THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/...THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE . MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS. Environmental and Social

THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)

for the

SL eTRANSFORM PROJECT

SAL Consult Limited, P O Box GP20200, Accra September 2013

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SAL Consult Ltd Ministry of Information and Communication

Environmental and Social Management Framework – Draft Report. e- Transform SL Project. September 2013.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…….……… i List of Figures …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….………... iii List of Tables ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….…. iv List of Plates ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………… iv List of Acronyms ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… v Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… vi

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................................1 1.2 OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................................................................2 1.3 PURPOSE OF THE ESMF .....................................................................................................................................2 1.4 SCOPE OF WORK...............................................................................................................................................2

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT .................................................................................................... 4

2.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................4 2.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS ......................................................................................................................................5 2.3 PROJECT MANAGEMENT.....................................................................................................................................6

3. ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVE AND AVAILABILITY ........................................................................................................7 3.2 LOCATION OF FACILITIES .....................................................................................................................................7 3.3 NO PROJECT SCENARIO ......................................................................................................................................7

4. LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK..................................................................................................... 8

4.1 RELEVANT NATIONAL LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................8 4.2 OTHER RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS ........................................................................................................................10 4.3 RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION- WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIES ...........................................................12

5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE INFORMATION ........................................................................... 13

5.1 INTRODUCTION AND INFORMATION SOURCES .......................................................................................................13 5.2 RELIEF...........................................................................................................................................................13 5.3 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS .....................................................................................................................................13 5.4 FOREST/VEGETATION.......................................................................................................................................14 5.5 SOILS ............................................................................................................................................................15 5.6 HYDROLOGY...................................................................................................................................................15 5.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS .........................................................................................................................15

6. DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ............................................ 17

6.1 SCREENING OF PROJECT PHASE ACTIVITIES ...........................................................................................................17

6.1.1 Refurbishment Phase ................................................................................................................................17 6.1.2 Operation Phase ....................................................................................................................................17



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6.1.3 Decommissioning Phase ........................................................................................................................17 6.2 DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS .................................................................18 6.3 CATEGORIES OF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................................................18 6.4 REFURBISHMENT PHASE IMPACTS/ ISSUES .............................................................................................................18

6.4.1 Potential Adverse Environmental Impact / Issues..................................................................................18

7. MITIGATION GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................ 22

7.1 MITIGATION CONSIDERATIONS AND OPTIONS ........................................................................................................22 7.2 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES..............................................................................................................22

7.2.1 Mitigating Potential Environmental Impacts /Concerns ........................................................................22

8. CONSULTATION, ESMF DISCLOSURE AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ........................................................... 25

8.1 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS..........................................................................................................................25 8.2 ESMF DISCLOSURE .........................................................................................................................................25 8.3 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ..................................................................................................................................25

9. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................ 28

9.1 PROJECT INSTITUTIONS.....................................................................................................................................28

9.1.1 Project Implementation Unit..................................................................................................................28 9.1.2 SLEPA .....................................................................................................................................................28

9.2 CAPACITY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................28

10. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................. 30

10.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................30 10.1.1 Role of Project Implementation Unit .................................................................................................30 10.1.2 Contractors’ Role ...............................................................................................................................30

10.2 STANDARDS, SPECIFIC ACTION PLANS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ...................................................................31 10.2.1 Standards...........................................................................................................................................31 10.2.2 Specific Action Plans ..........................................................................................................................31 10.2.3 Stakeholder Engagement ..................................................................................................................31

10.3 MONITORING AND AUDIT .................................................................................................................................32 10.4 REPORTING ....................................................................................................................................................32 10.5 MITIGATION AND MONITORING ACTION FRAMEWORK ...........................................................................................32

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................................ 36

12. ANNEXES ................................................................................................................................................. 37

List of Figures

FIGURE 1 LOCATION MAP OF SIERRA LEONE AND SHOWING THE PROVINCES ..............................................................................3 FIGURE 2 ACE SUBMARINE CABLE CONFIGURATION ...............................................................................................................4



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List of Tables

TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIES .................................................................................12 TABLE 2 POTENTIAL ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS/ ISSUES .........................................................................................19 TABLE 3 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR IDENTIFIED IMPACT ISSUES ..........................................................................................22 TABLE 4 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ..................................................................................................................................27 TABLE 5 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FRAMEWORK .................................................................................................33



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List of Acronyms

ACE African Coast to Europe ARP Abbreviated Resettlement Plan BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option BU Branching Unit EHSP Environmental, Health and Safety Policy/Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment EMSP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMF Environmental and Social management Framework FAO United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ICT Information and Communication Technology IFC International Finance Corporation IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources NGOs Nongovernmental Organisations NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PIU Project Implementation Unit SALCAB Sierra Leone Cable Limited SALCIP Sierra Leone Communications Infrastructure Program SLEPA Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency WARCIP West Africa Communication Infrastructure Project WB World Bank



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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction and project justification In 2013, Sierra Leone started commercial use of the ACE submarine cable, which is expected to lead to increased availability of high-speed internet in the country and provide global linkages to Sierra Leone’s citizenry, businesses and government. ACE is a submarine communications cable that runs along the West African coast from France to South Africa and has landing points in roughly 23 countries, including Sierra Leone. World Bank is supporting Sierra Leone’s connectivity to ACE as part of the West Africa Regional Communication Infrastructure Project (WARCIP). The development of backhaul networks in addition to ACE connectivity would pave the way for high-speed broadband for consumers. Besides connectivity to ACE, WARCIP supports the development of an interconnection network for government, an emergency communications network, and an internet exchange point.

The activities being financed under the eTransform Sierra Leone Project consist of setting up innovation centers (hubs, labs, incubators). The potential social and environmental impacts of such activities are expected to be minor and reversible. Nevertheless, appropriate safeguards instruments must be prepared to ensure that all project activities meet the requirements of the relevant national legislation and international conventions to which the region is a signatory, as well as World Bank Group environmental and social safeguard policies.

The exact locations of the innovation centers have not been determined, and it is therefore premature to undertake site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans; hence the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) report which is consistent with national and regional laws, any applicable treaties, and OP 4.01. The project will not undertake activities or works that require land acquisition leading to involuntary resettlement and/or restrictions of access to resources and livelihoods.

Purpose of the ESMF The purpose of the framework is (1) to provide as much information as possible about environmental and social impacts (consistent with national laws, any applicable treaty concerning international waters, and OP 4.01) at the project’s current state of preparation; (2) to inform project planning and design process by comparing potential impacts of alternative locations, configurations, and refurbishment techniques that are under consideration; and (3) to describe procedures for subsequent assessment of impacts and development of appropriate impact management instruments when the details of the project become available.

Project Components and Locations The e-Transform Sierra Leone project will help the country benefit from the upcoming international connectivity (via ACE submarine cable) and enable the use of ICT for economic and human development. The project aims to build government’s capacity to leverage ICT towards improving the country’s education and healthcare delivery, and developing entrepreneurial skills to improve employability and create jobs.



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The project components are organized in 4 areas: (a) supporting ICT-based entrepreneurial skills development and job creation in Sierra Leone; (b) leveraging ICT to improve education and healthcare service delivery; (c) enabling environment; and (d) project management.

