Lifesaving, Health & Protection Response in Afghanistan and Lebanon

Environment Specialists 

Global Affairs Canada 

200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau (QC) J8X 4B7

Email: CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

Description of Activities in Afghanistan:

This project works in Afghanistan will improve safe water points, and waste disposal and management system, in the targeted clinics. These activities will incorporate rehabilitation activities in the two Health care Facilities (HCF), on WASH infrastructure and in the construction of solid and clinic waste facilities, including repairs and replacement doors, windows, floors and roofing structure, waste structures such as placenta pits, incinerators and ash pits will be constructed. Repairs of broken sanitary facilities, water taps, water reservoirs, hand washing facilities, extension of the water pipeline to the healthcare facilities, constructing a new water reservoir, new taps and sanitation facilities, and drilling and constructing a new well.

Description of Activities in Lebanon:

In Lebanon, the project will support the local partner Imam Sadr Foundation (ISF) in the rehabilitation of two primary healthcare centers (PHC) damaged during the recent escalations in South Lebanon. The rehabilitation activities will focus on the first floor of the PHC and will encompass, reinforcement of concrete lintel on top of doors and windows, construction of hollow blocks, plastering and painting the walls of the first floor, installing of ceramic tiles of PHC bathroom and kitchen, installing floor tiles for the stairs of the PHC, installation of internal wood doors and external steel doors, installation of aluminum kitchen cabinets, installation of kitchen sink, installation of electric wiring, sockets, and circuit breakers, installation of sewage PVC pipes, junction box, cold/hot water, wash basin, and toilet seats.

Description of Structure:

The project will conduct minor rehabilitation work to the two HCF according to the detailed assessment results but will be limited to repairs of fittings, walls, floors and waiting sheds. Sanitation facilities within the HCF, comprising of access, doors, floors and the waste chamber pit will be rehabilitated. Waste management facilities will include two incinerators, one at each health facility. The incinerator is made of iron and located 15m from the facilities inside the compound, with the waste zone consisting of three main parts, one a metallic incinerator, second a sharp pit well, and third as ash pit.

The project will dig two wells for ash and sharps pit for depths of 3m each and with 1-1.5m distance from each other. A fencing system to protect this area from children or other unauthorized people will be installed and constructed. WASH infrastructures will be rehabilitated based on the need in each of the two HCF but will be limited to replacement/extension of water pipes, taps, an overhead tank and minor repairs at the water sources such as replacement of solar panels and pumps. For a HCF that has no water within the vicinity of the facility, the project will explore drilling a new well and solarizing it to provide water to the facility through pipe network and taps.

The project will conduct minor rehabilitation activities to two PHC's in South Lebanon. The structure consists of two floors and a roof which was partially damaged during the war and has a total area of 400m2. Only the first floor of this structure, which has an area of approximately 150m2, will be rehabilitated. More specifically, the kitchen, walls, plumbing system, and the electrical wiring of the structure will be rehabilitated to ensure that the PHC meets the basic sanitary and infrastructure requirements.

Description of the Environment in Afghanistan:

Afghanistan is a nation characterized by its mountainous terrain, with Ghor province being the most mountainous among them. The Tulak sites are nestled within a verdant valley, encircled by towering peaks, the soil in this area is sandy loam, suited for a variety of agronomic and horticultural plants, excluding citrus varieties. Additionally, all types of livestock commonly found in Afghanistan, including cows, goats, sheep, horses, and donkeys, can be found in Larak village of Tulak district. In the Firozkoh district, the soil is clay-based, which supports the growth of various agronomic and some horticultural plants (excluding citrus). Additionally, all types of animals found in Afghanistan can also be found in Kota Khana village of Firozkoh district. The soil is conducive for agriculture and construction activities and interventions. Most of the people in these areas rely on agricultural activities and it is one of the main sources of income. Climate change has been impacting Afghanistan for several years, leading to widespread flash floods, decreasing in agricultural productions, however, these two project areas were less affected by recent flooding. Additionally, Ghor province has not experienced any earthquakes to date. Taking into account the historical record of disasters, the initiatives are not likely to be affected as there is no record of other disasters except flood, from which overall impact was minimal.

There are currently no protected areas or zones in either proposed district, so implementation of these interventions will not impact any protected areas. All projects take into consideration local customs and traditions, and the project team composed entirely of locally recruited staff who are well-versed in these cultural norms. While there are no anticipated environmental considerations due to norms, general aspects like covering (Hijab) for female staff, respect to elderlies, person with disabilities will be considered by staff, so there are no concerns regarding this impacting project interventions. The temperature in both areas will range from +27°C to -30°C highest in summer and lowest in winter seasons. Moreover, precipitation rates have been decreased due to severe droughts as the impact of climate change during the past years, however there is more convective rain fall in spring which causes floodings, and snow fall during the winter season.

Description of the Environment in Lebanon:

The first site in Lebanon is situated along the main road connecting Qlayleh and Naqoura. The surrounding environment is an urban setting, and consists of a mixture of buildings, roadways, and natural shrubbery. Additionally, the property features a small adjoining garden. The second PHC is situated near the Arzoun main road. Similar to the first PHC, the surrounding environment consists of a mixture of buildings and natural shrubbery.

Located in regions characterized by a Mediterranean ecosystem, the region also provides habitat for migratory birds, and pollinators. No major protected areas are within the immediate vicinity of these PHCs, thus the minor rehabilitation works won't have any negative effect to environmental degradation of protected sites. The Qlayleh-Naqoura corridor holds cultural significance due to its proximity to historical sites and traditional agricultural communities, engaging local communities in decision-making will be ensured to respect local traditions. Qlayleh and Arzoun experience a Mediterranean coastal climate, characterized by mild, rainy winters (average temperature: 10°C – 15°C), hot, dry summers (average temperature: 25°C – 35°C) and an annual precipitation of 600-800 mm, mostly between November and March. The dominant soil types include calcareous soil, which are moderately fertile, the intervention will consist of minor rehabilitation works of pre-existing PHCs and are not intended to have any impact on soil quality. Climate change poses several risks in the long term, such as rising temperatures, and water scarcity. Adaptations such as solar-energy, and water-efficient fixtures, could be integrated into PHC design to enhance climate resilience. Qlayleh and Arzoun, are areas where historical records of natural disasters are negligible.

Authority required action: funding