THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

SOCIETE HOTELIERE, TOURISTIQUE

ET SPORTIVE (SHTS) S.A.R.L

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT
MUHAZI BEACH RESORT
AT MUHAZI, IN RWAMAGANA DISTRICT

Dr NHAPI Innocent
Ir HATEGEKIMANA DUSHIMIRE Alexis
Consultants

Kigali, March 2007

Contents

0. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................ 3
I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 6
1.1. The Authors and Developer presentation......................................................... 6
1.2. Objective of the study........................................................................................... 7
1.3. Terms of Reference ............................................................................................... 7
II. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS............................ 10
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT............................................................. 10
2.1. International regulations for environmental management .......................... 10
2.2. Institutional framework for environmental management in ....................... 11
Rwanda........................................................................................................................ 11
2.3. Legislative framework for environmental impact assessment..................... 12
(EIA) in Rwanda......................................................................................................... 12
III. BASELINE DATA .............................................................................................. 14
3.1. General description of the project area............................................................ 14
3.2. Bio-physical environment.................................................................................. 15
3.3. Socio-economical environment......................................................................... 19
IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................. 21
4.1. The project objectives ......................................................................................... 21
4.2. The project strategies.......................................................................................... 21
4.3. Program activities ............................................................................................... 22
4.4. Expected results .................................................................................................. 22
4.5. Electrical power and drinking water infrastructures .................................... 23
4.6. Wastewater treatment systems ......................................................................... 24
4.7. Solid wastes management ................................................................................. 32
V. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT............................................................................. 35
5.1. Impacts classification.......................................................................................... 36
5.2. Impacts on bio-physical environment ............................................................. 36
5.3. Socio-economical impacts.................................................................................. 38
5.4. Impacts of the environment to the project ...................................................... 39
VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES .................................................................... 40
VII. MITIGATION MEASURES .............................................................................. 42
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR..................................... 44
MUHAZI BEACH RESORT PROJECT ....................................................................... 44
8.1. THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................... 44
8.2. EMERGENCY PLAN IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE ........................... 48
IX. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................ 49
X. REFERENCES......................................................................................................... 51

2
List of figures

Figure 1 : The project site, where major construction works are finished………..14
Figure 2 : Map of the Eastern Province showing the project area in the
vicinity of Muhazi Lake…………………………………………………...19
Figure 3 : Map of Rwamagana District showing the project site………………….20
Figure 4 : The water reservoir and the end of electrical line………………………24
Figure 5 : General Flow Scheme for the wastewater treatment system
wetlands…………………………………..……………………………...…25
Figure 6 : A bed of papyruses……………………………………………………...…29
Figure 7 : Details for a constructed treatment wetland…………………………….31
Figure 8 : Detailed Flow Scheme for wastewater collection of Area1……….....…32
Figure 9 : Detailed Flow Scheme for wastewater collection of Area 2…………....33

List of Tables

Table 1: Different properties of Lake Muhazi…………………………………...….16

Table 2: Expected quality of raw wastewater from the resort…………………….24
Table 3: International quality recommendations for wastewater
disposal into natural environment…………………………………...…….25
Table 4: Expected quality of treated wastewater effluent
discharged into the lake……………………………………………………..25
Table 5: Summary of the major roles of macrophytes in
constructed treatment wetlands………..…………………………..………28
Table 6: The Environmental Management Plan for the project of construction
and implementation of a Tourism village “Muhazi Beach Resort”
at Muhazi, Rwamagana District……………………………………………44

3
0. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The project of construction and operation of a tourism village that is the subject
of this environmental impact assessment (EIA) concerns the implantation of a
beach resort in the vicinity of Muhazi Lake in Rwamagana District, the Eastern
Province. The development of this tourism resort will be made on a land of 6.56
Ha with buildings covering about 15% of the parcel. It will also be constructed
parking yards and internal roads network accessing the different parts of the
resort, a connection to an electrical line and facilities for ground water
abstraction, storage and treatment. The major construction works started well
before the EIA legislation as the project begun early in the year 2003 whereas the
Environmental Organic Law was published in May 2005. The current aim is then
to ensure that the existing and further developments will have minimal impacts
on the environment.

The identification of the impacts of this project on the environment showed that
during its two phases of construction and operation, there will be a big number
of positive impacts on the human environment such as the creation of jobs,
payment of different taxes to the State in particular, stimulation of the local
economy and the development of tourism industry in general. Also, this tourism
development project will increase the incomes for its investors and will be a good
opportunity for the exploitation of the country’s natural resources as well,
contributing then to the poverty alleviation program in line with the Vision 2020.
The project will also have negative impacts on the socio-economical and
biophysical environment as the increase of road traffic which would cause some
accidents, the restriction of fishing activities in the area of the resort, and a great
change in the natural ecological situation as a result of the destruction of fauna
and flora especially during the construction phase and the risks of lake water
pollution.

Different mitigation measures for these negative impacts have been proposed to
reduce to the minimum their effects on the socio-economical environment as well
as on the biophysical environment. In order to put these measures into practice,
an environmental management plan has been developed to guide all activities of
the project concerning the protection of the environment. This plan specifies the
nature of the negative impact, the proposed mitigation measures for this impact,
the indicators in the execution of these mitigation measures, the time period, the
responsibilities and the follow-up needed from concerned authorities. A plan of
emergency in case of accident or fire is also developed.

However, some recommendations are also given so that the execution of the
project becomes a success without harming or with the least negative effect to the
environment in general.

4
The project offers numerous advantages to the State, the Rwandans in general as
well as to the owners of the project in particular; and these advantages or
positive impacts have been raised.

The project also presents negative impacts that can be eliminated or reduced if
the proposed environmental management plan is followed as it should be. This
will then drive to an effective implementation of the project and without any
danger or nuisance to the environment.

5
I. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Authors and Developer presentation

The authors of the present study are:

- Dr Innocent NHAPI, PhD in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, has a 10

years experience in municipal water and sewage infrastructure projects, ranging
from planning, design and construction, to operation and maintenance. He
worked at the University of Zimbabwe and was involved in water quality and
sewage management projects in Harare, KweKwe, Gweru, and Masvingo towns.
He was also involved in the running of two master’s programmes in water at the
University and was attached to the WaterNet project (Regional capacity building
project in Southern Africa). He also briefly worked for the National Community
Water and Sanitation Training Institute (NCWSTI) in South Africa. In October
2005, Innocent joined the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education as a Project
Manager on the NPT-funded Water Resources and Environmental Management
project at the National University of Rwanda.

- Ir HATEGEKIMANA DUSHIMIRE Alexis, Engineer in Civil Engineering and

Environmental Technology, specialized in Water Resources and Environmental
Management. He is the author of several studies in the domain of the
environment.

The Developer:

The developer of the project is a Rwandan Company on the name of SOCIETE

HOTELIERE, TOURISTIQUE ET SPORTIVE s.a.r.l. « S.H.T.S.», founded by four
shareholders with issued capital of 5 millions Rwandan francs. The Company
General Manager is Mr. MURENZI Donatien, a Rwandan business man with a
long experience of more than 25 years in the world of affairs.

The S.H.T.S. company has five objectives:

(i) The promotion of the Rwandan tourism potentials,

(ii) The implantation and exploitation of tours and tourism sites,
(iii) To offer dining and lodging services,
(iv) The industry of leisure and entertainment,
(v) Different commercial activities.

6
1.2. Objective of the study

The objective of this study consists in conducting an assessment of the impact on

the environment for the project of construction and exploitation of a tourism
village at Muhazi in the district of Rwamagana, the Eastern Province; as
stipulated by the Organic Law No. 04/2005 of the 08/04/2005, especially in its
articles 67 to 70 relative to Environmental impact Assessments, before bestowing
to this project an authorization for its implementation.

