. Protection of visual values usually becomes more important as the
number of viewers increase.
Public interest - The visual quality of an area may be of concern to local or national
groups. Indicators of this concern are usually expressed in public meetings, letters,
newspaper or magazine articles, newsletters, land-use plans, etc. Public controversy
created in response to proposed activities that would change the landscape
character should also be considered.
Adjacent land uses - The inter-relationship with land uses in adjacent lands can
affect the visual sensitivity of an area. For example, an area within the view-shed of a
residential area may be very sensitive, whereas an area surrounded by commercially
developed lands may not be visually sensitive.
Special areas - Management objectives for special areas such as natural areas,
wilderness areas, conservation areas, scenic areas, scenic roads or trails frequently
require special consideration for the protection of the visual values. This does not
necessarily mean that these areas are scenic, but rather that one of the management
objectives may be to preserve the natural landscape setting. The management
objectives for these areas may be used as a basis for assigning sensitivity levels.
Visual modification

Visual modification is a measure of the level of visual contrast and integration of the planned
infrastructure with the existing landscape.
An existing landscape has certain visual characteristics expressed through the visual
elements of form, shape, line colour and texture. A development that has a different visual
characteristics that the existing landscape will create contrast with the existing landscape. If
similar infrastructure already forms part of the existing landscape, the visual effects of the

planned infrastructure will borrow visual character from these operations, reducing visual
modification.
The degree to which the visual characteristics of the planned infrastructure contrast with the
existing landscape will determine the level of visual modification. For example a newly
created mine will have a high visual modification due to strong contrast. An extension of
operations in an existing mine will have a lesser visual modification. A successfully
rehabilitated mine area will also have a lower visual modification due to limited contrast with
the existing landscape.
In a similar way, a project is said to be integrated with the existing landscape based on
issues of scale, position in the landscape and contrast. High visual integration is achieved if
a development is dominated by the existing landscape, is of small scale and/or limited
contrast.
The level of visual modification generally decreases with distance and is categorised as
follows:

Negligible (or very low) level of visual modification where the development is
distant and/or relates to a small proportion of the overall view shed.
Low level of visual modification - where there is minimal visual contrast and a high
level of integration of form, line, shape, pattern, colour or texture values between the
development and the landscape. In this situation the development may be noticeable,
but does not markedly contrast with the landscape.
Moderate level of visual modification - where a component of the development is
visible and contrasts with the landscape, while at the same time achieving a level of
integration. This occurs where surrounding topography, vegetation or existing
modified landscape provide some measure of visual integration or screening.
High level of visual modification - where the major components of the
development contrast strongly with the existing landscape and demand attention.

The following factors must be considered when applying visual modification categories:

Angle of observation - The apparent size of a project is directly related to the angle
between the viewer's line-of-sight and the slope upon which the project is to take
place. As this angle nears 90 degrees (vertical and horizontal), the maximum area is
viewable.
Length of time the project is in view - If the viewer has only a brief glimpse of the
project, the contrast may not be of great concern. If, however, the project is subject to
view for a long period, as from an overlook, the contrast may be very significant.
Relative size or scale - The contrast created by the project is directly related to its
size and scale as compared to the surroundings in which it is placed.
Season of use - Contrast ratings should consider the physical conditions that exist
during the heaviest or most critical visitor use season, such as tree defoliation during
the winter, leaf colour in the fall and lush vegetation and flowering in the spring.
13

