Socio-Environmental ...

This study examined the socio-environmental Implications of the Mando (Kaduna) Rimi – Zakara (Kano) 330v DC Quad Conductors Project and suggested means of mitigating them to acceptable levels and enhancement measures for the beneficial impacts. The study was undertaken during the Fieldwork based on a review of available secondary information and primary data collected in the local communities. Primary data were collected through qualitative and quantitative methods based on key informant interviews, village-level surveys and focus group discussions. The results showed that the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and meteorological, climatic and hydrological characteristics were generally consistent with previous studies carried out within the environment with few exceptions. The result showed that a total of 63 species were observed in the study, out of which 36 phytoplankton, 20 zooplankton and 7 Microbenthos; the sampled species included the two (2) pollutant-tolerant species (Capitella sp. and Nereis sp.) were censored in sediments samples obtained in Sabaru (S3) and Gatatudu (S4). Also, parameters such as BOD, DO, and Turbidity were considered part of surface water sites while water surface Microbial species such as Escherichia species, Giardia Lamblia and Vibrio were found. An Environmental Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed to satisfy the long-term objectives of managing and monitoring the environmental and social impacts of the Project. The beneficial potentials of the project outweigh the conceivable adverse effects. Nevertheless, mitigation measures were developed based on the best available practices for the adverse impacts.