The project and its activities from the construction stage to the exploitation stage
may have potential impacts on the environment. The present study will not only
facilitate determining the magnitude and extent of negative environmental
impacts of the project but also will identify corresponding mitigation measures
that should be put in place to offset, reduce or minimize potential impacts, that
are likely to arise as a consequence of the project implementation. It will also
permit the developer to put in place an environmental management plan in
order to put properly in action the identified mitigation measures for negative
impacts and to ensure that positive impacts are given adequate importance.

1.3. Terms of Reference

Based on the terms of reference produced by REMA, the work of the consultant
should consist on the following:

1. Description of the project: Detailed project description including the area

of influence (spatial and temporal boundaries), location, layout, timing,
technology, different activities related to the project;
- Description of the geographic area of the project
- Description of the project area before the project and how it will be
after the project is implemented
- Technical details on the construction works to be carried out
- Quantified works to be carried out
- Site management plan and timing of activities
- Project size and land requirement
- Description of all activities associated with all development stages
from construction to exploitation, staffing and employment related to
each phase of the project
- Description of all equipment, materials and technologies associated
with all development stages of the project
- Description and estimation of water supply needs, nature and
quantities of wastes generated in different phases of the project and
description of wastes treatment and disposal plans
- Description and estimation of energy needs and supply

7
 - Description of relationship between activities and physical assets of the
project during exploitation
- Drawings of the proposed infrastructure and the site management
plan during the exploitation
- Risk and accidents prevention measures and other security measures
- Occupational health and safety
- Required labour and working hours
- Projected extension works if there is any

2. Environmental Impact Assessment requirement: Identification of

regulations and guidelines (national and international) which will govern
the conduct of the assessment or specify the content of its report. This
includes standards and norms related to wastes production, treatment and
disposal, effluents, site location, construction practices, operational
regulations and standards, etc.

3. Baseline data: Analysis and evaluation and presentation of the initial state
of the site on relevant environment characteristics of the study area.
- Description of the study area and its topography with a particular
emphasis on sensitive elements such as the lake, the underground
water, the fauna and flora. The study area must cover all the activities
and direct and indirect impacts of the project on the biophysical and
socio-economic environment.
- Detailed description of the existing environment in the study area. This
will include the physical environment (climate, infrastructure, geology,
hydrology, water quality, air quality, ambient sound quality, etc.), the
biological environment (vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic fauna and
flora, protected species, protected areas, sensitive areas, etc.)
- Description of present land use of the project and areas contiguous to it
- Summary of information on the status of the location.
- Analysis of interactions likely to occur with all activities in the vicinity
and cumulative impacts on the environment.
- Description of existing conditions and the interrelationship between all
the project elements and the wider natural, cultural, social and
economic environments.
- Description of the interaction between the lake and the activities of the
project and the impacts on the lake as well as on the project.

4. Environmental impacts: Description of direct and indirect impacts of the

project on the environment.
- Analysis of direct and indirect environmental impacts of the project.
- Description of the likely significant effects of the proposed project on
the biophysical and socio-economic environment.

8
 - Identification and evaluation of significant positive and negative
impacts associated with the entire project as well as any cumulative
impacts. This will also include the methodology used in the
identification and evaluation of the impacts.
- Description of potential impacts of the environment on the project.

5. Analysis of alternatives: Analysis of alternatives to the proposed project

based on sitting, design, technology selection, construction techniques and
phasing, construction materials, operating and maintenance procedures.
- Description of main alternatives and feasible economical and technical
measures, their justification and their economical and environmental
impact. The study justifies the adopted alternative taking into
consideration the objectives of the project and socio-economic and
technical environmental issues.
- Description of different alternatives to the project and their respective
impacts on the environment.
- Justification of the proposed choice.

6. Mitigation measures: Measures envisaged to avoid, reduce, minimize

present or compensate potential adverse impacts of the project.
- Identification and description of the potential adverse impacts and
environmental risks associated with implementation of the proposed
project.
- Detailed description of the appropriate mitigation and compensatory
measures together with designs, equipments description and
operational procedures (as appropriate) to respond to these impacts or
to avoid or reduce risks.
- Analysis of the proposed alternatives and description of mitigation
measures to their environmental impact.

7. Environmental management plan: Description of the modalities provided

in the project for the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures
to its potential negative impacts.
- Description of the methods that will be used in monitoring and
evaluating the state of the environment before, during the activities of
the project, and after completion of the project.
- Recommendation in sensitization of the labour, or proposed training in
environmental management.
- Detailed mitigation plan including an estimation of the cost of the
implantation of the proposed mitigation measures.
- Detailed description of a monitoring and evaluation plan with the
estimation of its implementation cost.

9
II. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

2.1. International regulations for environmental management

The International Convention on Biological Diversity and its Habitat signed in

RIO DE JANEIRO in BRAZIL on 5 June 1992, as approved by Presidential Order
n° 017/01 of 18 March 1995;

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in RIO

DE JANEIRO in BRAZIL on 5 June 1992, as approved by Presidential Order n°
021/01 of 30 May 1995;

The STOCKHOLM Convention on persistent organic pollutants, signed in

STOCKHOLM on 22 May 2001, as approved by Presidential Order n° 78/01 of 8
July 2002;

The ROTTERDAM International Convention on the establishment of

international procedures agreed by states on commercial transactions of
agricultural pesticides and other poisonous products, signed in ROTTERDAM on
11 September 1998 and in New York from 12 November 1998 to 10 September
1999 as approved by Presidential Order n° 28/01 of 24 August 2003 approving
the membership of Rwanda;

The BASEL Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of

Hazardous wastes and their disposal as adopted at BASEL on 22 March 1989,
and approved by Presidential Order n° 29/01 of 24 August 2003 approving the
membership of Rwanda;

The MONTREAL International Convention on Substances that Deplete the

Ozone Layer, signed in LONDON (1990), COPENHAGEN (1992), MONTREAL
(1997), BEIJING (1999), especially in its Article 2 of LONDON amendments, and
Article 3 of COPENHAGEN, MONTREAL and BEIJING amendments as
approved by Presidential Order n° 30/01 of 24 August 2003 related to the
membership of Rwanda

The CARTAGENA protocol on Biosafety to the Convention of Biological

Biodiversity signed in NAIROBI from May 15, to 26, 2000 and in NEW YORK
from June 5, 2000 to June 4, 2001 as authorised to be ratified by Law n° 38/2003
of 29 December 2003;

10
The KYOTO Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted
at KYOTO on March 6, 1998 as authorised to be ratified by Law n° 36/ 2003 of 29
December 2003;

The RAMSAR International Convention of February 2, 1971 on Wetlands of

International importance, especially as waterfowl habitats as authorised to be
ratified by Law n° 37/2003 of 29 December 2003;

The BONN Convention opened for signature on June 23, 1979 on conservation of
migratory species of wild animals as authorised to be ratified by Law n° 35/2003
of 29 December 2003;

The Washington Agreement of March 3, 1973 on International Trade in

endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna as authorised to be ratified by
Presidential Order n° 211 of 25 June 1980;

2.2. Institutional framework for environmental management in

Rwanda

The institutional framework for environmental management is currently

registered in the Organic Law determining the modalities of protection,
conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda, published in the
Official Gazette RWA Nº 9 of the 1st May 2005, particularly in its chapter III
relating to the establishment of the institutions.