2.7

Light conditions - The amount of contrast can be substantially affected by the light
conditions. The direction and angle of lighting can affect colour intensity, reflection,
shadow, form, texture and many other visual aspects of the landscape. Light
conditions during heavy use periods must be a consideration in contrast ratings.
Recovery time - The amount of time required for successful re-vegetation should be
considered. Recovery usually takes several years and goes through several phrases
(e.g. bare ground to grasses, to shrubs, to trees, etc.). It may be necessary to
conduct contrast ratings for each of the phases that extend over long time periods.
Those conducting contrast ratings should verify the probability and timing of
vegetative recovery.
Spatial relationships - The spatial relationship within a landscape is a major factor
in determining the degree of contrast.
Atmospheric conditions - The visibility of planned infrastructure due to atmospheric
conditions, such as air pollution or natural haze, should be considered.
Motion - Movement such as waterfalls, vehicles or plumes draw attention to a
project.
Form - Contrast in form results from changes in the shape and mass of landforms or
structures. The degree of change depends on how dissimilar the introduced forms
are to those continuing to exist in the landscape.
Line - Contrasts in line results from changes in edge types and interruption or
introduction of edges, bands, and silhouette lines. New lines may differ in their subelements (boldness, complexity, and orientation) from existing lines.
Colour - Changes in value and hue tend to create the greatest contrast. Other
factors such as chroma, reflectivity and colour temperature, also increase the
contrast.
Texture - Noticeable contrast in texture usually stems from differences in the grain,
density and internal contrast. Other factors such as irregularity and directional
patterns of texture may affect
Data

A visual impact assessment entails a process of data sourcing (collection of data during field
work and various data custodians), spatial analysis, visualisation and interpretation. Geoinformation technology is utilised which includes operations relating to GIS, GPS and remote
sensing technology. This report makes extensive use of maps created in a Geographic
Information System and photographs taken during a field survey of the site. It is imperative
that these should be read and interpreted together with the text.
The following data sets were used for this report:

2.8

Lidar data and aerial photography provided by the client

NASA Shuttle Topographic Mission digital elevation data
Application of the methodology

For a visual impact to be experienced, landscape alterations resulting from the project need
to be visible. Visibility of the planned infrastructure from adjoining view locations will be
determined by viewing into the planned infrastructure boundaries from a range of potential
viewpoints.
There will be locations in the vicinity of the planned infrastructure that will be visually
impacted to various levels. For the purposes of the visual impact assessment, a number of
sites within key areas of the planned infrastructure boundaries will be selected as
representative key viewing locations. The locations are selected with reference to field
assessments, aerial photographs and view-shed analysis to determine the visibility of the
planned infrastructure. Whilst there will be some variation in the impacts on specific viewing
locations, an overall assessment of the visual impact on the selected locations will be
representative for the majority of views experienced.
This will be further supported through the production of a computer generated probable
view-shed map will be generated using a digital elevation model. The probable view-shed
will define the extent to which the project is potentially visible to the surrounding areas.
Existing structures and vegetation are not considered during the view-shed analysis.
The visual sensitivity of various viewing areas will be determined by a review of aerial
photography, plans of the planned infrastructure, view-shed maps and topographic plans of
the surrounding areas. This will include land use, viewing distances and the general level of
screening available from topography, buildings and vegetation. The assigned sensitivities
will be also evaluated based on field data and other study data.
The visual modification of the planned infrastructure on external viewpoints will be
determined by a review of the planned infrastructure, photomontages and 3D models of the
various infrastructure components.
The visual impact of the planned infrastructure will be determined by considering both visual
modification and visual sensitivity which, when considered together, determine impact levels.
The way in which the visual parameters of visual sensitivity and visual modification are cross
referenced are illustrated in Table 5.
Visual impact mitigation strategies will developed for both on site and off site situations to
ensure that visual modifications and/or visibility/visual sensitivity factors are decreased to
achieve impact mitigation.