Relevant Legal and Regulatory Framework and key stakeholders The relevant regulatory frameworks include: • The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991; • Environmental Protection Agency Act, 2008 and the Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment)

Act, 2010; • The Local Government Act, 2004; • The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration Act, 2000; • The Telecommunication Act, 2006; • The Factories Act, 1974; • The Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 1994; • International Maritime Organization conventions; and • World Bank safeguards policies.

The key stakeholders include Ministry of Information and Communications, Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA), Freetown City Council, the Private sector, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Screening of Project Phase Activities The Project has potential for impacts during the Refurbishment Phase, involving pre-installation and installation activities.

Description of Potential Adverse Environmental Impact /Issues

Impact issues Description of Potential Impact/ Issue Environmental Significance

Waste generation Solid waste Waste from refurbishment of vegetation and existing structures at project sites. Waste oil/fuel Waste oil will be generated from the use of fuel powered equipment and machinery- vehicles, trucks, engines/generators

Minor

Minor to Moderate

Air pollution (a) Exhausts/fumes and gaseous emissions from equipment and machinery. (b) Dust generation during refurbishment activities at the proposed sites. (c) Dust generation during transportation of materials by over speeding on unpaved roads.

Minor

Minor

Minor Noise and vibration

(a) Use of vehicles for transporting equipment will generate noise and vibration which could be nuisance to local residents and nearby businesses.

Moderate



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(b) Transport of materials to and from site, over speeding and abuse of vehicle horns by drivers will generate noise.

Moderate

Impacts on Landscape and Visual Receptors

(a) Small amounts of light pollution during refurbishment period at the possible sites as a result of security lighting. (b) Increased numbers of vehicles and equipment during and refurbishment of existing structures/ buildings.

Minor

Moderate

Impact on traffic Vehicles/trucks will be required to travel to and from possible sites with equipment and will impact on local traffic in the development area.

Minor to Moderate

Impacts on soil No impact on soil structure i s expected to occur at sites used for innovation activities

Negligible

Water pollution Improper disposal of sanitary waste from sites Minor

Impact on hydrology

The refurbishment of the Centers and installation of equipment may not impact on surface or ground water flow. There are no local rivers or water bodies within the proposed sites that will be directly impacted by the site activities.

Negligible

Impact on flora/ fauna and habitat

The proposed sites are not wildlife habitat/terrestrial fauna sites. The scanty vegetation in these areas are not of any conservation importance.

Negligible

Impacts on terrestrial protected areas/ sensitive sites

There are no terrestrial protected areas within the project sites to be affected by refurbishment activities.

Negligible

Nuisance and temporary disturbance of community life

Visual intrusion by trucks and equipment Temporary disruption of social activities

Moderate Minor

Social issues



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Impact on Social and Cultural Structures

The Project will have no negative impacts on social and cultural structures as the Project activities will have very little interaction with or impact upon population, social or cultural processes and activities or customs.

Minor

Impact on Cultural Heritage/ Archaeological interest

There are no known sites of significant cultural heritage or archaeological interest in the vicinity of the proposed centers.

Negligible

Impacts on Human Health/ Safety and sanitation

(a) Human health and safety could be compromised through road traffic accidents involving refurbishment vehicles/equipment. Occupational injury associated with refurbishment activities at the sites will be limited to the work force only. (b) Indiscriminate disposal of human waste or free-range defecation by project workers could create environmental health problems for local residents or nearby offices (c) Indiscriminate disposal of litter at work camps will create unsightly conditions and pose safety and health risks

Minor to Moderate

Moderate to Major

Moderate

Mitigating Potential Environmental Impacts /Concerns Impact issues Description of mitigation measures Waste disposal Solid waste

• Adequate waste reception facilities should be provided at the project sites/camp sites • Final disposal should be at dump sites approved by the Freetown City Council only Waste oil /fuel

Spent or waste oil from vehicles and equipment should be collected and temporarily stored in drums or containers at site

Waste oil should be disposed off by oil marketing companies or agents approved or



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Impact issues Description of mitigation measures recognized and have the capacity to undertake oil disposal

Air pollution • The Project should require that refurbishment contractors operate only well maintained engines, vehicles, trucks and equipment. A routine maintenance program for all equipment, vehicles, trucks and power generating engines should be in place.

• The project should ensure the use of good quality fuel and lubricants only • If dust generation at the project/refurbishment site becomes a problem, limited wetting

of sites and/ or unloading and reloading points should be done to reduce dust raising • Refurbishment traffic speed control measures should be enforced on unpaved roads (speed

limits through communities should be ≤50km/hr on unpaved or untarred roads and near or at project site should be ≤30 km/hr).

• Engines of vehicles/trucks should be switched off when not in use.

Noise and vibration • The Project should require contractors to use equipment and vehicles that are in good working order, well maintained, and that have some noise suppression equipment (e.g. mufflers, noise baffles) intact and in working order. This will be achieved by making it a component of contractual agreements with the refurbishment contractors.

• Contractors will be required to implement best driving practices when approaching and leaving the site (speed limit of ≤30 km/hr) to minimize noise generation created through activities such as unnecessary acceleration and breaking squeal.



• The project sites should be boarded off from public view during refurbishment • Good house-keeping at refurbishment sites should be ensured • Application of appropriate erosion-protection measures.

Impact on traffic • Only road worthy vehicles and trucks should be used to avoid frequent breakdowns on the

roads • Only experienced drivers should be employed

Water pollution • No garbage/refuse, oily wastes, fuels/waste oils should be discharged into drains or shores/beach or onto site grounds

• Fuel storage tanks/sites should be properly secured to contain any spillage • Maintenance and cleaning of vehicles, trucks and equipment should take place offsite in

view of the proximity of the landing sites to the marine environment. • Toilet facilities should be provided for refurbishment workers to avoid indiscriminate

defecation in nearby bush or shores Temporary interruption of commercial and social activities

• Informing the affected communities early of the refurbishment programme through local FM radio and other means as needed.

• Project activities must be undertaken in such a way as to enable people to have access to their homes and businesses.



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Impact issues Description of mitigation measures • Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads

• Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established. • Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges

should be minimized.

Social environment Impacts on Human Health/ Safety and sanitation

• Trucks carrying refurbishment materials will have the buckets covered with tarpaulin or appropriate polythene material from or to project site

• Only road worthy vehicles/trucks should be used • Only experienced drivers/operators should be employed • Except for areas secured by fencing, all active refurbishment areas will be marked with

high- visibility tape to reduce the risk accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. • Adequate sanitary facilities will be available for workers and open range defecation will not

be countenanced. • Refurbishment workers will be provided with and educated to wear suitable

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, overalls, high-visibility vests, safety boots, earplugs, gloves etc.

• Refurbishment workers should be educated to adhere to basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention.

ESMF Disclosure and Grievance Mechanism The World Bank policies require that environmental reports for projects are made available to project affected groups, local NGOs, and the public at large. However, there is no limitation as to the extent and



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scope of disclosure. Copies of the ESMF will be made available at selected public places as required by law for information and comments.

Grievances can be an indication of growing stakeholder concerns (real and perceived) and can escalate if not identified and resolved. While this Project may have only limited potential adverse impacts to people and the environment in general, identifying grievances and ensuring timely resolution is still very necessary. As such the ESMF has developed a grievance management process to serve as a guide during project implementation.

