Community Participation and Perceptions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process in Road Construction Projects

Reflections from Buhigwe and Handeni Districts

Abstract

Numerous factors influence the success of road construction projects, but the involvement of

community members and their perception of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

process are crucial. This study aimed to assess community perception and participation in

areas where road construction projects have recently been implemented by the Government.

Specifically, the study aimed to determine community participation and perception of EIA

processes. A cross-sectional research design was employed whereby data were collected at

once. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the districts and villages.Simple random sampling was used to select household heads in the five selected villages (Hwazi, Kwedikabu, Kwamsisi, Songambele, and Murusi), where a total of 204 households were randomly sampled and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistical and Likert scale analysis were used for analysing quantitative data. Findings show that community members in both ongoing projects demonstrated a modest level(2.7) of involvement and engagement in the EIA process. The majority of respondents (47.5% and 28.9%) had positive perception, and a minority (11.3% and 8.8%) had negative perception towards the EIA process. It is therefore important to tighten rules controlling the EIA process, including enforcement of penalties for non-compliance and establishment of clear norms for community involvement. The EIA process should be more visible and friendly, and detailed information about the project's impacts should be made available to all stakeholders for the sustainability of development projects.