Visual Modification

Table 1: Visual impact matrix

Level of Visual
Impact
H
High
M
Moderate
L
Low
VL
Very Low

H
High

Visual Sensitivity
M
Moderate

L
Low

TRAFFIC

The first stage in the TIA would be to gain a clear and thorough understanding of the status
quo of the traffic within the area. This will involve close liaison with the client throughout the
TIA preparation process. The TIA will include a basic economic consideration of the
proposed alternatives.
The following minimum requirements have been established to identify the traffic and
transportation impacts:
Data gathering and review of available information;
High level visual assessment/driving survey of the existing road network;
Execution of traffic counts at identified key intersections;
Determination of Levels of Service (LOS) on existing intersections;
Determination of traffic distribution patterns and trip assignments;
Modelling of project alternatives - Option 1 vs Option 2; and
Interventions options, findings & conclusions and recommendations.
The impact of road transport on the surrounding road infrastructure is an important
consideration, as this has both economic and environmental impacts arising from road
maintenance or reconstruction activities in the life-cycle of the facility. Road transport does
however often give rise to problems in terms of how it is perceived by the community and the
noise, dust and other pollution impacts.
The level of service (LOS) of the existing intersections will be determined by analysing the
traffic counts executed at the identified intersections. As well as pure traffic impacts, capacity
evaluation must be done to look at the existing road networks, proposed new route linkages
as well as the clearance heights and widths along any routes to be followed by heavy
vehicles.
The trip generation rates of the various land-uses will be determined on the basis of the
existing land-uses as well as the amount of new land opened up by each of the alternative
options. The total travel time for road users will be calculated for the alternatives.
Typical information to be included will be the land-use requirements, the number of vehicle
trips required per year, the nature of the vehicles and the energy consumption (and
emissions) and energy source, or variations on these as appropriate.

The modelling of the two project alternatives will be done separately to accurately determine
the difference between the short alignment versus the long alignment option in respect of
traffic.
Construction traffic should also be taken into account as this will relate to various diversions
and interrupted traffic flows for a certain period and it will also relate to the extent to which
special traffic accommodation is required. The amount of total traffic in the area will be
required to establish the extent to which heavy goods movements will cause disruption to the
environment, local traffic etc.
The construction phase will result in varying degrees of noise impacts and, as part of the
ESIA process, the expected noise impacts must be assessed. However, this will be a
specialist study on its own, but the amount of heavy traffic could be captured and estimated
for a specialist to conduct such a study.
Another important aspect is the proposed location of the Toll Plaza on the western side of
the proposed bridge. The specific impact, level of tolling and where it deviates will have a big
impact on route choice.
Recommendations will be provided based on the assessment of the traffic impacts as to how
to manage the predicted impacts.

LAND USE

In order to determine the level of impact, buffer zones of 100m, 250m and 500m will be
established along the proposed ROW. Refer to the Figure below.

Figure 5: Proposed buffer along the ROW

Processed mid resolution satellite image will allow for a detailed study to be carried out to
evaluate the impact level within each of the three buffer zones.