Capacity Building Requirements The capacity developed from the implementation of the WARCIP will be useful in carrying out this project. It is expected that the WARCIP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has benefitted immensely from numerous interactions with the environmental consultants and also with the SLEPA and therefore in a suitable position to provide further support to implement this ESMF. However, if required further capacity building will mostly be in the form of a training workshop for any such eTransform PIU to be set up. The training workshop on the ESMF and the World Bank safeguard policy OP 4.01 would be organized for the Project Implementation Unit, SLEPA, Local community (relevant members from the affected Ward Committees); and Project consultants/contractors. The capacity of the Project Implementation Unit should be enhanced to provide guidance, and ensure adequate overall environmental supervision of the project. A consultant with knowledge and understanding of the implementation of the World Bank Operation Policy (OP) 4.01 may be contracted to undertake the training. The training cost for key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Project may be between US$10,000-20,000.

Roles and Responsibilities As the project proponent, the PIU under the MOIC will have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the measures are delivered. The PIU will appoint an ESMF Liaison Officer who will have suitable background, to oversee the implementation of the ESMP and to ensure that the overall objectives are met. The PIU will have to liaise with the appropriate government ministries/agencies as well as relevant NGOs to assist with oversight of environmental and social performance.

The Contractor will be expected to demonstrate commitment to the ESMP at all levels in the Contractor’s management structure and as reflected in the grants manual of the innovation center. The Contractor will be required to identify individuals responsible for overall environment, social (including community relations); and health and safety management ahead of commencement of work.

Monitoring and Audit Contractors will be required to self monitor their performance with respect to environmental and social performance. MOIC through the PIU will undertake regular environmental audits and random spot checks during project implementation. All audit findings will be reviewed by the Project and where corrective actions are deemed necessary, specific plans will be developed, aimed at achieving continuous improvement in performance.



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Reporting Contractors will be required to provide PIU periodic reports on environmental and social management issues at an agreed frequency appropriate for the stage. The PIU will be required to also provide periodic reports (preferably quarterly or as agreed) to the World Bank on the Project’s environmental and social performance.



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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

In 2013, Sierra Leone started commercial use of the ACE submarine cable, which is expected to lead to increased availability of high-speed internet in the country and provide global linkages to Sierra Leone’s citizenry, businesses and government. This is a unique opportunity for government to improve service delivery.

Several Ministries have indicated the need for information systems to better track human resources, link with field offices, and improve efficiency. Schools and hospitals outside of the capital, Freetown, are particularly vulnerable, and lack the technology and skills to respond to basic development needs. Also, the country’s tertiary educational programs are not realizing their full potential of scale and quality to produce a workforce that can cater for the country’s knowledge-based development objectives.

The Government is very hopeful that the improved ICT environment will provide opportunities for skills development and jobs for the large pool of unemployed youth. Therefore, it is taking steps to develop an e- Government network that is expected to connect key Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country.

The SL-eTransform Project, funded by the IDA, expects to support the government’s efforts to leverage ICT to scale up socio-economic development in Sierra Leone. Its objectives are to stimulate the use of ICT across government, with a focus on priority sectors such as higher education and health; foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Sierra Leone; promote development of local content; and support cross-government platforms and systems for greater government efficiency.

The project will target opportunities that have the potential to improve service delivery, extend outreach of services to rural areas, and strengthen collaboration with the private sector. It is structured along four areas: • enabling environment for innovation and e-services; • support for entrepreneurship and employment creation; • improving service delivery; • project management

The project will support the development of 1-2 innovation centers, in form of hubs, labs and incubators, to be located in Freetown, or urban centers, in collaboration with academia and industry. The centers will be located in existing physical facilities provided by the government or leased on commercial basis. The innovation centers will be central to the country’s drive for innovation, supporting ideation, co-creation, cross- collaboration, and commercialization, bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and firms. The centers will also be an anchor for job creation, linking people with employment opportunities and creating systems for training and skill advancement.

Minor environmental disturbances are expected from the setting-up of hubs, labs and incubators, theBank’s environmental and social safeguards policies require that the recipient country, Sierra Leone,



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prepares an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) (consistent with national laws, relevant treaties, and OP 4.01) to provide environmental and social guidance. These safeguards documents are to be prepared, disclosed, and consulted before appraisal. Once the specific sites are known, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) will be prepared as part of project implementation but before the infrastructure is put in place.

1.2 Objective

The main objective of this study is to develop options for the implementation of an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) to be used for the environmental and social screening and assessment of activities relating to setting up hubs, labs, and incubators under the e- Transform project in Sierra Leone.

1.3 Purpose of the ESMF

The purpose of the framework is • to provide as much information as possible about environmental and social impacts at the project’s

current state of preparation; • to inform the project planning and design process by comparing the potential impacts of alternative

locations, configurations, and refurbishment techniques that are under consideration; and • to describe the procedures for subsequent assessment of impacts and development of the appropriate

impact management instruments when the details of the project become available. These management instruments are likely to be an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

1.4 Scope of Work

The activities being financed under the Program consist of setting up innovation centers (hubs, labs, incubators). The potential social and environmental impacts of such activities are expected to be minor and reversible. Nevertheless, appropriate safeguards instruments must be prepared to ensure that all project activities meet the requirements of the relevant national legislation and international conventions to which the region is a signatory, as well as World Bank Group environmental and social safeguard policies.

The exact locations of the innovation centers have not been determined, and it is therefore premature to undertake a site-specific Environmental and Social M a n a g e m e n t P l a n s ( E S M P s ) ; hence, the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) report which is consistent with national and regional laws, any applicable treaties, and OP 4.01.



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A F R I C A

W E S T A F R I C A

20°N WEST AFRICA

Sierra Leone

0°

20°S

0° 20°E 20°E

S I E R R A L E O N E

G U I N E A

Makeni

FREETOWN

Bo

Kenema

L E G E N D National Capital

District Capital

Trunk Road

River

District Boundary

International Boundary

L I B E R I A 0 20 40 60 Km.

Figure 1 Location Map of Sierra Leone and showing the Provinces



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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

2.1 Project Background

In 2013, Sierra Leone started commercial use of the ACE submarine cable, which is expected to lead to increased availability of high-speed internet in the country and provide global linkages to Sierra Leone’s citizenry, businesses and government. ACE is a submarine communications cable that runs along the western African coast from France to South Africa and has landing points in roughly 23 countries, including Sierra Leone. World Bank is supporting Sierra Leone’s connectivity to ACE as part of the West Africa Regional Connectivity Infrastructure Project (WARCIP). The development of backhaul networks in addition to ACE connectivity would pave the way for high-speed broadband for consumers. Besides connectivity to ACE, WARCIP supports the development of an interconnection network for government, an emergency communications network, and an internet exchange point.

Figure 2 ACE submarine cable configuration



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2.2 Project Components

The e-Transform Sierra Leone project will help the country benefit from the upcoming international connectivity (via ACE submarine cable) and enable the use of ICT for economic and human development. The project aims to build government’s capacity to leverage ICT towards improving the country’s education and healthcare delivery, and developing entrepreneurial skills to improve employability and create jobs.

A. Project Components

1. The project is structured along four areas: (a) enabling environment for innovation and e-services; (b) support for entrepreneurship and employment creation; (c) improving service delivery; and (d) project management.

2. Component 1: Enabling Environment for Electronic Government (US$ 1 million): The component will provide support to sector stakeholders, namely MOIC, NATCOM, and National ICT Council. The project will support MOIC to update its policy and strategy for electronic government, innovation, data security, and privacy. To ensure a more efficient broadband market, the project will support NATCOM in updating regulations, including for quality of service, spectrum, pricing, and infrastructure sharing, along with support for transitioning to a liberalized international gateway. The project will support the National ICT Council and MOIC to coordinate the development of ICT applications across government.

