How to Apply for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

This service allows buildings to ensure environmental protection and sustainability. Projects are categorized into two types based on their scale and risk level: Full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large-scale or high-risk projects, and Environmental Clearance for smaller-scale or lower-risk projects.

Requirements of projects requiring full EIA

Must be conducted by a licensed practitioner firm (not an individual) recognized by the Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP)

Requires a comprehensive EIA study

Certificate of approval must be obtained before project implementation.

Requirements requiring Environmental Clearance

• Focused mainly on project brief and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) rather than a full report.
  
  

Conditional attachments

• Land ownership documents or legally binding agreement giving rights to the developer to implement his/her project on someone’s else land;

• Design drawings (site layout plan on scale and well labeled, plan of each floor with dimensions, plan for each project component on site, perspectives, elevations, sections,etc.;

• Screenshot of the google map showing project location within its area of influence, with spatial coordinates (latitude, longitude) for projects on small surface area: not more than a ha;

• Screenshot of the land use master plan with details showing how the project complies with planned land use;

• Screenshot of the list of works and projects as per the MO on ESIA, showing/highlighting the project category either in full or partial ESIA;

• Pre-approval/non-objection from relevant authority/institution when required: (use of government/public land, wetland, buffer zones, road reserve etc., district or RMB letter testifying that the requested quarry or mining site has not been requested by different developer, etc.);

• Map of the site plotted on earth map (KMZ) in case of larger/bigger areas and length (quarry and mining sites (compulsory), Hydropower projects, electrical lines, water treatment and supply, airport, roads, hydro-dam projects, site physical development, large agricultural and irrigation projects, estate housing, etc. (Large area for construction: 1ha and above, long area: 1km and above);

• District administrative map of the project area, showing the project location, down to the village level;

• Current pictures of the project site and its direct environment (critical and/or sensitive environmental and social features in that area should be shown on the pictures);

• Any other useful document judged by the consultant to be necessary for the understanding of the project, like feasibility study, bill of quantity, etc.

• Who is eligible to apply for this service?

• Companies

• Individual

• Institution

How to apply for the Environment impact and social assessment?

You can apply online through the RDB One Stop Center platform: onestopcentre.rdb.rw. Fill in the user login information, scroll down the “Environment” category, and select “Environment impact and social assessment.” to apply for it

• Requirements Before You Apply

Make sure you have the following:

• You must have an account. To create an account, click here.

• A valid mobile phone number or email (optional) to receive updates and track your application.

• A Unique parcel identifier (UPI) if your project has it.

• Next Steps and support information
  
  

1. Application Submission:

After successfully submitting the application, the applicant receives an application number (C2…), which can be used to track the status of your application at any time.

2. Certificate/License Delivery:

Once your application is approved, you will receive the certificate at the email address provided during the application process.

3. For assistance or more information:

• Call: 1415
• Email: support@rdb.rw
• WhatsApp: +250788321555