Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

Sacred sites
The fact that the Project will require acquisition of community land will likely
require movement of at least 14 sacred sites from the Project area. The presence
of scared sites and the cultural heritage value of the Benin moats in the vicinity
will also trigger OP 4.11.
Although the removal of sacred sites will disrupt local worship practices and
could create or exacerbate tension with the communities, community members,
indicated during consultation that it is possible to move the sites to
accommodate the Project. Close and extensive consultation would be required
with local religious leaders and authorities, and should involve appropriate
consultation and compensation.
Health
Nigeria reportedly has high rates of infectious disease. Maternal mortality is 545
deaths per 100,000 live births (World Bank, 2010) and there are reportedly only
5.0 hospital beds per 10,000 people (WHO, 2011). General health status in the
area is considered to be typical of Edo State and the rest of Nigeria. Common
illnesses include rheumatism, arthritis, malaria, fever, typhoid, cough, skin
conditions, diarrhoea, pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. There is no
reported incidence of HIV/ AIDS in the area although these results may be
inaccurate due to the social stigma.
There are no good primary health centres in the three communities and the
closest hospital is in Benin City. A health care centre is located at Orior-
Osemwende but this is not well-equipped and is without a doctor. Residents
reported obtaining treatment at informal medicine shops or from traditional
native doctors or herbalists.
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
The Project activities will give rise to a range of impacts of varying magnitude
and significance. The impacts for the short-term construction and
decommissioning phases and the long-term operational phase were considered
separately, where appropriate. The assessment methodology used to assess the
significance of impacts took into account impact magnitude and sensitivity of
receptors and resources affected. Impacts were assessed pre-mitigation and a
significance rating determined. Mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, remediate
or compensate for potential negative impacts and actions to be taken to enhance
benefits were identified. Residual impacts were then assessed taking into
account any mitigation and enhancement measures that Azura Power has agreed
to implement. All impacts identified and assessed within the EIA are outlined in
Chapter 7 and cumulative impacts are discussed in Chapter 9. Key mitigation
measures that Azura Power has agreed to implement are also outlined in Chapter
8 and Chapter 10.
AZURA EDO IPP
XVIII
DRAFT EIA REPORT