3. Component 2: Advancement of IT-based Services Industry (US$ 2.4 million): The component will help advance skill development for promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, provide tools and applications to people in Sierra Leone for finding quality jobs, and improve oversight of firms operating in the country. Specific sub-components include:

i) Innovation centers for skill advancement and innovation promotion (US$ 1.4 million): The project will support the development of 1-2 innovation centers, in the form of hubs, labs and incubators, to be located in Freetown, or in urban centers, in collaboration with academia and industry. The centers will be located in existing physical facilities provided by the government or leased on commercial basis. The innovation centers will be central to the country’s drive for innovation, supporting ideation, co-creation, cross-collaboration, and commercialization, bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and firms. The centers will also be an anchor for job facilitation, linking people with employment opportunities (see sub-component (ii) for details), and creating systems for training and skill advancement. The centers will liaise with technical universities and institutes in Sierra Leone for regionally or internationally accepted certification or accreditation programs so that the training given generates the maximum potential for employment. Efforts will be spent in building strong governance and management for these centers, using public-private partnerships, and supporting self-sustainability.

ii) Digital platforms for job search and enterprise oversight (US$ 1 million): The project will support the development and use of online platforms to give youth access to job opportunities, including in the local IT-based services industry, and to give oversight to the country’s corporate affairs. The project will support the use of the innovation centers, being built under the project, to provide access to virtualized jobs and microwork opportunities to the country’s youth. The project will create new virtualization opportunities using activities such as digitization of health records, as is done under Component 3. The project will support the use of online payment applications at the innovation centers so that workers can get paid for their online work, and will provide limited outreach so that employers and academia come on board the virtualized workspace. The project



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will help setup or adapt online portals or mobile applications to help job seekers find jobs, along with support for back-end sourcing and aggregation of jobs from various public and private agencies. For oversight of corporate affairs, the project will help the newly formed Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) employ new advancements in collecting and using electronic data with a big data analytics platform. As a surrogate to a traditional management information system, big data will help collect and electronically manage data on enterprises in Sierra Leone, develop rapid analytics to assess enterprise performance, and strengthen CAC’s ability to oversee the country’s corporate affairs.

4. Component 3: Improved Service Delivery using Mobile and Online Applications (US$ 6 million): The component will target ICT interventions in priority sectors of Sierra Leone’s development, namely higher education and healthcare, to help improve the delivery and management of services. Specific sub-components include:

i) Improving higher education service delivery using ICT (US$ 2.5 million): The sub-component will focus on three areas of tertiary education. First, it will support selected universities and technical institutes with high-speed connectivity, and related equipment. Second, it will support development of locally relevant educational content, particularly in math and ICT, and adaptation or localization of open educational content available on the internet. Third, it will provide capacity building and training to instructors in helping them skill up and be better equipped with using ICT-aided education.

ii) Improving health service delivery using ICT including in rural and underserved communities (US$ 3.5 million): The sub-component will focus on four areas. First, it will support selected health service providers with wireless connectivity, and related equipment. Second, it will support deployment of SMS-based feedback applications, in collaboration with the private sector, to gather patient feedback at selected health centers. Third, it will help selected healthcare providers to electronically capture patient records, and digitize health records. It will provide necessary capacity building and change management, and use microwork opportunities facilitated by the innovation centers (see Component 2). Fourth, it will help set up an HR management system for selected healthcare centers, to monitor and track attendance of healthcare professionals and community workers employed by MOH.

5. Component 4: Project Management (US$ 0.6 million): The component will support MOIC as the implementing agency of the project. Given the multi-sectoral nature of the project, MOIC will work with relevant sector agencies for effective implementation of the project. MOIC has prior experience in implementing WARCIP. Additional resources will be provided to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity as needed, following an assessment. In view of the innovative and transformative nature of the project, funds will be allocated to document successes and failures, as well as the impact of the project on project beneficiaries.



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3. ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Technology alternative and availability

Sierra Leone is similar to other West African countries with a relatively successful mobile market but limited internet availability and use. By September 2012, there were some 3.06 million mobile subscribers for Sierra Leone’s 6 million people, reaching a mobile penetration of 51%. Broadband and fixed-line penetrations were at 0.4% and 1.8% respectively. Broadband service has mostly been based on satellite and is thus more expensive and less robust, but that is expected to change with the arrival of ACE. Connectivity is a critical part of the country’s National ICT Policy, which seeks to develop Sierra Leone “into a knowledge-based information society with a vibrant ICT sector … [that serves as an] engine of sustainable socio-economic development”. The Policy also underscores applications and services by local suppliers, building national ICT skills, and promoting private and community resource centers.

3.2 Location of facilities

The locations of the cluster of 1-2 Innovation/Business Incubation Centers will be in selected areas within and outside of Freetown to provide training in ICT-based business opportunities. The centers will be located at existing physical facilities either provided by government or leased on commercial basis. The basis for the selection of these locations will include the potential to use this process to create opportunities for a large number of Sierra Leonean youth to get connected to international platforms which might provide them with enduring opportunities for income and skills development through microwork.

3.3 No Project Scenario

Under this option, the proposed Project would not be executed. Hence, the development of the country will continue to be constrained by lack of telecommunications capacity. The lack of high-speed broadband enabled by the ACE cable will deny the government the opportunity to improve service delivery, and extension of services to underserved communities in Sierra Leone. The lack of internet connectivity will continue to be a major impediment to their ability to function effectively and to engage with citizens. The various Ministries will be denied the capacity to use information systems to track human resources, link with field offices, and improve efficiency. Schools and hospitals outside of the capital, Freetown, will continue to be vulnerable, and lack the technology and skills to respond to basic development needs. Hence, the proposed Government development of an e-Government network that is expected to connect key Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country will not take place. The government is also hopeful that the improved ICT environment will provide opportunities for skills development and jobs for the large pool of unemployed youth. The country’s tertiary educational programs will not realize their full potential of scale and quality to produce a workforce that can cater to the country’s knowledge-based development objectives.



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4. LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

4.1 Relevant National Legal and Regulatory Framework

The relevant national regulatory frameworks include: • The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991; • The Land Policy, 2005; • Environmental Protection Agency Act, 2008 and the Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment)

Act, 2010; • The Local Government Act, 2004; • The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration Act, 2000; • The Telecommunication Act, 2006; • The Factories Act, 1974; and

The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 The Constitution includes some provisions to protect the right of individuals to private property, and also sets principles under which citizens may be deprived of their property in the public interest as described in Section 21 of the Constitution. It also makes provision for the prompt payment of adequate compensation and access to the court or other impartial and independent authority for the determination of the land owner’s interest or right, and the amount of any compensation to which he is entitled and for the purpose of obtaining prompt payment of that compensation

The National Lands Policy, 2005 As provided in the Constitution, the 2005 National Land Policy also provides for the compulsory acquisition of land in the public interest. The principles of the land policy include among others:

The principle of land as a common national or communal property resource held in trust for the people and which must be used in the long term interest of the people of Sierra Leone. Such principle only holds where it does not violate existing rights of private ownership.

Compensation to be paid for lands acquired through compulsory Government acquisition will be fair and adequate and will be determined, among other things, through negotiations that take into consideration government investment in the area.