Within the ministry having the environment in its remit, the article 65 puts the
Rwanda Environment Management Authority in place, REMA in English
acronym. It is therefore this institution which is responsible for the follow-up of
the environmental impact studies concerning investment and development
projects. This legislation also puts in place the National Fund for Environment in
Rwanda, FONERWA in French acronym. The organisation, functioning and
responsibilities of these institutions will be determined by specific laws.

The article 66 of the Environmental Organic Law specifies that it is established, at

the Provincial, City of Kigali, District, Town, Municipality, Sector and the Cell
levels; Committees responsible for conservation and protection of the
environment. The organisation, functioning and their responsibilities are
determined by Prime Minister’s Order.

11
2.3. Legislative framework for environmental impact assessment
(EIA) in Rwanda

In consideration of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of June 4, 2003 as

amended to date, especially in its Articles 29, 30, 49, 62, 88, 90, 93, 108, 118, 190,
191 and 201;

The legislative framework for environmental management is put in place by the

Rwandan Government by the law Nº 4/2005 of April 8, 2005. Within this
Organic Law, the Chapter IV of the Title III regulates the Environmental impact
Assessments.

In its article 67:

Every project shall be subjected to environmental impact assessment, before

obtaining authorisation for its implementation. This applies to programmes and
policies that may affect the environment. An order of the Minister having
environment in his or her attributions shall determine the list of projects
mentioned in this organic law.

The article 68 specifies the main points that an Environmental Impact

Assessment must include.

The article 69 stipulates that the environmental impact assessment shall be

examined and approved by the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority
or any other person given a written authorisation by this Authority. The
promoter pays a levy reduced from the operating cost of his or her project
excluding the working capital. This tax is determined by the law establishing the
National Fund for the Environment. The environmental impact assessment shall
be carried out at the expense of the promoter.

The article 70 states that an order of the Minister having environment in his
attributions establishes the list of projects for which the public administration
shall not warrant any authorization without an Environmental Impact
Assessment describing direct and indirect consequences of the project to the
environment.

Under the Title VI of this Organic Law, the article 81 stipulates that the following
activities are prohibited:

1° dumping or disposal of any solid, liquid waste or hazardous gaseous

substances in a stream, river, lake and in their surroundings;
2° damaging the quality of air and of the surface or underground water;

12
3° non authorised bush burning;
4° smoking in public and in any other place where many people meet;
5° defecating or urinating in inappropriate place;
6° spitting, discarding mucus and other human waste in any place.

For the article 87, it is prohibited to construct houses in wetlands (rivers, lakes,
big or small swamps), in urban or rural areas, to build markets there, a sewage
plant, a cemetery and any other buildings that may damage such a place in
various ways. All buildings shall be constructed in a distance of at least twenty
(20) metres away from the bank of the swamp. If it is considered necessary,
construction of buildings intended for the promotion of tourism may be
authorised by the Minister having environment in his or her attributions.
It is also prohibited to carry out any activities, except those related to research
and science, in reserved swamps.

For the purpose of enforcement, the article 95 announces that any one or
association that does not carry out environmental impact assessment prior to
launching any project that may have harmful effects on the environment is
punished by suspension of his or her activities and closure of his or her
association and without prejudice to be ordered to rehabilitate the damaged
property, the environment, people and the property. Falsification and alteration
of documents of environmental impact assessment is punished in the same
manner as what is provided for in paragraph one of this article.

13
III. BASELINE DATA

3.1. General description of the project area

The site selected for the implementation of the project “Muhazi Beach Resort” is
located at Kabare on the sides of Muhazi Lake, in the Muhazi Sector,
Rwamagana District, the Eastern Province. The tourism village will be built on
the Plot N° 03/188, covering a total area of 6.56Ha, with about 30% from an
abandoned tourism project and the remaining land belonged to the local
residents.
The project started in 2003 before the Environmental Organic Law was
established, that’s the reason why an Environmental Impact Assessment was not
conducted prior to its commencement and at the time of this study, the project
was already in its construction phase.
Therefore, some constructions are too close to the lake in a distance of about 15m
from the lake banks whereas the Organic Law provides a minimum distance of
20m between the lake and any construction.

Figure 1 : The project site, where major construction works are finished

14
3.2. Bio-physical environment

i. Physical environment

The site is situated on a sloping hillside before Muhazi Lake, with a dominantly
sandy soil with loamy soil in some places. There is only little natural vegetation
consisting of some papyrus plants and bushes on the lake banks. About the half
of the site perimeter will be the lake water. The lake in this area is relatively deep
with about 3m of depth at a distance of 10m from the banks. This is the
consequence of sloping sides of the lake. These sides are subjected to erosion in
many places near the project area, due to agricultural activities and excessive
grazing without considering the minimum distance between the lake and such
activities.

ii. Climate

Temperature: the annual average air temperatures measured at different times of

the day are:
• At 7:00 a.m. : 16.1˚C
• At 12:00 p.m. : 25.7˚C
• At 17:00 a.m. : 23.2˚C

The minimum recorded being 14.2˚C and the maximum of 32.4˚C.

Precipitation: the average annual precipitation recorded in the area of the project
varies between 910mm and 1120mm.

iii. Altitude

The project site is located between 1449.8m and 1483.2m above sea level.

iv. Biological environment

The site selected for the implementation of the project Muhazi Beach Resort has
little natural flora, and the existing land use at the beginning of the project
included subsistence crops like banana trees, sorghum and beans.
The site also presents different types of bushes that can, on the wildlife point of
view, shelter rodents and lizards or serve as ecological niche for various types of
birds.

15
v. Lake Muhazi environment (P. D. Plisnier, 1989)

Muhazi Lake is located in the north-east region of Kigali, between 1˚40’47’’ and
1˚50’29’’ latitude south, and 30˚10’3’’ and 30˚20’57’’ longitude east. The surface
area of the lake is 34.6km2, with a length of about 37km and a width of about
0.6km on average. The maximum depth of the lake is 14m, with an average
depth of around 6m. The following tables show some physical, chemical and
biological properties of the lake.

Table 1: Different properties of Lake Muhazi

a. Physical and Chemical properties

Parameter Values
pH 7.8
Temperature at midday (at 1m depth) 24.7˚C
Turbidity by Secchi disk 65.5cm
Conductivity 528µS/cm
Dissolved Oxygen (in 1m depth) >100% saturation
Chlorophyll a 34mg/m3
TAC (mg/l CaCO3) 111.0
HACH Spectrophotometer

Cl- (mg/l) 77.6

SO42- (mg/l) 8.1
NO2- (mg/l) 10.0
Low-range method

NO3- (mg/l) 10.0

Na+ (mg/l) 36.9
K+ (mg/l) 4.7
Ca2+ (mg/l) 39.4
Mg2+ (mg/l) 16.0
H2S (mg/l) 0.2

16
b. The Flora

Type Name
Phytoplankton Microcystis aeruginosa
Microcystis delicatissima
Microcystis novacekii
Oscillatoria formosa
Ceratium hirundinella
Lyngbya contorta
Lyngbya limnetica
Merismopedia punctata
Macrophyte Phragmites mauritianus
Cladium
Cyperus papyrus
Typha angustifolia
Miscanthidium veraceum

c. The Fauna

Type Name
Protozoa Vorticella sp.
Epistylis sp.
Stentor sp.
Coleps sp.
Arcella sp.
Mollusc Melanoides tuberculata
Pila ovata
Lymnaea natalensis
Butinus aff. tropicus
Biomphalaria pfeifferi
Biomphalaria sudanica
Gyraulus sp.
Lentorbis chevalieri
Sphaerium hartmanni
Crustacea Argulus sp.
Thermocyclops macrocanthus
Thermocyclops infrequens
Moina dubia
Arachnidea Ranatra sp.
Coenodes sp.
Povilla adusta
Chironomus sp.
Chaoborus sp.

