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

Besides the construction of the plant itself, there will also be activities relating
to the laying of the gas pipeline spur connecting the ELPS and the plant and
the NIPP project. There may also be risks associated with gas leaks from
testing the gas pipeline at the end of construction, and the laying and
operation of the transmission line. These activities will be taking place in and
around the Project site, which is located in close proximity to the three small
communities of Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor-Evboeka and Idunmwowina-
Urho-Nisen.
Health impacts include both impacts to physical health, as well as emotional
and psychological well-being of stakeholders. The following negative health
impacts are therefore considered possible during the construction phase of the
Project:
• Psychological impacts associated with the influx of outsiders and
disruption to community and local culture;
• Psychological impacts associated with unmet expectations for local
employment and contract opportunities;
• Physical impacts due to noise and dust pollution;
• Impacts to physical health due to community interactions with foreign
workers;
• Safety risks associated with accidents from poor construction practices,
heavy traffic, accidental explosions and accidental contact with the
transmission line; and
• Psychological stress and possible physical impacts associated with
tensions towards the Project.
The expenditures made by the Project (during the construction phase) on
community health programmes (including support for well and borehole
construction) may only partially offset these negative effects.
Impact Significance
The extent of impacts to health will mainly be local, although certain impacts
may be felt at the regional level. While the duration of most (negative)
impacts will be limited to the 24 to 36 months of the construction phase, it is
likely that some of the psychological and physical health impacts could
continue beyond this, resulting in the impacts being long-term. Based on the
current lack of information about the origin of foreign workers and how the
workforce and activities during construction will be managed, it must be
assumed that the probability of impacts occurring is likely. The overall
magnitude of the impact on health are assessed to be minor but negative.
The sensitivity of the affected communities is based on existing weaknesses in
the health care system, which means that changes to the health profile in the
area will not easily be accommodated. Existing challenges with the current
facilities for sanitation and hygiene would also exacerbate any impacts around
physical health. The quality of the road system around the Project area is
reportedly poor, and most stakeholders move between communities in small
AZURA EDO IPP
7-74
DRAFT EIA REPORT