Local Authority Assemblies, (District and Town Council), may negotiate for land for development purpose and concessionary prices or as gift, but all such grants should be properly documented and processed.

No interest in or right over any land belonging to an individual or family can be disposed of without consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.



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No interest in or right over any land belonging to an individual or family can be compulsorily acquired without payment, in reasonable time, of fair and adequate compensation.

Environmental Protection Agency Act, 2008 and the Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Act, 2010 The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 2008 is an Act to establish the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA), to provide for the effective protection of the environment and for other related matters. This Act mandates the EPA to amongst others; • Advice the Minister on the formulation of policies on all aspects of the environment and in particular

make recommendation for the protection of the environment. • Issue environmental permits and pollution abatement notices for controlling the volume, types,

constituents and effects of waste discharges, emissions, deposits or other source of pollutants of substances which are hazardous or potentially dangerous to the quality of the environment or any segment of the environment.

• Prescribe standards and guidelines relating to ambient air, water and soil quality, the pollution of air, water, land and other forms of environmental pollution including the discharge of waste and the control of toxic substances.

• Ensure compliance with any laid down environmental impact assessment procedures in the planning and execution of development projects, including compliance in respect of existing projects.

• Impose and collect environmental protection levies in accordance with this Act or regulations made under this Act.

Sections 24 of the Act list project activities requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment license which includes infrastructural projects such as laying of transmission lines and pipelines. These may probably be considered to include off shore activities though the national authority may be limited to territorial waters only. Further site specific information will be given in the ESIA report to be prepared for this project. Sections 25 and 26 of the Act describe factors for determining whether a project requires as environmental impact assessment and the contents of environmental impact assessment respectively. The Act describes the procedures to be followed to obtain permits for both existing and proposed undertakings through the conduct of environmental impact assessments. The Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Act, 2010 sought to give executive powers to the Board.

The Local Government Act, 2004 The Act establishes the local council as the highest political authority in the locality and who shall have legislative and executive powers to be exercised in accordance with this Act. This Act in its First Schedule under section 2 establishes the localities namely: Districts, Towns, and Cities. The part II of this schedule also establishes the number of Paramount Chiefs in each local council. The Third Schedule establishes the functions devolved to the local councils. The Fourth and Fifth Schedules establish departments under each local council, and Valuation list and Rate Books respectively.

The Telecommunication Act, 2006 The Telecommunication Act, 2006 is an Act to establishes the National Telecommunication Commission and to provide for the licensing and regulation of telecommunications operators and for the promotion of universal access to basic telecommunication services, fair competition for the benefit of investors in, and



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end users of telecommunication networks and services, to improve the national, regional and global integration of Sierra Leone in telecommunications and to provide for other related matters.

The Act also under Section 73 establishes penalties to be meted out offenders who seek to disrupt the delivery of telecommunication.

The Factories Act, 1974 The Factories Act, 1974 is an Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to factories and is applicable to factories belonging to or in the occupation of the state. This Act establishes under Section 8 that; (1) Before any person occupies or uses as a factory any premises which were not so occupied or used by

him at the commencement of this Act, or at the date of application of the Act to such premises, he shall apply for the registration of such premises by sending to the Chief Inspector a written notice containing particulars set out in the First Schedule.

(2) Upon receipt of such notice and on being satisfied that the premises are suitable for use as a factory of the nature stated in the notice, the Chief Inspector shall cause the premises to be registered and shall issue to the applicant a certificate of registration in the form set out in the Second Schedule.

The Act under Section 8 establishes the First Schedule which provides particulars to be submitted by occupier or intending occupier of a factory. The Second Schedule also under section 8 provides a template for the certificate of registration of a factory.

4.2 Other Relevant Institutions

Other relevant institutions include the following, and mandates and interest in project are subsequently described: • Ministry of Information and Communications; • Ministry of Lands and Country Planning; • Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MoTA); • Ministry of Tourism and Culture; • Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB); • Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA); • Maritime Administration; • Freetown City Council; and • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Ministry of Information and Communications Among other functions, it is mandated to effectively communicate government information, agenda, and business to the people of Sierra Leone. It is the lead ministry representing the Government of Sierra Leone to implement the project



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Ministry of Lands and Country Planning The Ministry is responsible for addressing land acquisition and transfers, land ownership and use, national development in a planning capacity and to provide advisory services to the public on land matters and is also responsible for physical planning and management of the forestry resources.

The Ministry of Land is empowered to carry out all land management and two important functions it performs are administration of all state and public lands and the acquisition of property and the payment of compensation.

Ministry of Tourism and Culture The responsibility of the Ministry is to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry. It is also charged with the duty of protecting the country’s heritage monuments, cultural and historical sites. One of the medium to long term goals of importance to this assignment is the Lumley Beach Development Project which is ongoing.

SALCAB Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB), a company duly incorporated under the Company’s Act 2009 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, is established to participate in the ACE Fibre-Optic submarine landing project as the maintenance authority. SALCAB was incorporated on the 26th March 2010 and currently has a 7 member Interim Management Team (IMT) with membership drawn from both public and private organizations.

Freetown City Council The city of Freetown is politically divided into eight municipalities or wards in 3 main areas comprising the East End, Central Freetown and West End. The three westernmost wards of the city constitute the West End of Freetown. These wards host the remains of centuries-old Portuguese towers and fortresses, most of the city's nicer tourist hotels, a number of casinos, and the Lumley Golf Course, Beach, and Club House, and the proposed location of landing stations. The City Council is also responsible for the proper disposal of solid wastes in the City.

NGOs There are few NGOs in Sierra Leone with interest in environmental and resource management. Some of these are interested in the natural conservation and monitoring of the country’s wildlife and natural habitats. Among the NGOs involved in environmental management are Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) The Conservation Society for Sierra Leone promotes the wise use and management of Sierra Leone’s Natural Resources through Education, Advocacy, Research and Site Action including sea turtle conservation programmes.



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The relevant World Bank safeguard policy is provided below.

OP 4.01- Environmental Assessment

EA is a process whose breadth, depth, and type of analysis depend on the nature, scale, and potential environmental impact of the proposed project. EA evaluates a project's potential environmental risks and impacts in its area of influence; examines project alternatives; identifies ways of improving project selection, siting, planning, design, and implementation by preventing, minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts; and includes the process of mitigating and managing adverse environmental impacts throughout project implementation. The Bank favors preventive measures over mitigatory or compensatory measures, whenever feasible.



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5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE INFORMATION

5.1 Introduction and Information Sources

This Section describes the environmental and social baseline conditions in the potential project areas. The environmental and social baseline information is given for a wide area to provide additional context where appropriate. The information presented is derived from the following data sources: • published reports; • internet sources; • national government data; • previous consultations; and • observations from previous site visits.

5.2 Relief

Sierra Leone has four main physical regions: the Freetown Peninsula raised beaches and hills, the Coastal Plains, the Interior Lowlands, and the Interior Plateau. The Freetown peninsula consists of three roughly parallel ranges of highlands that are narrow but extend about 30km south of Freetown. The hills and mountains in these highlands rise impressively from 200 to 1000m above the low-lying narrow coastal area.