17
d. The fishes

- Tilapia nilotica
- Tilapia rendalli
- Gaurochromis sp.
- Clarias gariepinus
- Clarias liocephalus
- Afromastacembelus
- Barbus spp.
- Protopterus aethiopicus

18
3.3. Socio-economical environment

The project
area near
Muhazi Lake

Figure 2 : Map of the Eastern Province showing the project area in the vicinity of
Muhazi Lake

19
 DENSITE DE LAPOPULATION ET INFRASTRCUTRESSCOLAIRES ETDE SANTE
DANS LE DISTRICT DE RWAMAGANA

$ W E

FUMBWE $ S
$
$
Site provided for $
$
$ $
M
%UHAZI
%$
P
Æ Hôpital
Ñ Centre de santé
the construction Ñ$% $
MUSHA GISHARI $ $ Ecole primaire
Ñ% $
of the project $
% Ecole secondaire
$ MUNYIGINYA
$ Limite de district
“Muhazi Beach %$ $ Densité (Hab/Km²)
Resort” $
Ñ 236 - 237
238 - 292
$ GAHENGERI 293 - 314
$ $
$
$
$ ÆÑ%
P
$%
315 - 343
$
$ % 344 - 536
%
KIGABIRO
$
Ñ
$ MWULIRE
MUYUMBU $
$ %
$
$ $

NZIGEÑ $
$ Ñ
$ % $ MUNYAGA
Ñ $$$
Ñ
RUBONA $
$
NYAKARIRO
$
$

%
Ñ
$KARENGE

$
3 0 3 6 Kilometers

Figure 3 : Map of Rwamagana District showing the project site

The site selected for the implementation of the project Muhazi Beach Resort is
located at Kabare, in the Muhazi Sector, Rwamagana District, the Eastern
Province. The area of the District covers 691.6 km2 with a population of about
225,000 and 48800 households. The only Muhazi sector has a population of about
19800 people in 3450 households. The District has about 15 tourism sites that can
be developed and visited by the tourists, including 3 sites from Muhazi Sector.

The main economical activities in the District are commercial, agricultural

production and livestock farming, and the project site is totally surrounded by
farmlands on the hillside opposite to lake. The subsistence crops mostly grown
are banana plants and the District of Rwamagana has about 4500 head of
improved cattle, from which 950 are in the Muhazi Sector.

20
IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The politics of socioeconomic development of Rwanda has for main goal to take
the Rwandan population to poverty alleviation up to year 2020. Considering the
available means to help the Government to reach this objective, the private sector
is the key to accelerate this development process.

In the tourism industry, the indispensable conditions are essentially the

modernization and the extension of the tourism infrastructures, the development
of the products and services adapted as well as the marketing and the
distribution in direction of the foreign and national tourists.
The project MUHAZI BEACH RESORT enters in this philosophy and intends to
reinforce the tourism sector in the country.

The project is about the construction and exploitation of a tourism resort, in the
vicinity of the Muhazi Lake. The development of the project will have two main
phases: The construction phase and the exploitation phase. The exploitation will
start after construction is completed and has no limit in time.
The resort will have different parts such as hotel, bungalows, bar & restaurant,
swimming pool, sports grounds, gardens, parking yards and any related
services. The resort is adjacent to the Lake Muhazi and many activities of the
project will have a direct relationship with the lake.

4.1. The project objectives

The main objective of the project aims for the development of both mass and
selective tourism in Rwanda.
The specific objectives are as follows:

(i) To enrich and widen the tourist product

(ii) To develop a dynamic and targeted marketing policy
(iii) To train the tourism professionals
(iv) To sensitize the Rwandan population to the ways and manners of welcoming
the tourists.

4.2. The project strategies

• Rehabilitation and valorisation of the tourism potential of the Lake

Muhazi.
• Identification of tourism products for the targeted clientele.
• Training of a competent staff directly concerned by the tourism activities
and increase of welcoming potentials for the foreign and national tourists.

21
4.3. Program activities

- To clear and to refit the project site

- To construct the tourism village with suitable infrastructures and equipments
- To refit the tourist site according to the selective and mass tourism
- To rearrange the beach and the lakesides for water sports
- To train tourism professionals and tour guides
- To prepare and conduct a marketing campaign
- To make contacts with the tour operators and travel agencies
- To develop any other related services for the promotion of the tourism industry
in the area of the project.

4.4. Expected results

The development of a tourism village close to Muhazi Lake

A three star hotel is constructed and equipped with three standing levels
- High standing (3 suites)
- Apartments (12 bungalows)
- Rooms of medium standing (29 rooms)

4.4.1. Tourism support infrastructures

(i) Administration Building
(ii) First class Restaurant
(iii) Conference Hall
(iv) Bar, barbecue and bungalows
(v) Low-tension electric connection and a generator in case of power cuts
(vi) Groundwater treatment and storage

4.4.2. Leisure infrastructures

(i) Swimming pool
(ii) Playgrounds
(iii) Beaches
(iv) Equipments for fishing on the lake
(v) Equipments for water sports

4.4.3. Transport service

(i) Boats for lake transport
(ii) Minibus (25 people) for Kigali - Muhazi - Kigali
(iii) Vehicles for travel and tours services
(iv) Staff vehicles

22
4.4.4. Telecommunication service
(i) Internet
(ii) Telephone
(iii) Fax

4.4.5. Business centre (bank counter, massage, sauna, beauty shop, infirmary,
boutique, etc.)

4.5. Electrical power and drinking water infrastructures

i. Electricity
Electrical line with a medium tension links already the project site with the
national electrical network, and it is provided with a low tension transformer so
that an electrical connection to the resort would be easy. The tourism village will
consume about 6MWh every month.

ii. Water
The municipal water supply network does not exist in the area of the project, and
it was found that it would take long time to connect the project with a regular
network. It has been then decided to make a groundwater abstraction at the site
of the project as there are more chances that the groundwater table in the area is
not located at a shallow depth and therefore it can not easily be contaminated.
A water reservoir is already constructed and it is provided with a capacity of
storing 65m3, which would be enough to supply the resort in four days without
interruption as the water demand is expected to be about 16.5m3 per day.
A water treatment facility will also be provided with the capacity of treating
drinking water. It is expected that this underground water will not require much
forms of treatment and the major treatment would only be aeration. However, it
is necessary to carry out a hydrological study before the use of the borehole in
order to determine the quantity and water yields, but also the quality of this
groundwater by conducting physical, chemical and biological tests and to decide
the exact types of treatment required to be undertaken.

23
 Figure 4 : The water reservoir and the end of electrical line

4.6. Wastewater treatment systems

The raw wastewater from different activities in the resort should be treated
before it can be discharged in the receiving water media, in order to meet the
environmental requirements.

Table 2: Expected quality of raw wastewater from the resort:

Parameter Concentration
BOD 500 mg/l
Total Phosphorus 10 mg/l
Total Nitrogen 70 mg/l
Total suspended solids 300 mg/l
Coliforms 10,000 Mpn/l

24
 Table 3: International quality recommendations for wastewater disposal into
natural environment:

Parameter Concentration

BOD 50 mg/l
Total Phosphorus 2 mg/l
Total Nitrogen 10 mg/l
Total suspended solids 50 mg/l
Coliforms 4000 Mpn/l

Table 4: Expected quality of treated wastewater effluent discharged into the lake:

Parameter Concentration System efficiency

(%)
BOD 20 mg/l 95
Total Phosphorus 2 mg/l 80
Total Nitrogen 10 mg/l 86
Total suspended solids 10 mg/l 95
Coliforms 200 Mpn/l 98

Septic Treated
Raw Constructed Lake
Septic
Treatment
Tank
Wastewater Effluent Wetland Effluent

Figure 5 : General Flow Scheme for the wastewater treatment system.

