Recommendations scoping ESIA Water Supply Project - Zambia

14 January 2020

The NCEA reviewed the scoping report and the ToR (Terms of Reference) for the coming ESIA for the Solwezi Water Supply Project in Zambia. After a site visit with a group of experts, the NCEA noted some essential shortcomings. We recommend to start with:

• improving data on alternative water sources. This information is needed to make a well-informed decision on the water source for the water supply system. This needs to be followed by:

• defining a good outline for the ESIA process and its integration into project planning and stakeholder engagement.

By outlining the process and the division of roles and responsibilities, a scoping report helps to facilitate meaningful participation in ESIA and ensures that the ESIA delivers timely information for project design.