The Interior Lowlands region makes up about half of the country. Most of the area, which is largely swamp, is less than 150m above sea level. The Interior Plateau region makes up the eastern half of the country. It is the most extensive physical region and includes the greatest variety of land forms. It is 300 to 450m above sea level. The Interior Plateau is dissected by the main rivers flowing westward towards the sea. Rising above the general level of this region are a number of hills and mountains, including the Kambui, Nimini, and Gori hills and the Sula, Kangari, Loma, Tingi, and Wara mountains.

5.3 Climatic Conditions

The mean long-term wind regime over Sierra Leone is influenced by the distribution of atmospheric pressure over the tropical zone of the Atlantic Ocean in spring and in autumn respectively due to two major atmospheric high pressure systems: the St. Helena or South Atlantic Maximum and the Azores or North Atlantic Maximum. The equatorial atmospheric depression between these two high pressure systems exerts a less prominent influence on the wind regime over Sierra Leone.

Local changes in atmospheric pressure resulting from temperature differences between land and the adjacent ocean as well as to orographic and land cover differences exert local changes in wind patterns on a diurnal and other short-term periods.

There are two main distinct seasons in Sierra Leone and these are the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is usually from December to April and is dominated by the North-East Trade Winds, commonly referred to as



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the Harmattan. The rainy season is usually from May to November, and is dominated by the Southwest Monsoon Winds. The northeast trade winds are relatively cool and humid.

In May to November, the winds are unstable in terms of direction and from June to October, Southwest monsoon winds dominate. The rainy or wet season generally lasting from May to November has two periods of squally weather, i.e. March-May, and September-October.

Cloudiness and Rainfall During the rainy season, clouds of vertical development of 8-10% general prevail everyday and these are usually accompanied by rainfall. The highest observed cloudiness from the area 6-7 and are closely related to the influence of the equatorial monsoons blowing from June to November. The cloud amount decreases to 3-5 a month during the months of December to April.

The highest amount of rainfall occurs during the rainy season, which lasts from May to November. The heaviest rains occur in July and August. The mean monthly amount of rainfall reaches its maximum in July and August, when the average number of rainy days is 27.

Temperature The mean long-term air temperature regime shows an average monthly temperature of between 26-28oC from June to October, with a maximum temperature of 32oC. Temperatures of up to 36oC have also been recorded especially during the month of March. A minimum temperature of 20oC has also been recorded.

Humidity and Mist Air humidity according to monthly means can be as high as 80-90% during dry season and decreased to 70- 80% during the rest of the year. The mean monthly occurrence of mist is approximately 1%. The visibility is obstructed by haze, the frequency of occurrence of which increases from 25% to 40% during the period from December to May. Its frequency from June to September is 3-5%. From December to February (Northern Winter), mist occurrence in the area increase to almost 2% a month.

5.4 Forest/Vegetation

The six (6) major ecosystems are: Forest, Montane, Savanna, Agricultural, Wetland and Freshwater and coastal and marine. Each of the ecosystems is characterized by certain dominant vegetation and wildlife. Savanna vegetation, comprising grasses and bushes, dominates northern Sierra Leone. Forests are densest in the southeast and contain varieties of palm and, to a lesser extent, mahogany and teak.

The level of deforestation in the Sierra Leone coastal area is high. Forests are cleared for various purposes, which include agriculture, fish drying, commercial logging, building, refurbishment and urbanization. Deforestation is severe in the watersheds of the Scarcies, Rokel, Ribbi and Sherbro rivers as well as in the areas of Yawri bay and Bunce river environs.



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5.5 Soils

No extensive and intensive soil survey has yet been fully carried out in Sierra Leone though various efforts have been made in particularly localized areas to analyse the soil types of the country. With the exception of those in the swamps and valleys, the soils elsewhere in the coastal zone are found to be light and penetrable. They are acidic, lateritic and low in potassium content. Characteristic of these soils is the prevalence of lateritic hard pans. Along the river banks and flood plains and in the tidal estuaries are found deposits of rich alluvial soils very suitable for rice cultivation.

5.6 Hydrology

The Sierra Leone coastal area can be divided into four main hydrological areas (Johnson & Johnson, 2004). These are the Scarcies River, Sierra Leone River, Sherbro River and the Gallinas and Mano Rivers hydrological areas.

The Scarcies River Hydrological Area The river is tidal and during the rainy season rises about 2.7m. The wide estuary mouth has mud banks and sand bars forming Yelibuya and Kortimaw islands. Further inland, it splits into the Great and Little Scarcies rivers which are relatively narrow and lined with mangroves.

Sierra Leone River Hydrological Area The main rivers entering this hydrological area are the Rokel, Port Loko creek and Kumrabe creek.

Sherbro River Hydrological Area Three major river systems, the Taia, Sewa and Wange rivers enter the Sherbro River Estuary through a complex system of brackish water channels draining an extensive area behind the ancient beach ridges in the south east region. The water divides around Sherbro Island and flows west into Yawri Bay and south along Turner’s Peninsula.

Gallinas and Mano Rivers Hydrological Area The Mano River divides Sierra Leone from Liberia and drains a large catchment area in the south. The stronger surf and currents have formed an 8km spit between the open sea and the narrow lagoon fed by the rivers.

5.7 Socio-economic Conditions

Overview of economy

According to the results of the 2004 Sierra Leone Population and Housing Census, the population of Sierra Leone is estimated at about 4.9 million in an estimated 819,854 households. For the period 1985-2004, the population growth rate was estimated at 1.8 percent. About 64 percent of the population resides in rural areas.



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Sierra Leone was ranked last among the 177 countries surveyed globally in the 2007/2008 United Nations Human Development Index, with a per capita GDP of about US$806, a life expectancy of 41.8 years, and an adult literacy rate of 34.8 percent. The UNDP 2007/2008 Human Development Report estimates that in 2005 about 52 percent of the population lived on less than US$1 a day (UNDP, 2007).

The most recent household income and expenditure survey (2003-04) showed that about 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty line according to the National Poverty Line of Le 2,111 per day (SSL, 2004). Overall, poverty is highest in rural areas, with 79 percent of the rural population living below the poverty line. The most acute form of poverty, insufficient food, is concentrated mainly in rural areas. About 68 percent of the population cannot afford enough food to eat. Three out of four people (75 percent) in rural areas outside Freetown do not attain the minimum daily calorie intake (2700 calories). The poor in Sierra Leone can meet only about 71 percent of their basic needs.

The rebel war resulted in a substantial reduction in the standard of living and, for many people, reduced access to food. A poor and undernourished population is more susceptible to various diseases. Thus, rising maternal and child mortality rates, increasing rates of illiteracy, and rising unemployment levels characterize the living conditions in many parts of Sierra Leone. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has also had a major impact on all sectors of the economy through loss of production and labour force. Against this background, the government of Sierra Leone in 2005 launched the Economic Recovery Strategy, aimed at restoring economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty levels (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, March 2005).

Population

The population of Sierra Leone increased from 2,180,355 in 1963 to 4,976,871 in 2004 (Central Statistics Office, 1963; SSL, 2006). The results of the previous censuses indicate that the annual population growth rate was 1.8 percent per annum during the 1985-2004 period, down from 2.3 percent reported during the 1974-1985 period, and 2.0 percent during the 1963-1974 inter-censual period.

Land ownership

Land can be owned from the following; categories in Sierra Leone: Private land, state land, communal land and family land. State land and private landownership operate in the Western Area. In the provinces, communal and family land ownership is mostly operating.