4.6.1. The Septic tank system

The Tourism Village will produce about 15m3 of wastewater per day,
considering all its occupants being tourists or staff members. A septic tank
system will then be used to treat this wastewater, both black and grey waters.
Two septic tanks will be constructed as the topography doesn’t allow the use of
one septic tank.

25
These septic tanks will be provided respectively with volumes of 20m3 and 25m3.
A long retention time of 3 days has been provided in order to meet the maximum
treatment in anaerobic conditions. The septic tanks will be constructed in
reinforced concrete to avoid any leakage or infiltration of wastewater into the
ground. Because of the high filtration rate of the soil at the site, but also the
vicinity of the lake, a soakage system was not appropriate for the final disposal
of the treated effluent to avoid the pollution of the lake. The best option was then
the use of a constructed wetland for the further treatment of the septic tank
effluent before its discharge into the lake.

Septic tank design

Base data: - Total capacity of the hotel (number of equivalent beds): 73 people
- Part I: 41 people
- Part II: 32 people
- The average projected occupation : 65% (from the project study)
- Resident staff : 5 people
- Non resident staff : 50 people

The effective capacity of the septic tank (assuming 1 day retention time) is
obtained by:

V = ( S * P1 * Y ) + ( P2 * DF )

Where: V : effective capacity

S : Rate of sludge/scum accumulation per person per year
P1 : Number of persons using the system
Y : Desludging frequency per year
P2 : Number of persons using the system
DF : Daily inflow in litres per person per year

a) Septic tank No.1:

i. Accommodation = ( 48 * 41 * 1 ) + ( 48 * 100 ) = 6768 litres
ii. Permanent residents = ( 80 * 5 * 1 ) + ( 5 * 100 ) = 1150 litres
iii. Non resident staff = ( 25 * 25 * 1 ) + ( 25 * 30 ) = 1375 litres

Total needed capacity = ( 6768 * 65% ) + 1150 + 1375 = 6924.2 litres

Hydraulic retention time : 3 days
The total capacity of the septic tank 1 = 6924.2 * 3 = 20772.6 litres
Let’s provide a capacity of 20m3 for the septic tank No.1

26
b) Septic tank No.2:
i. Accommodation = ( 48 * 41 * 1 ) + ( 48 * 100 ) = 6768 litres
ii. Bar trade = ( 5 * 60 * 1 ) + ( 150 * 10 ) = 1900 litres
iii. Dining room = ( 10 * 50 * 1 ) + ( 15 * 100 ) = 2000 litres
iv. Non resident staff = ( 25 * 25 * 1 ) + ( 25 * 30 ) = 1375 litres

Total needed capacity = ( 4736 * 65% ) + 1900 + 2000 + 1375 = 8353.4 litres
Hydraulic retention time : 3 days
The total capacity of the septic tank 1 = 8353.4 * 3 = 25060.2 litres
Let’s provide a capacity of 25m3 for the septic tank No.2

For the details on the construction of septic tanks, refer to appendices.

4.6.2. Constructed Wetland for wastewater effluent treatment

Worldwide, wetland ecosystems are increasingly being used for the treatment
and disposal of wastewater because they have been recognized as low-cost and
effective treatment systems. Their ability to improve the water quality has been
demonstrated (Hammer, 1989; Brix, 1994; Kadlec and Knight, 1996).
In this study, the constructed treatment wetland systems are recommended as a
second step in wastewater treatment for the treatment of the wastewater effluent
from the septic tank. Constructed treatment wetland systems use a consortium of
physical, chemical and biological processes; such as filtration, sedimentation,
adsorption, bio-conversion and uptake by micro-organisms and wetland
macrophytes; to remove different pollutants. Studies have shown that the
soil/litter compartment is the major long-term storage pool for phosphorus (P) in
wetlands.
Nitrogen removal on the other hand is effected through sediment accumulation,
adsorption of ammonium onto the organic sediments, ammonia volatilization,
plant uptake and nitrification-denitrification processes.
Different designs of constructed wetlands have been developed, including the
horizontal sub-surface flow (HSSF) system which is proposed in this study.
Small-scale constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment are a
relatively new technology but very promising where the land is available, as they
save the energy costs, and require much less initial investments for construction,
operation and maintenance with the capability of meeting effluent discharge
standards.
We can not forget that the use of natural systems will act also as a means of
restoration for natural ecosystems in the area where they were destroyed by the
development of new projects.
The constructed wetland will use Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) as a wetland
macrophyte for the intended effluent treatment.

27
The papyrus has proved a great efficiency for systems of treatment under semi-
natural conditions, contributing to nutrient removal in the constructed wetlands.
The results showed high removal efficiencies for biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4–N) and phosphorus (P) of more than 85%
( J. Kyambadee et al., 2005 ).
The macrophytes growing in constructed treatment wetlands have several
properties in relation to the treatment processes that make them an essential
component of the design. The most important effects of the macrophytes in
relation to the wastewater treatment processes are the physical effects as the
plant tissues give rise to erosion control, filtration effect and provision of surface
area for attached microorganisms. The metabolism of the macrophytes, like plant
uptake or oxygen release, affects the treatment processes to different extents
depending on design (H. Brix, 1997).

The macrophytes have other site-specific valuable functions, such as providing a

suitable habitat for wildlife, and giving systems an aesthetic appearance,
therefore they are effectively used for high standard tourism projects like a beach
resort.

Macrophyte property Role in treatment process

- Light attenuation → reduced growth of phytoplankton
Aerial plant tissue - Influence on microclimate → insulation during winter
- Aesthetic pleasing appearance of system
- Storage of nutrients
- Filtering effect → Filter out large debris
Plant tissue in water - Provide surface area for attached biofilms
- Excretion of photosynthetic oxygen → increases aerobic
degradation
- Uptake of nutrients
- Stabilizing the sediment surface → less erosion
Roots and rhizomes in - Prevents the medium from clogging in vertical flow systems
the sediment - Release of oxygen increases degradation and nitrification
- Uptake of nutrients
- Release of antibiotics

Table 5: Summary of the major roles of macrophytes in constructed treatment

wetlands.

28
 Figure 6 : A bed of papyruses

Design of the constructed treatment wetland systems

Q = Kh * Ac * S Q = flow (m3/day)
Ac = cross-sectional area (m2)
Kh = hydraulic conductivity (m/d)
S = dh/dL = hydraulic gradient (m/m)

Q = Kh * W * Dw * (dh/dL) W = bed width (m)

Dw = water depth (m)
dh = head loss (m)
L = bed length (m)

Assumptions:
- Influent concentration (Ci) is 175 mg BOD /L
- The effluent concentration (Ce) is 20 mg BOD /L
- The hydraulic conductivity (Kh) is 200 m/day
- KBOD = 0.1 m/day
- Water depth at effluent side 0.4 m
- Gravel bed depth 0.6 m
- The maximum allowable head loss (dh) is 10 cm

29
a) The constructed treatment wetland for the first septic tank

Qi1 = 6.7m3 per day

Ce = Ci * e(-kBOD/q)  q = 0.046 m/day

q = Q / Ah  Ah = 145.65 m2

Q = Kh * W * Dw * (dh/L)  W = Q / (Kh * Dw * (dh/L)) and L = Ah / W

W2 = (Q * Ah) / (Kh * Dw * dh)

W1 = 11m
L1 = 13.5m

b) The constructed treatment wetland for the second septic tank

Qi2 = 8.3m3 per day

Ce = Ci * e(-kBOD/q)  q = 0.046 m/day

q = Q / Ah  Ah = 180.43 m2

W2 = (Q * Ah) / (Kh * Dw * dh)

W2 = 13.5m
L2 = 13.5m

30
 L

Outlet
Inlet samp channel
Constructed Lake
W Treatment
Wetland
Distribution
pipes

Plan view

Wastewater from Papyruses

Septic tank
4m

Zone II

Lake
Cross sectional
Elevation
Zone I Zone III

Figure 7 : Details for a constructed treatment wetland

Zone I and Zone III : Inlet and Outlet zones with coarse gravel or rocks (±1m length)
Zone II: Gravel, sand and soil bed planted with papyruses.