Yabello Bypass Road QA/QC Aug 2022
100% (1)
Yabello Bypass Road QA/QC Aug 2022
8 pages
Civil Engineer's Global Expertise
No ratings yet
Civil Engineer's Global Expertise
12 pages
Padma Bridge Feasibility Study 2005
No ratings yet
Padma Bridge Feasibility Study 2005
59 pages
Ernest Onwuzulike: Supply Chain Expert Profile
No ratings yet
Ernest Onwuzulike: Supply Chain Expert Profile
4 pages
Dr. JN Mukabi Geotechnical CV 2012
No ratings yet
Dr. JN Mukabi Geotechnical CV 2012
260 pages
Final Detailed Design Report
100% (2)
Final Detailed Design Report
569 pages
Lagos Calabar Highway Section 1 ESIA Draft Report
No ratings yet
Lagos Calabar Highway Section 1 ESIA Draft Report
624 pages
MOUAU
No ratings yet
MOUAU
290 pages
The Feasibility Study ON The Construction OF A New Bridge Across River Nile at Jinja IN The Republic of Uganda
No ratings yet
The Feasibility Study ON The Construction OF A New Bridge Across River Nile at Jinja IN The Republic of Uganda
33 pages
Hasan Zeb (21 Jzciv 0491) Hassam Rahm (21 Jzciv 0501)
No ratings yet
Hasan Zeb (21 Jzciv 0491) Hassam Rahm (21 Jzciv 0501)
17 pages
Environmental Impact Assessment of Typical Road Project
No ratings yet
Environmental Impact Assessment of Typical Road Project
168 pages
Final Esia Report For Uniabuja Solar Hybrid Power Project in Abuja FCT
No ratings yet
Final Esia Report For Uniabuja Solar Hybrid Power Project in Abuja FCT
392 pages
Liberia - Harper Road Project Karloken - Fish Town Harper Junction - Cavalla - Lot 2 of The Zwedru - ESIA Report
No ratings yet
Liberia - Harper Road Project Karloken - Fish Town Harper Junction - Cavalla - Lot 2 of The Zwedru - ESIA Report
118 pages
Yumbe RGCs Scoping Report
No ratings yet
Yumbe RGCs Scoping Report
34 pages
150 Eia Post Jica Survey Team Comments Esia Report-Extension of Japan Freeway in Monrovia 1.9km Road Rehabilitation Project 06-30-23
No ratings yet
150 Eia Post Jica Survey Team Comments Esia Report-Extension of Japan Freeway in Monrovia 1.9km Road Rehabilitation Project 06-30-23
324 pages
Final Report: Preparatory Survey ON The Project For The Improvement OF The Tema Motorway Roundabout (Phase-2)
No ratings yet
Final Report: Preparatory Survey ON The Project For The Improvement OF The Tema Motorway Roundabout (Phase-2)
212 pages
Draft Checklist For Inception Project Brief Yumbe
No ratings yet
Draft Checklist For Inception Project Brief Yumbe
4 pages
Generic Structure of Environmental Impact Assessment Documen
100% (1)
Generic Structure of Environmental Impact Assessment Documen
3 pages
E30070 V 20 EA0 P10 Hawassa 0 ESIA0 P129174
No ratings yet
E30070 V 20 EA0 P10 Hawassa 0 ESIA0 P129174
120 pages
ESIA Final Report-Power
No ratings yet
ESIA Final Report-Power
165 pages
Kenya-Tanzania 400kV RAP Update
No ratings yet
Kenya-Tanzania 400kV RAP Update
185 pages
TOR of Mimed Use Wangelawit
No ratings yet
TOR of Mimed Use Wangelawit
11 pages
Eia Process
No ratings yet
Eia Process
22 pages
Final Esia Mbeya City Af
No ratings yet
Final Esia Mbeya City Af
84 pages
EKO ATLANTIC CITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (EAC) PP
No ratings yet
EKO ATLANTIC CITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (EAC) PP
18 pages
Draft TOR of EIA Study For The Preparatory Survey On The Project For Improvement of Intersections and Plan of Traffic Control Center
No ratings yet
Draft TOR of EIA Study For The Preparatory Survey On The Project For Improvement of Intersections and Plan of Traffic Control Center
8 pages
Civil Project Feasibility Study
No ratings yet
Civil Project Feasibility Study
44 pages
Abay Basin EIA Final Report
100% (3)
Abay Basin EIA Final Report
98 pages
ESIA Report For LUANAR Bunda Campus
No ratings yet
