PRESYS

Public Notice

PRESYS – Public comments invited

October 8, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the proposed PRESYS project, located in Moussoro Sanitary District, Bar El Ghazal province, Chad, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by November 7, 2026 to:

Andrea Ravanelli 

Spécialiste en environnement | Environment Specialist

Équipe des spécialistes en environnement | Environment Specialist Team

Appui aux programmes et surveillance (YOO) | Program Support and Oversight (YOO)

Direction générale des partenariats et des programmes d'aide internationale (YFM) | International Assistance Partnership and Programming Branch (YFM)

Affaires mondiales Canada | Global Affairs Canada

Gouvernement du Canada | Government of Canada

200 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, Québec (J8X 4B7)

andrea.ravanelli@international.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The PRESYS project is being implemented in Chad, in the province of Bahr-El-Ghazal (village of Gaba) an isolated area located in the Sahelian zone and characterized by low seasonal rainfall, high temperatures, and a topography dominated by sandy dunes and more fertile and humid lowlands, composed of sandy and unstable soils. The vegetation there consists mainly of shrubs and tufts of grass on the dunes, while agriculture and pastoralism are concentrated in the lowlands. Agriculture and livestock farming are the main sources of income and food for households. Access to water relies mainly on boreholes. In addition, the region is highly exposed to wind, and the siltation of agricultural land, which accelerates desertification, is a major challenge. Climate change is exacerbating these extremes, leading to both prolonged droughts and episodes of excessive and erratic rainfall causing flooding.

The PRESYS project includes the construction of a water pipeline connecting an existing water tower connected to an existing health center that lacks access to water. An existing latrine block will also be connected to this system to install a handwashing station. The water tower was designed to supply the community before the health center was built. The health center was built on the plot of land that was available but, unfortunately, was not connected to the water network. The project addresses this gap by installing a buried pipeline in two sections: one 210 meters long between the water tower and the health center, and another 190 meters long between the health center and the latrine block.

The pipeline has the following technical specifications:

• Material: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) DN40
• Length: 400 m
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Burial depth: 30 to 60 cm

Platform designed for the water distribution ramp and the installation of the standpipe:

• Reinforced concrete platform, 32-mm galvanized steel pipe connected to the 40-mm HDPE pipe and other fittings (meter, check valve, faucet)
• A 3-meter-long drainage channel around the perimeter of the platform, as well as a 1-m³ (1 m² area and 1 m deep)
• Construction of a roof over the standpipe, made of corrugated sheet metal with 80 IPN supports.

This pipeline will be installed on natural terrain located on the northern outskirts of the village of Gaba, on the flat terrain typical of the region.

Stakeholders, particularly women in the beneficiary communities, were consulted through formal consultations. Their specific needs were considered.

Some environmental impacts are expected, particularly in relation to increased water consumption and erosion during construction. Tree cutting and the risk of pollution from construction waste is also considered. These impacts are manageable, and the residual impacts will remain reasonable and justified given the significant benefits of the project for the community.

Oxfam-Québec, Oxfam in Chad and its partners have extensive experience in implementing similar projects that integrate environmental considerations from the outset. Recognized for its expertise in WASH, Oxfam has a local office and a permanent, local and experienced team in Chad.