March 26, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are: 

• Groundwater resources (the aquifer) are protected from over‑abstraction through pumping tests and system design based on sustainable yield, combined with training Water Management Committees (WMCs) to regularly monitor groundwater levels and prevent excessive pumping.
• Drinking water quality is safeguarded through regular water quality monitoring (bacteriological and chemical testing), chlorination where required, and training of WMCs on the operation and maintenance of solar‑powered water supply systems.
• Soils and local vegetation cover are protected by restricting construction activities to previously disturbed areas, installing fencing around solar fields, and replanting native vegetation or trees around installations to reduce erosion and restore habitat.
• The surrounding environment and human health are protected through proper construction waste management, including waste segregation, recycling of reusable materials, and safe disposal of debris to prevent soil and water contamination.
• Air quality and community well‑being are protected by limiting construction activities to daytime hours, prioritizing manual work where feasible, and replacing diesel generators with solar power systems, thereby reducing noise and atmospheric emissions.
• The long‑term functionality of solar and water infrastructure is ensured through training WMCs on routine maintenance and cleaning of solar panels, supported by certified solar agencies that provide technical follow‑up after project completion.
• Infrastructure safety and equipment protection are ensured by fencing solar installations, installing locked doors, and restricting solar system use exclusively to water pumping, preventing misuse of the equipment.
• Long‑term environmental and social governance is strengthened through the establishment of inclusive WMCs (with at least 30% female representation), equitable representation of all beneficiary communities, collection of user fees to finance operation and maintenance, and coordination with local authorities (GARWSP and GAEP).Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, Save the Children may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.