PRESYS

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.

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Latest update

November 8, 2026 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Global Affairs Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination – Start of Public Comment Period - October 8, 2026

Contacts

Global Affairs Canada
Andrea Ravanelli, Environment Specialist
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1N 1J1
Email: andrea.ravanelli@international.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Gaba, Chad (Outside Canada)
  • Nature of activity

    • Water Management
  • Assessment status

    In progress
  • Start date

    2026-10-08
  • Proponent

    Oxfam-Quebec
  • Authorities

    • Global Affairs Canada
  • Assessment type

    Project outside of Canada
  • Reference number

    90827

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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