ESIA Report For LUANAR Bunda Campus
112 pages
Study For 33KV Sub-Marine Cable Crossings PDF
No ratings yet
Study For 33KV Sub-Marine Cable Crossings PDF
80 pages
2E AppendixC WetlandsMethodStatement CombustionWasteTerraceAug2012
No ratings yet
2E AppendixC WetlandsMethodStatement CombustionWasteTerraceAug2012
26 pages
Alamayehu Gamachu TOR
No ratings yet
Alamayehu Gamachu TOR
27 pages
EIA Report for Kisii Guest House
No ratings yet
EIA Report for Kisii Guest House
100 pages
E Ix Sem Lecture 5
No ratings yet
E Ix Sem Lecture 5
28 pages
SFG1730 v4 P106172 Box396255B PUBLIC Disclosed 6 28 16
No ratings yet
SFG1730 v4 P106172 Box396255B PUBLIC Disclosed 6 28 16
255 pages
An Assessmentof The Nature and Severityof Soil Degradationin
No ratings yet
An Assessmentof The Nature and Severityof Soil Degradationin
17 pages
Scoping - Group 2
No ratings yet
Scoping - Group 2
26 pages
Final ESHS Supervision Progress Report July 2023
No ratings yet
Final ESHS Supervision Progress Report July 2023
21 pages
Tilenga ESIA Volume IV - 28/02/19
0% (1)
Tilenga ESIA Volume IV - 28/02/19
769 pages
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: (Addendum)
No ratings yet
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: (Addendum)
133 pages
Group 2 ESIA Project Report Outline
No ratings yet
Group 2 ESIA Project Report Outline
19 pages
Lecture-4-Public Involvment & Scoping
No ratings yet
Lecture-4-Public Involvment & Scoping
26 pages
Motivation
No ratings yet
Motivation
7 pages
SFG2879 V3 RP P124905 Box402879B PUBLIC Disclosed 1 19 2017
No ratings yet
SFG2879 V3 RP P124905 Box402879B PUBLIC Disclosed 1 19 2017
83 pages
NETIP ESIA Isiolo Modogashe
100% (1)
NETIP ESIA Isiolo Modogashe
285 pages
4a968ec59 PDF
No ratings yet
4a968ec59 PDF
34 pages
Lah Adanhegn Irrigation Project ESIA
No ratings yet
Lah Adanhegn Irrigation Project ESIA
174 pages
Request For Expression of Interest For Consultant Firms For Environmental and Social Audit With Terms of Reference
No ratings yet
Request For Expression of Interest For Consultant Firms For Environmental and Social Audit With Terms of Reference
7 pages
Scoping: Scoping Is A Key Stage in The EIA Process in That It
No ratings yet
Scoping: Scoping Is A Key Stage in The EIA Process in That It
92 pages
Final ESIA Project Report For 2d Seismic Survey in Block 12b
100% (2)
Final ESIA Project Report For 2d Seismic Survey in Block 12b
381 pages
Engineering Internship Report
No ratings yet
Engineering Internship Report
91 pages
Tower Design PG 7 of 42 - VVIMP
No ratings yet
Tower Design PG 7 of 42 - VVIMP
704 pages
Lecture 04 - Environmental Impact Assessment (Eia)
No ratings yet
Lecture 04 - Environmental Impact Assessment (Eia)
64 pages
Enviromental Finale
No ratings yet
Enviromental Finale
7 pages
Final Esia Report July 2022 Lowyaiddo Farddaha Boramarp
No ratings yet
Final Esia Report July 2022 Lowyaiddo Farddaha Boramarp
176 pages
ESIA Unit 2 Notes
No ratings yet
ESIA Unit 2 Notes
30 pages
A Technical Report On Year 2 Field Studies
No ratings yet
A Technical Report On Year 2 Field Studies
26 pages
ESS Screening Checklist Sample
No ratings yet
ESS Screening Checklist Sample
4 pages
Scoping - Eia: Bhavani .V Project Faculty Nabet Approved Expert (EIA Coordinator, AP & WP)
No ratings yet
Scoping - Eia: Bhavani .V Project Faculty Nabet Approved Expert (EIA Coordinator, AP & WP)
22 pages
ESIA-Unit 2
No ratings yet
ESIA-Unit 2
35 pages
Conceptual Design of Bridges
100% (16)
Conceptual Design of Bridges
640 pages
Setra Cable Stays
100% (7)
Setra Cable Stays
186 pages
Bridge Design Manual, 3rd Edition MNL-133-11
95% (20)
Bridge Design Manual, 3rd Edition MNL-133-11
1,620 pages
Caltrans Bridge Design Practice PDF
95% (19)
Caltrans Bridge Design Practice PDF