State or public lands are mostly unoccupied land, and land compulsorily acquired by the Government. Private land is land in which an individual has a freehold interest. Communal land referred to as chiefdom or community land is held in trust by the chief for the community and in the case of family land the main interest is vested in the family group with a common ancestry. In the provinces private freehold is gaining ground in the urban centres.



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6. DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE

6.1 Screening of Project Phase Activities

Interactions between project activities and environmental and social receptors are identified for analysis. Potential interactions are evaluated against site-specific conditions using information gathered from existing baseline conditions and previous site observations. Interactions/project phase activities are ‘screened out’ if the potential for impact does not exist or is negligible.

6.1.1 Refurbishment Phase

The Project has potential for impacts during the Refurbishment Phase, mainly involving pre-installation and installation activities.

Pre-installation Pre-installation activities will cover identification of sites for the innovation centres (hubs, labs and incubators) as well as other allied facilities. The innovation centers will be located at physical facilities either provided by government or leased on commercial basis.

Installation Installation activities will cover the refurbishment of buildings and any other associated infrastructure for the Centres. Refurbishment is not expected to involve new construction, demolition, or extension of physical facilities.

6.1.2 Operation Phase

The operation phase of the project will not have any significant adverse impact on the bio-physical and social environment. During operation it is expected that the innovation centers will have no significant negative environmental or social impacts. The innovation centers will have a passive influence on the environment.

6.1.3 Decommissioning Phase

At the decommissioning stage, two options are likely to occur. Option 1 is where the innovation centers are likely to be abandoned at the end of the Project’s lifespan. In such cases, no significant impacts are expected to occur. The centers will continue to have a passive influence on the environment and will be benign, so will not degrade or pollute the environment.

Option 2 is where the centers will continue to operate. In such cases, impacts associated with centers will be similar to the refurbishment phase impacts.



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The environmental issues also associated with decommissioning of buildings will also be similar to refurbishment activities.

6.2 Determination of Environmental/Social Significance of Impacts

The actual impact significance rating depends on a lot of factors, including: • the magnitude of the impact; • the sensitivity and value of the resource or receptor affected; • compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards; • views and concerns of stakeholders; • overall worker/public comfort; and • likelihood of occurrence.

6.3 Categories of Impact Significance

A ‘negligible or nil impact’ or an impact of negligible significance is where a resource or receptor will not be affected in any way by a particular activity, or the predicted effect is deemed to be imperceptible or is indistinguishable from natural background levels.

A ‘minor impact’ or an impact of minor significance is one where an effect will be experienced, but the impact magnitude is sufficiently small and well within accepted standards, and/or the receptor is of low sensitivity/value. In such instances, standard refurbishment/ operational practices can address such impacts.

A ‘moderate impact’ or an impact of moderate significance is where an effect will be within accepted limits and standards. Moderate impacts may cover a broad range, from a threshold below which the impact is minor, up to a level that might be just short of breaching an established (legal) limit. In such cases, standard refurbishment practices can take care of these impacts but mitigation measures may also be required.

A ‘major impact’ or an impact of major significance is one where an accepted limit or standard may be exceeded, or large magnitude impacts occur to highly valued/sensitive resource/receptors. In such cases, alternatives are required to address such impacts otherwise mitigation measures should be adopted with strict monitoring protocols.

The above classification used in the tables is largely subjective, and may be overruled by new site specific issues or information and detailed project activities not captured in this framework.

6.4 Refurbishment Phase Impacts/ Issues

6.4.1 Potential Adverse Environmental Impact / Issues

These are discussed in Table 2 below.



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Table 2 Potential adverse environmental impacts/ issues


Waste generation Solid waste Waste from refurbishment of vegetation and existing structures at project sites. Waste oil/fuel Waste oil will be generated from the use of fuel powered equipment and machinery- vehicles, trucks, engines/generators

Minor

Minor to Moderate

Air pollution (a) Exhausts/fumes and gaseous emissions from equipment and machinery. (b) Dust generation during refurbishment activities at the proposed sites. (c) Dust generation during transportation of materials by over speeding on unpaved roads.

Minor

Minor

Minor Noise and vibration

(a) Use of vehicles for transporting equipment will generate noise and vibration which could be nuisance to local residents and nearby businesses.

Moderate



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(b) Transport of materials to and from site, over speeding and abuse of vehicle horns by drivers will generate noise.

Moderate


(a) Small amounts of light pollution during refurbishment period at the possible sites as a result of security lighting. (b) Increased numbers of vehicles and equipment during and refurbishment of existing structures/ buildings.

Minor

Moderate

Impact on traffic Vehicles/trucks will be required to travel to and from possible sites with equipment and will impact on local traffic in the development area.

Minor to Moderate

Impacts on soil No impact on soil structure i s expected to occur at sites used for innovation activities

Negligible

Water pollution Improper disposal of sanitary waste from sites Minor

Impact on hydrology

The refurbishment of the Centers and installation of equipment may not impact on surface or ground water flow. There are no local rivers or water bodies within the proposed sites that will be directly impacted by the site activities.

Negligible

Impact on flora/ fauna and habitat

The proposed sites are not wildlife habitat/terrestrial fauna sites. The scanty vegetation in these areas are not of any conservation importance.

Negligible

Impacts on terrestrial protected areas/ sensitive sites

There are no terrestrial protected areas within the project sites to be affected by refurbishment activities.

Negligible

Nuisance and temporary disturbance of community life

Visual intrusion by trucks and equipment Temporary disruption of social activities

Moderate Minor

Social issues



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Impact on Social and Cultural Structures

The Project will have no negative impacts on social and cultural structures as the Project activities will have very little interaction with or impact upon population, social or cultural processes and activities or customs.

Minor

Impact on Cultural Heritage/ Archaeological interest

There are no known sites of significant cultural heritage or archaeological interest in the vicinity of the proposed centers.

Negligible


(a) Human health and safety could be compromised through road traffic accidents involving refurbishment vehicles/equipment. Occupational injury associated with refurbishment activities at the sites will be limited to the work force only. (b) Indiscriminate disposal of human waste or free-range defecation by project workers could create environmental health problems for local residents and beach users (c) Indiscriminate disposal of litter at work camps will create unsightly conditions and pose safety and health risks

Minor to Moderate

Moderate to Major

Moderate



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7. MITIGATION GUIDELINES

7.1 Mitigation considerations and options

All moderate and major adverse impacts are considered for mitigation. Specific measures have been suggested in this regard where practicable. With regard to negligible and minor impacts where the project activity is not expected to cause any significant impact in such cases, best practice measures and mitigation have also been recommended where appropriate to improve the environmental and social performance of the Project.

The mitigation options considered include project modification, provision of alternatives, project timing, pollution control, compensations and relocation assistance. In cases where the effectiveness of the mitigation is uncertain, monitoring programmes are introduced.

7.2 Recommended mitigation measures

The mitigation measures or guidelines have been designed in order to avoid, minimise and reduce negative environmental and social impacts. The mitigation measures are presented in the following tables in a descriptive format.

7.2.1 Mitigating Potential Environmental Impacts /Concerns

Table 3 Mitigation measures for identified impact issues Impact issues Description of mitigation measures Waste disposal Solid waste

• Adequate waste reception facilities should be provided at the project sites/camp sites • Final disposal should be at dump sites approved by the Freetown City Council only Waste oil /fuel

Spent or waste oil from vehicles and equipment should be collected and temporarily stored in drums or containers at site

Waste oil should be disposed off by oil marketing companies or agents approved or



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Impact issues Description of mitigation measures recognized and have the capacity to undertake oil disposal

Air pollution • The Project should require that refurbishment contractors operate only well maintained engines, vehicles, trucks and equipment. A routine maintenance program for all equipment, vehicles, trucks and power generating engines should be in place.

