Gatineau, PQ, Canada – July 31, 2025 – The Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed project Community One Health Empowerment, located in Rwanda is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

To address identified negative environmental effects of this project, an environmental assessment was conducted.  WaterAid in collaboration with the District and Compagnons Fontainiers du Rwanda jointly developed the environmental mitigation measures based on the Environmental Assessment findings. Joint monitoring will follow a plan that includes a schedule for inspections, reporting findings, and necessary actions to control any ongoing impacts and ensuring quality program standards. The quality control system will serve to ensure that non-compliance to standards by the contractor is corrected at the contractor's costs, as appropriate. The system will ensure building materials will be sourced from approved sources that comply with building standards recommended for construction materials. Local authorities and community leaders will be strongly encouraged to participate in the monitoring process to ensure that community expectations are met, and negative environmental effects are adequately mitigated.

The following mitigation measures were taken into account for this determination:

• To minimize risks of ground water contamination:
  • Sandy, clay and collapsing soils will be assessed during digging
  • Latrines in sandy and/or clay soil areas will have lined pits
  • Use of reinforced concrete slabs for strong foundation
  • Use of resilient construction materials for containment pits in soft soils
  • Construction of containment pits at least 2m above groundwater table
  • Use of appropriate technology in high water table areas
  • Community education on water source protection

• To minimize risks of surface water contamination
  • Construct drainage channels to divert rainwater
  • Add slope and erosion stabilization measures where applicable

• To minimize risks to human health
  • Community education on water source protection.
  • Community education on sanitation