Remark: The bottom of a constructed wetland should be well lined with a sheeting
material to avoid any infiltration in the soil that would cause groundwater pollution.

31
 Rooms Staff Rooms
Bloc 1 Rooms Bloc 2

+9m +8.5m +9m Manholes

30m 23m 50m

+7m Flow Equalization Chamber

( FEC )

20m

S
+1m T Septic Tank 1
1

10m

Constructed
+0m Treatment
Wetland 1

Figure 8 : Detailed Flow Scheme for wastewater collection of Area 1.

The distance of the Constructed Wetland from the Lake will be 20m.

32
 Pavilions Residential Suites

Resto Admini Sauna

Bar stration

+10m +13m Manholes

+12m

130m 90m 65m

+4m
40m

+2m Flow Equalization Chamber

( FEC )

20m

S
+1m T Septic Tank 2
2

10m

Constructed
+0m Treatment
Wetland 2

Figure 9 : Detailed Flow Scheme for wastewater collection of Area 2.

The distance of the Constructed Wetland from the Lake will be 20m.

33
4.7. Solid wastes management

This consists of collection and disposal of all the solid wastes or garbage
produced by different activities in the resort. These solid wastes will be of two
types, namely:

• Biodegradable solid wastes : - Food waste

- Crop waste
- Wood waste
- Used papers,…

• Non-biodegradable solid wastes: - Plastic and metal containers

- Glassed waste
- Batteries,…

Solid wastes will be collected in bins and trash cans that should be placed in
every corner of the resort and in rooms.
Places most likely to produce garbage are:
- The kitchen
- On the sides of internal roads
- In green spaces around the lake
- In rooms
- In bungalows
- In the restaurant and bar
- The conference hall
- Etc.

The bins will be visited and garbage collected every morning, and the
biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials separated as their disposal will
be different. A pit will be excavated in the space reserved for a vegetable garden
near the water reservoir, and it will be used as compost to produce manure for
vegetables cultivation. All the biodegradable wastes from the kitchen and other
food wastes will be disposed in this pit, whereas other biodegradable wastes, like
papers and brushes, will be collected with non-biodegradable wastes in a space
which will be provided near the compost. Once a week, the available garbage
will be transported to a public solid waste disposal site that should be indicated
by the Rwamagana District authorities.

34
V. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

In view of the nature of this project and according to the environmental

regulations in Rwanda, every project should be subjected to an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) before it is granted official approval. Furthermore,
Rwanda is a member of World Tourism Organisation and it adheres to the
treaties and principles of sustainable tourism.

It is in this context therefore that both environmental and social aspects were
identified to determine the nature and magnitude of environmental concerns for
the Muhazi Beach Resort project.

For purposes of identifying the potential environmental impacts the project has
been described in two phases namely the construction phase and the exploitation
phase. The first phase mainly constitutes the civil works that are already being
undertaken and the second is the project operation.

The site chosen for the development of this project is adjacent to Lake Muhazi,
and some bungalows are built at a distance of 15m from the lake banks. This
distance is smaller than the minimum of 20m required in the Environmental
Organic Law, but as said earlier, the construction phase of the project started in
2003, well before this law was established.

During conducted field visits, we noted that the site is surrounded by banana
plantations and livestock farming areas, but the first inhabited houses are located
at a distance of about 400m from the project site. Also, as the project was already
undergoing the construction phase, it was not easy to ascertain the type of
vegetation cover on the site before the works started but it is obvious that there
was very little natural vegetation considering the agricultural activities in the
vicinity of the project site.

The project would definitely have some impacts (positive and negative) on the
surrounding environment in both direct and indirect ways, as there will be direct
and indirect interactions between project activities and the environment. This
will have different effects on the environment and on the project itself.

This chapter identifies, analyses and classifies these impacts that could arise from
the activities of the project, either during the construction phase or the operation
phase. The impacts apply as well on the socioeconomic environment (health,
security, economic activities, finances, etc) and on the biophysical environment
(fauna, flora, water, air, soil, energy).

35
All these impacts affect the environment at different degrees, and their duration
differs. That’s why the impacts are classified differently according to their range
in space and time.

It is necessary to note that it is not only the project that will have impacts on the
environment, but also the environment will have some impacts on the project.
These impacts can also be positive or negative, direct or indirect and they are
also described in this study.

5.1. Impacts classification

The range of the impacts varies in space and time. The intensity of theses impacts
is classified according to following criteria:

- Effects on the health of a biota

- Effects on endangered species
- Reduction of the diversity of species
- Loss of habitats
- Transformation of natural landscapes
- Impacts on the human health
- Effects on the present use of available natural resources
- Abandonment of either use or future production of natural resources

The criteria of classification of the impacts as being important, middle or weak

are according to:

- Size and geographical extent

- Duration and Frequency
- Irreversibility
- Ecological context

5.2. Impacts on bio-physical environment

• Risks of lake water pollution due to high proximity of buildings actually

not respecting the ministerial decree of 20m minimum.
→ Negative, important and permanent impact

• Loss of habitat for some fauna and flora species and biodiversity
reduction as a consequence of migrating species due to vegetation clearing
of the construction site.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

36
• Risks of lake water pollution due to soil and cut bushes transported by
runoff after site clearing works.
→ Negative, middle and temporary impact

• Soil erosion due to exposure of the soil after removal of ground cover.
→ Negative, weak and temporary impact

• Soil water seepage capacity for water significantly reduced because of

some soil compaction and physical or topographical modifications done
on the landscape during the construction phase, causing runoff increase in
both volume and velocity.
→ Negative, middle and temporary impact

• Change in hydrological pattern by drainage, resulting in the change of

flood regime.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

• Possible pollution of the lake water due to wastes produced from

construction works.
→ Negative, middle and temporary impact

• Pollution and possible contamination of groundwater table and lake water

due to failure of the drainage system, the effluent produced after
wastewater treatment in septic tank or poor operation and maintenance of
the constructed treatment wetland systems.
→ Negative, important and permanent impact

• Change in the natural ecosystem of the lake near the project site, resulting
in migration of fish species and other fauna, and then reduction of
biodiversity due to lake water pollution.
→ Negative, important and permanent impact

• Pollution of ground water table due to dumping and composting of

biodegradable organic materials from solid wastes for the production of
manure.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

• Groundwater abstraction may result in the reduction of water level in the

water body having it as a water source. But this impact is negligible as the
quantity of water abstracted will be very small.
→ Negative, weak and permanent impact

37
 • Solid wastes from tourism activities on the resort, causing pollution on the
surrounding environment.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

5.3. Socio-economical impacts

• Promotion of tourism potentials of the country in general, and the Muhazi

Lake region in particular.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Job creation for those who will be employed by the project, either in the
construction phase or the implementation phase, but also there will be
business opportunities for related support services like supplies,
transport, furniture, selling art and crafts, etc.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Stimulation of the local economy by exploiting local resources in the

construction phase.
→ Positive, important and temporary impact

• Exploitation and promotion of natural resources and tax payment in the

State treasury, contributing in the development of the country.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Training for national tourism professionals, increasing the capacity

building in the tourism sector.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Support of local business initiatives like fishing cooperatives, which will

not only improve the value of their products to increase income
generation, but also increase the environmental protection awareness.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Support of cultural initiatives like traditional dance troupes which will

perform traditional songs, dancing and drumming during festivities.
→ Positive, middle and permanent impact

