Temperature - European Investment Bank

WEST AFRICAN POWER POOL (WAPP) PÖYRY ENERGY LTD.
Mount Coffee HPP ESIA and RAP 2012-09-18
ESIA Report Page 129
Positive impacts
Positive impacts on the labour force are essentially socio-economic and organizational.
The aspects related to public health are: a light reduction of filariasis as the
establishment of hydroelectric organs will certainly lead to the destruction of some
blackflies breeding-grounds; and the reduction of diarrheal / dysentery due to an
alternative water supply and communication for behavioural change at the workplace.
From a socio-economic perspective, the project will generate social and economic
benefits not only for the immediate community of workers, but also for the local
population. At an individual level, the project will give opportunity for workers to free
medical examinations and treatments which they might not afford in normal times.
From a socio-organizational perspective, the social links between workers are going to
be strengthened with regard to the participatory experience gained. In a context strongly
influenced by individualism and non-participation in community services, the project
will also promote dialogue among communities and provide windows of opportunity to
solve common problems, and raise awareness on cross-cutting issues like HIV/AIDS,
gender, fight against rape, use of latrines, chlorination of wells, etc.
Negative impacts
This section deals primarily with exposure of the labour force to major risks on the dam
site. It assesses the environmental changes and vectors proliferation and the concomitant
effects on the prevailing diseases development.
� Introduction / emergence of new diseases and conditions in the dam site.
At the construction phase, we can expect an influx of people from different
background and morality on the project site. The direct consequence is the
development of sexual networks (prostitution), sexual misconduct with young
petty traders and others small-scaled job seekers. HIV/AIDS will therefore be an
issue during this phase. Health checks of workers, consultation (especially
regarding prevention) and treatment will have to be part of the contractor's health
services. It is also important to mention the possible introduction of new parasite
strains (difficult to prevent), criminality and traumas (road accidents, falls,
drowning, burns, etc.).
� Exposure to major prevailing diseases:
The main diseases that pose a risk to the labour force and the catchment
population are particularly close to the quality of water, sanitation and hygiene,
as well as some uncomfortable conditions due to environmental pollution. Here
we are addressing only diseases and conditions related to the labour force. The
other diseases will be analysed in the section dedicated to the exploitation phase.
Exposure to solid wastes
During the construction phase, three types of solid wastes will be generated: debris from
demolitions, spoils and domestic refuse. The extent of impact will depend on the
location of discharge points and the possible treatment of drinking water. Uncontrolled
discharge of waste would have a moderate adverse effect on water quality but this
would be mitigated by adequate provision for treatment of on-site wastes and
wastewater from camps during construction, reducing the magnitude of these impacts to
minor.