Environment impact assessment (EIA): an analysis of the construction process and conception of an Appropriate environment impact assessment system for Kenyan

Abstract

Complaints and accussations abound about the environmental hazards caused by construction (Kenya Times, March 1995; East African Standard, May 1995). Danger therefore exists that the impressive growth as estimated by the Gross Domestic Product of Construction will be achieved at the expense of the health of the citizenry. The question that comes into mind is how the environmental degradation caused by construction could be mitigated. This research study grew out of the desire to fill this gap-to show the need of incorporating Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) as a sustainable tool in mitigation of environmental degradation caused by construction. The researcher in his survey found out that EIA as a total is popular and useful in environmental management and supported by a large percentage of the participants in the survey. To do this, the researcher recognised the importance of basing practicalities on well-articulated theory and using practical case studies to show the relevance and need of incorporating EIA within the construction sector. The researcher thus recommends the use of EIA in major construction work.