1,042 pages
Lateral Stability For Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders
100% (2)
Lateral Stability For Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders
218 pages
BridgeDesignManual 4thedition
100% (4)
BridgeDesignManual 4thedition
1,954 pages
Bridge Engineering
100% (10)
Bridge Engineering
574 pages
Designing and Constructing Prestressed Bridges
100% (6)
Designing and Constructing Prestressed Bridges
235 pages
Bridge Engineering Insights
No ratings yet
Bridge Engineering Insights
310 pages
Substructure Design Bridge Engineering H
100% (6)
Substructure Design Bridge Engineering H
378 pages
Bridge Bearing & Expamnsion Joints PDF
90% (10)
Bridge Bearing & Expamnsion Joints PDF
222 pages
Reinforced Concrete Design To Eurocode 2
97% (76)
Reinforced Concrete Design To Eurocode 2
420 pages
Recommended Practice For Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders CB-02-16
100% (1)
Recommended Practice For Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders CB-02-16
146 pages
PCA - Prestressed Beam Integral Bridges
100% (6)
PCA - Prestressed Beam Integral Bridges
32 pages
Design Examples For Strut and Tie Models PDF
100% (2)
Design Examples For Strut and Tie Models PDF
232 pages
PSC I Girder Design by IRC Code (New)
100% (7)
PSC I Girder Design by IRC Code (New)
128 pages
Cable Stayed Bridges Design
83% (12)
Cable Stayed Bridges Design
234 pages
Integral Concrete Bridge EC2 - 2010
100% (2)
Integral Concrete Bridge EC2 - 2010
98 pages
Bridge Design Seminar for Beginners
100% (3)
Bridge Design Seminar for Beginners
74 pages
Vol.02 - Complete Guide To Prestressing
100% (1)
Vol.02 - Complete Guide To Prestressing
14 pages
Extradosed Cable Stayed Bridge Design in BS
No ratings yet
Extradosed Cable Stayed Bridge Design in BS
111 pages
SED 17 Extradosed Bridges
100% (2)
SED 17 Extradosed Bridges
159 pages
Mathivat 1979. The Cantilever Construction of Prestressed Concrete Bridges (Editable ++++)
100% (2)
Mathivat 1979. The Cantilever Construction of Prestressed Concrete Bridges (Editable ++++)
176 pages
Bridge Design - Superstructure
No ratings yet
Bridge Design - Superstructure
151 pages
Earthworks Theory To Practice Design and Construction 1032104708 97810321047
91% (11)
Earthworks Theory To Practice Design and Construction 1032104708 97810321047
611 pages
Detailing of Reinforcement in Concrete Structures-17
85% (26)
Detailing of Reinforcement in Concrete Structures-17
328 pages
Irc 112 2020
100% (10)
Irc 112 2020
252 pages
High Speed RailBridge System
No ratings yet
High Speed RailBridge System
47 pages
Guidelines For The Design of Cable Stayed Bridges
100% (3)
Guidelines For The Design of Cable Stayed Bridges
69 pages
Concrete Bridge Designer Manual - 0721010830
100% (15)
Concrete Bridge Designer Manual - 0721010830
171 pages
Reinforcement Schedule For Retaining Wall 1,2&3 For Nigeria Custom Hanger
No ratings yet
Reinforcement Schedule For Retaining Wall 1,2&3 For Nigeria Custom Hanger
2 pages
TABLE 11 Waste Disposal Regulation
No ratings yet
TABLE 11 Waste Disposal Regulation
1 page
Boi Questionairre For Loans Above N 10 Million
No ratings yet
Boi Questionairre For Loans Above N 10 Million
21 pages
Safeuse of Concrete Pump PDF
100% (1)
Safeuse of Concrete Pump PDF
47 pages
Powerpoint Presentation Road Pavement Failure (Coren Assembly) Revised Final
No ratings yet
Powerpoint Presentation Road Pavement Failure (Coren Assembly) Revised Final
110 pages
Berger Paint Nigeria PLC
100% (1)
Berger Paint Nigeria PLC
6 pages
Caterpillar Model List 2008
100% (2)
Caterpillar Model List 2008
93 pages
Basdoc
No ratings yet
Basdoc
87 pages
Lexus Is Brochure
No ratings yet
Lexus Is Brochure
17 pages
BS 10 (1962)
No ratings yet