• Risk of increase of sexually transmitted diseases resulting from sex

tourism.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

38
 • Risk of increase in road accidents resulting from increase in road traffic
essentially for the portion linking the tarmac road to the tourism village.
→ Negative, middle and permanent impact

5.4. Impacts of the environment to the project

• The site of the project being on the sides of the Lake Muhazi, and the
seaside tourism being the most prestigious form of tourism, the resort will
benefit a lot from the Lake like water sport, fishing, aesthetic view, etc.
→ Positive, important and permanent impact

• Water accidents, mainly drowning, would be caused by the fact that the
project is too close to Muhazi Lake, and many of the tourists might be
tempted to play in water without knowing how to swim.
→ Negative, important and permanent impact

• A risk of spread of malaria as the resort is constructed in the vicinity of the

Lake which is a stagnant water body that can host mosquitoes.
→ Negative, important and permanent impact

39
VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

This chapter analyzes the possible alternatives besides the methods and other
parameters already considered in the conception of the project. The analysis is
only about the alternatives for activities that could have a negative impact on the
environment.

Bearing in mind the critical need for the protection of environmental ecosystems
and the core role for life support systems, it’s imperative to analyse and balance
the need for conservation and development.

Zero scenario
In the case where the zero scenario is considered, this means that there won't be
construction of the tourism village, whereas the project is already in its
construction phase.
This alternative will have following effects:
- There won’t be tourism development in the area, and no taxes
collected for the State treasury.
- Lack of exploitation of natural resources in the area, then loss of
development opportunities.
- The Promoter won’t be able to honour his engagements towards the
banks and the suppliers.
- Lack of employment for the intended staff members, and job or
business opportunities in general.
- The population surrounding the proposed site would lose an
opportunity to develop income generating projects related to the
tourism activities, thus no poverty reduction in the area.
- As the project won’t be implemented, all the negative impacts
enumerated in the previous chapter will be avoided.

Site selection
The development plan of the Eastern Province provide the Lake Muhazi to be the
key factor for tourism development in the eastern region of the country, and then
tourism development projects must be given priority to develop on lakesides.
The actual site was selected mainly because it belonged already to an abandoned
tourism project. For that reason, the road linking the project site to the tarmac
road is relatively in good condition and therefore easing the accessibility to the
tourism village. Also, its location offers a panoramic view of a big part of the
lake, thus ideal for a tourism project. It is not easy to find an alternative site
with the same combined opportunities, because the others are either already

40
occupied and densely settled comparing to this which hadn’t any inhabited
house, or are located far from the Rwamagana town and not easily accessible.

Construction
The resort is constructed according to the best design for lakeside development
projects, using a number of scattered bungalows. The project will use local
construction materials as far as possible, and the emphasis has been made for the
use of stones and timber produced locally.

Wastewater treatment
The technology which has been considered in wastewater treatment uses a septic
tank system and a constructed wetland for a further treatment of the effluent
before it is disposed off.
The alternative technology which was suggested is the use of a wastewater
treatment plant using a ROTORDISK B15 developed by Seprotech Systems Inc.
This alternative was proved to be effective and space saving, but it is three times
more expensive than the combined wastewater septic tank and constructed
treatment wetland systems and it requires more energy input and a skilled
operator, without forgetting that the maintenance of new technologies is not easy
in developing countries where spare parts are always to be imported.

Solid waste management

The biodegradable organic wastes will be composted on site for the production
of manure to be used in vegetable gardens. The alternative is to collect all the
solid wastes and to transport them to a public solid waste disposal site. But the
use of manure from the compost pit will improve vegetables production and as
the volume of solid wastes to be transported away will reduce, remaining only
with non-biodegradable solid wastes, this will reduce the costs of transport for
these wastes.

Conclusion:

While considering the importance of the aforesaid impacts, one could say that in
a general manner, the project of construction and implementation of Muhazi
Beach Resort will have important positive impacts on the socio-economic
environment of our country. However, a non negligible number of potential
negative impacts of the project to the environment has been put in evidence, and
require to be taken in consideration during both the construction and
implementation phases.

The following chapter is dedicated to the mitigation measures necessary to be

integrated in the project in order to attenuate or compensate to the maximum the
effects of the negative impacts.

41
VII. MITIGATION MEASURES

Considering the study of the entire project and the site layout plans, most of the
mentioned impacts are not likely to happen. However, the following mitigation
measures have been recommended:

1) The high proximity of some resort buildings to the lake will produce
conditions with negative impacts leading to lake water pollution.
Appropriate and strict measures should then be taken by the management of
the resort in order to avoid any waste material to be thrown into the lake, and
with this regard a well designed sewerage system shall be implemented and
trash bins shall be placed anywhere necessary for the collection of solid
wastes in the resort.

2) The loss or migration of some fauna and flora species resulting from
construction works will be compensated by a creation of green spaces with
attractive plants and development of gardens inside the tourism village for
biodiversity conservation. It will be needed to mix local and exotic plants to
have as much as possible a natural environment in the area of the project.

3) A proper drainage system for storm water should be applied, and all exposed
surfaces other than access roads covered by grass planting in order to avoid
erosion and to restore infiltration capacities of the soil.

4) All construction wastes should be collected and disposed off in an

appropriate way. These construction wastes would be used effectively in
repairing the road to the project site filling the potholes.

5) The wastewater drainage and treatment systems should be properly

constructed, well operated and maintained in order to avoid contamination of
the lake water.

6) All the solid waste should be collected; the biodegradable organic material
composted properly on site for manure production and the non-
biodegradable disposed off in a public garbage collector or transported to a
Public Dumping Site that will be provided by the Rwamagana District
authorities.

42
7) In order to avoid road accidents, the road portion linking the tourism village
to the tarmac road should be well maintained, potholes covered, the
roadsides cleared and humps added where needed. Also, speed restriction
measures should be applied to protect road users.

8) As part of the initiative for maintenance of cultural heritage and value among
neighbouring communities, the Developer plans to promote traditional
dances at the camp as part of its tourism package.

9) Involvement of the local communities in the project work as part of the

employment plan, and priority for the resort neighbours for food supply.

10) Ensure clear separation of the water supply system from the sewerage
system, and frequent and regular check for drinking water quality.

11) Regular monthly check of the quality of the treated wastewater effluent, and
emptying of the septic tank once a year.

12) Proper maintenance and protection of the constructed wetland for effective
operation.

13) To control mosquito breeding by planting mosquito repellent plants around

the complex in order to reduce the risks of malaria.

43
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR
MUHAZI BEACH RESORT PROJECT

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aims to make the project of

construction and exploitation of “Muhazi Beach Resort” in conformity with the
applicable environmental legal requirements.
This Environmental Management Plan comes to complete the information given
for the environmental impacts and the mitigation measures proposed in the
previous chapters therefore, while proposing the institutional responsibilities for
the implementation of the mitigation measures, the execution indicators, the
delay of their setting in work and the service of follow-up.
After this Environmental Management Plan, we will also propose an emergency
plan in case of accident or fire in the Resort.

8.1. THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Table 6: The Environmental Management Plan for the project of construction and
implementation of a Tourism village “Muhazi Beach Resort” at Muhazi,
Rwamagana District.