BS 10 (1962)
67 pages
Bi-Steel Post Assembly (2.1)
No ratings yet
Bi-Steel Post Assembly (2.1)
1 page
BOI New Appraisal Questionnaire
No ratings yet
BOI New Appraisal Questionnaire
12 pages
Business Plan For The Small Construction Firm
100% (1)
Business Plan For The Small Construction Firm
31 pages
Oil & Gas Service Permit Guide
No ratings yet
Oil & Gas Service Permit Guide
16 pages
Araneda, A. Et Al. (F. Torrejón) 2013
No ratings yet
Araneda, A. Et Al. (F. Torrejón) 2013
16 pages
Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management 1st Edition Saeid Eslamian - The Complete Ebook Is Available For Download With One Click
100% (2)
Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management 1st Edition Saeid Eslamian - The Complete Ebook Is Available For Download With One Click
60 pages
Sở Giáo dục và Đào tạo ... Đề thi Học kì 1 - Global Success Năm học 2024 - 2025 Môn: Tiếng Anh 11
No ratings yet
Sở Giáo dục và Đào tạo ... Đề thi Học kì 1 - Global Success Năm học 2024 - 2025 Môn: Tiếng Anh 11
9 pages
Environment - Development
No ratings yet
Environment - Development
58 pages
Principles of Organic Farming: For IV Semester As Per ICAR Revised Syllabus
67% (3)
Principles of Organic Farming: For IV Semester As Per ICAR Revised Syllabus
86 pages
Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Productivity Lab
No ratings yet
Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Productivity Lab
6 pages
Viktor Schauberger's Legacy
86% (7)
Viktor Schauberger's Legacy
134 pages
2da15f76 - SS1 2ND TERM BIOLOGY
No ratings yet
2da15f76 - SS1 2ND TERM BIOLOGY
54 pages
10 Đề Cuối Kỳ II Lớp 10 - Đề Số 3
No ratings yet
10 Đề Cuối Kỳ II Lớp 10 - Đề Số 3
7 pages
Resiliencia de Los Ecosistemas
No ratings yet
Resiliencia de Los Ecosistemas
15 pages
Answer Key 9.12.21 G7 Geo CH 9
No ratings yet
Answer Key 9.12.21 G7 Geo CH 9
4 pages
Vocabulary Task-2
No ratings yet
Vocabulary Task-2
43 pages
Preserving Aylen Lake
No ratings yet
Preserving Aylen Lake
46 pages
Dissertation On Indian Environmental Laws and Global Issues
No ratings yet
Dissertation On Indian Environmental Laws and Global Issues
98 pages
9 H q1 l3 Environmental Problems in The Philippines
No ratings yet
9 H q1 l3 Environmental Problems in The Philippines
19 pages
1741166909410.QP CBSE VII 2 English Practice Paper 4
No ratings yet
1741166909410.QP CBSE VII 2 English Practice Paper 4
5 pages
Topic 2.1 - Species and Populations
No ratings yet
Topic 2.1 - Species and Populations
6 pages
The Future of Renewable Energy - Challenges and Innovations
No ratings yet
The Future of Renewable Energy - Challenges and Innovations
4 pages
F2F-Hybrid Virtual Lab 10 Handout 21-22
0% (1)
F2F-Hybrid Virtual Lab 10 Handout 21-22
7 pages
Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction: Quarter 2week 1
No ratings yet
Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction: Quarter 2week 1
31 pages
? Key Vocabulary For Eco-Tourism and Medical Tourism-1
No ratings yet
? Key Vocabulary For Eco-Tourism and Medical Tourism-1
4 pages
Deputation Seminar For Barangay Personnel
No ratings yet
Deputation Seminar For Barangay Personnel
39 pages
Drrr-Characters of Disaster
No ratings yet
Drrr-Characters of Disaster
10 pages
DCP 106 Amendment No 1 Document
No ratings yet
DCP 106 Amendment No 1 Document
58 pages
Cool Roof Policy
No ratings yet
Cool Roof Policy
46 pages
Case Study
No ratings yet
Case Study
9 pages
Drought)
No ratings yet
Drought)
4 pages
Geography Notes by S.K
No ratings yet
Geography Notes by S.K
8 pages
SGHS-F2-A-GEO-assignment (1) (AutoRecovered)
No ratings yet
SGHS-F2-A-GEO-assignment (1) (AutoRecovered)
3 pages
Tree Crop Interactions
No ratings yet
Tree Crop Interactions
25 pages