44
 Components Negative Impacts Mitigation measures Implementation Timing Responsibility Monitoring
indicators
I. Construction - Loss of habitat for Creation of green spaces Presence of green End of The developer - REMA.
Phase some fauna and flora with attractive plants and spaces and construction
species and development of gardens gardens. phase.
biodiversity inside the tourism village
reduction as a for biodiversity
consequence of conservation.
migrating species
due to vegetation
clearing of the
construction site;
- Soil seepage
capacity for water
significantly reduced.

Risks of lake water - Proper compaction of the - Soil well All the - The developer - MINITERE ;
pollution due to soil excavated soil; compacted; construction
and cut bushes period. - Site manager - REMA.
transported by runoff - Collection and burning of - Cut bushes
after site clearing all the cut branches and burned properly.
works. bushes.

Possible pollution of Optimum use of Construction All the - The developer - MINITERE ;
the lake water due to construction materials to materials construction
wastes produced minimize wastes, and effectively used, period. - Site manager - REMA.
from construction avoid the disposal of any and no wastes
works. waste material into the disposed off into
lake. the lake.

45
 Components Negative Impacts Mitigation measures Implementation Timing Responsability Monitoring
indicators
II. Operation Pollution and - The wastewater drainage - Proper Continuous The devoloper - Rwamagana
Phase possible and treatment systems wastewater for the District
contamination of should be properly drainage system ; lifetime of authorities;
groundwater table constructed, well operated the project.
and lake water due to and maintained in order to - Appropriate - MINITERE
failure of the avoid contamination of the wastewater
drainage system, the lake water. treatment system. - REMA.
effluent produced
after wastewater - Regularly check the - Final effluent
treatment in septic efficiency of the from constructed
tank or poor constructed treatment wetlands
maintenance of wetland systems. regularly
II. a. constructed (monthly)
Bio-physical
wetlands. analyzed.
environment
Solid wastes from All the solid waste should The compost is Continuous The developer - Rwamagana
tourism activities on be collected; the constructed for for the District
the resort, causing biodegradable organic manure lifetime of authorities;
pollution on the material composted production and the project.
surrounding properly on site for garbage - REMA.
environment. manure production and collection is
the non-biodegradable scheduled at least
disposed off in a public once a week.
garbage collector or
transported to a Public
solid wastes disposal site.

46
 Components Negative Impacts Mitigation measures Implementation Timing Responsability Monitoring
indicators
II.2. Risk of increase of Installation of condom Presence of Continuous The devoloper - MINISANTE;
Socio- sexually transmitted dispensers in appropriate condom for the
economical diseases resulting places (toilets for example) dispensers. lifetime of - REMA.
environment from sex tourism. inside the hotel. the project.

Risk of increase in Rehabilitation of the road The road is At the - The - Rwamagana
road accidents portion to the Tourism rehabilitated. beginning Rwamagana District
resulting from village, and provision of of the District; authorities;
increase in road humps where needed for operation
traffic essentially for speed reduction. phase. - The - MININFRA ;
the portion linking developer.
the tarmac road to - REMA.
the tourism village.

Water accidents, To provide a staff member - A swimming At the - The developer - Rwamagana
mainly drowning, always present on the officer always beginning District
would be caused by beach for the supervision present on the of the authorities;
the fact that the of all water games. Life beach. operation
project is too close to jackets available for all phase. - REMA.
Muhazi Lake, and those who want to play in - Life jackets
many of the tourists water. available for
might be tempted to tourists.
play in water without
knowing how to
swim.

47
8.2. EMERGENCY PLAN IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE

This plan of emergency in case of accident or fire proposed for the

implementation of the project “Muhazi Beach Resort” is structured into two
parts:
- Availability of a workforce and the materials;
- An Alarm system and organization of the first aid.

8.2.1. Workforce and materials

Fire fighting equipments should be available in all buildings and should be kept
in good working state. For this purpose we recommend the use of wet risers
installed in all houses and provided with automatic smoke detectors, but also the
installation of extinguishers in a case where an accident occurred when the
electrical power is cut. The use of these fire-fighting equipments should be one
of the key points during the training of the project staff. The technician in charge
of the maintenance and estate management should always check these
equipments and ensure that they are always ready to be used.
The tourism village will have also its own infirmary with a qualified staff, able to
give the first aid when necessary before transferring the critical cases toward the
hospitals.

8.2.2. Alarm system and organization of the first aid

A centralized system of alarm should be installed within the resort in order to

have a coordinated response in case of fire or accident.
A coordinated and efficient system of communication should also be put in place
between the Administration of the resort, the Police and the Rwamagana
Hospital in order to get a quick response in case of emergency. In order to ensure
the effectiveness of this system, regular simulation sessions should be conducted
bringing together all involved services.

48
IX. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The project of construction and operation of the tourism village “Muhazi Beach
Resort” has as the main objective, the promotion and exploitation of tourism
activities in Rwanda.

This project has many benefits on the socio-economic point of view, but this
study showed the existence of a non negligible number of negative
environmental impacts that may arise from the implementation of this project.

The mitigation measures of different negative impacts have been proposed and
an environmental management plan has been established. Therefore, the
implementation of the tourism village will be a successful project if the
environmental management plan proposed is followed by all persons directly or
indirectly involved in this project, and more especially the direction of the resort
that will have a major role to play.

We think that the present project is therefore acceptable and the direction of the
tourism village will be responsible to take all possible complementary
arrangements in addition to numerous proposed mitigation measures in order to
protect the environment.

So, based on the nature of project activities, biophysical conditions of the project
area and the potential negative impacts, it is imperative that the following be
given serious consideration and attention in order to preserve the environment:

- To always ensure that the operation and maintenance of the

groundwater treatment facilities, the wastewater treatment systems
and the collection and disposal of solid wastes are conducted in
accordance with the established methods.

- To incorporate a relevant lecture on environmental issues with

practical sessions in the training of the resort’s staff.

- To check regularly all installations and equipments used for fire-

fighting, and to ensure that the infirmary is provided with all
necessary equipments.

- The Developer should ensure that the list of the tree species or flowers
for re-planting on the site is shared with the responsible government
agency to analyse its convenience.

49
- Maintain the initiative for community support in terms of trade,
culture and employment.

- There is no mechanical workshop provided on the project site.

Therefore, there shouldn’t be any vehicle repaired on the resort. All
vehicles needing service will be brought to garages in Rwamagana or
elsewhere.

50
X. REFERENCES

Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda, Year 44 n° 9, 1st May 2005. Organic
Law n° 04/2005 of 08/04/2005, determining the modalities of protection,
conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda.

MINITERE (2003). The Rwandan Environmental Policy.

South Australian Health Commission (1995). Waste Control Systems : Standard

for the construction, installation and operation of septic tank systems in
South Australia.

P. D. Plisnier (1989). Etude Hydrobiologique et Développement de la Pêche au

Lac Muhazi (Bassin de l’Akagera, Rwanda). Rapport final (1986-1989).
UNECED, Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix, NAMUR.

Brix, H. (1997). Do macrophytes play a role in constructed treatment wetlands?

Water Science and Technology, Vol. 35, No. 5.

J. Kyambadde, F. Kansiime, G. Dalhammar (2005). Nitrogen and phosphorus

removal in substrate-free pilot constructed wetlands with horizontal
surface flow in Uganda. Water Research, Vol. 38.

Diederik P.L. Rousseau, Peter A. Vanrolleghem, Niels De Pauw (2004).

Model-based design of horizontal subsurface flow constructed treatment
wetlands: a review. Water Research, Vol. 38.

Dr. Diederik Rousseau (2006). Lecture Notes on Constructed Treatment

Wetlands. M.Sc. Program in Water Resources and Environmental
Management (WREM), National University of Rwanda.

51