• The project should ensure the use of good quality fuel and lubricants only • If dust generation at the project/refurbishment site becomes a problem, limited wetting

of sites and/ or unloading and reloading points should be done to reduce dust raising • Refurbishment traffic speed control measures should be enforced on unpaved roads (speed

limits through communities should be ≤50km/hr on unpaved or untarred roads and near or at project site should be ≤30 km/hr).


Noise and vibration • The Project should require contractors to use equipment and vehicles that are in good working order, well maintained, and that have some noise suppression equipment (e.g. mufflers, noise baffles) intact and in working order. This will be achieved by making it a component of contractual agreements with the refurbishment contractors.

• Contractors will be required to implement best driving practices when approaching and leaving the site (speed limit of ≤30 km/hr) to minimize noise generation created through activities such as unnecessary acceleration and breaking squeal.



• The project sites should be boarded off from public view during refurbishment • Good house-keeping at refurbishment sites should be ensured • Application of appropriate erosion-protection measures.

Impact on traffic • Only road worthy vehicles and trucks should be used to avoid frequent breakdowns on the

roads • Only experienced drivers should be employed

Water pollution • No garbage/refuse, oily wastes, fuels/waste oils should be discharged into drains or shores/beach or onto site grounds

• Fuel storage tanks/sites should be properly secured to contain any spillage • Maintenance and cleaning of vehicles, trucks and equipment should take place offsite in

view of the proximity of the landing sites to the marine environment. • Toilet facilities should be provided for refurbishment workers to avoid indiscriminate

defecation in nearby bush or shores Temporary disturbance and interruption of commercial and social activities

• Informing the affected communities early of the refurbishment programme through local FM radio and other means as needed.

• Project activities must be undertaken in such a way as to enable people to have access to their homes and businesses.



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Impact issues Description of mitigation measures • Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads

• Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established. • Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges

should be minimized.

Social environment Impacts on Human Health/ Safety and sanitation

• Trucks carrying refurbishment materials will have the buckets covered with tarpaulin or appropriate polythene material from or to project site

• Only road worthy vehicles/trucks should be used • Only experienced drivers/operators should be employed • Except for areas secured by fencing, all active refurbishment areas will be marked with

high- visibility tape to reduce the risk accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. • Adequate sanitary facilities will be available for workers and open range defecation will not

be countenanced. • Refurbishment workers will be provided with and educated to wear suitable

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, overalls, high-visibility vests, safety boots, earplugs, gloves etc.

• Refurbishment workers should be educated to adhere to basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention.



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8. CONSULTATION, ESMF DISCLOSURE AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM

8.1 Stakeholder consultations

The preparation of the ESMF for the eTransform Project builds on the consultations for the ESMF for the WARCIP-SL project. For WARCIP-SL, key project stakeholders were identified for consultations and these included Government Ministries, State Agencies/ Organisations/ and Departments, Project offices, University/Research Institutions, Non-governmental organization and local communities. During consultations, meetings were held with key officials and opinion leaders to gauge level of awareness and involvement with the project, concerns of project implementation, and to obtain relevant documents or baseline information of project area and the coastal setting of Sierra Leone. The consultations also served to gather information on the mandates and permitting requirements to inform the development of the Project. For eTransform Project, discussions were held with key officials and opinion leaders, across government, including the Ministries of Information and Communication, Health, Education, Labor; regulatory agencies, including National Communications Commission (NATCOM) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); and relevant service providers, including tertiary educational centers, and health centers. Among issues discussed during the consultations include experience in safeguards by the PIU and the Ministry, project activities and selection of beneficiary institutions, the location for the centers, the level of environmental impact, management of possible e-waste and extent of refurbishment and environmental implications. The meeting also assured that further consultations will be carried out during project implementation. Please refer to Annex 1 for persons met and a matrix of issues discussed by the various stakeholders.

8.2 ESMF Disclosure

The World Bank policies require that environmental reports for projects are made available to project affected groups, local NGOs, and the public at large. Public disclosure of EIA documents or environmental reports is also a requirement of the Sierra Leone EIA procedures. However, there is no limitation as to the extent and scope of disclosure. The Project Implementation Office in collaboration with SLEPA will make available copies of the ESMF in selected public places as required by law for information and comments. Public notice in the media should be served for that purpose. After in country disclosure, the ESMF will be disclosed at the World Bank infoshop.

The notification should be done through a newspaper or radio announcement or both. The notification should provide: • a brief description of the Project; • a list of venues where the ESMF report is on display and available for viewing; • duration of the display period; and • contact information for comments.

The SLEPA will select display venues upon consultation with Project Implementation Office but would be expected that one of the venues or places will be near the proposed landing sites or local community.



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8.3 Grievance Mechanism

Grievance mechanisms provide a formal avenue for affected groups or stakeholders to engage with the project implementers or owners on issues of concern or unaddressed impacts. Grievances are any complaints or suggestions about the way a project is being implemented. They may take the form of specific complaints for damages/injury, concerns about routine project activities, or perceived incidents or impacts.

Identifying and responding to grievances supports the development of positive relationships between projects and affected groups/communities, and other stakeholders.

The World Bank/IFC standards outline requirements for grievance mechanisms for some projects. Grievance mechanisms should receive and facilitate resolution of the affected communities’ concerns and grievances. The World Bank/IFC states the concerns should be addressed promptly using an understandable and transparent process that is culturally appropriate and readily acceptable to all segments of affected communities, at no cost and without retribution. Mechanisms should be appropriate to the scale of impacts and risks presented by a project.

Grievances can be an indication of growing stakeholder concerns (real and perceived) and can escalate if not identified and resolved. The management of grievances is therefore a vital component of stakeholder management and an important aspect of risk management for a project.

While this Project may have only limited potential adverse impacts to people and the environment in general, identifying grievances and ensuring timely resolution is still very necessary. As such the ESMF has developed a grievance management process to serve as a guide during project implementation.

The grievance management guide is provided in Table 4.


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Table 4 Grievance Mechanism

Steps Process Description Time frame Other information 1 Identification of grievance Face to face; phone; letter, e-mail; recorded during

public/community interaction; others

1 Day PIU will offer an email address and hotline number, and have an office designate for grievance

2 Grievance assessed and logged

Significance assessed and grievance recorded or logged (i.e. in a log book)

4-7 Days PIU will assign a significance criteria Level 1 –one off event; Level 2 – complaint is widespread or repeated; Level 3- any complaint (one off or repeated) that indicates breach of law or policy or

3 Grievance is acknowledged Acknowledgement of grievance through appropriate medium

7-14 Days PIU will send acknowledgements

4 Development of response -Grievance assigned to appropriate party for resolution -Response development with input from management/ relevant stakeholders

4-7 Days 10-14 Days

PIU will assign grievance to appropriate party PIU will consult with management and stakeholders

5 Response signed off Redress action approved at appropriate levels 4-7 Days Project Implementation Unit should sign off

6 Implementation and communication of response

Redress action implemented and update of progress on resolution communicated to complainant

10-14 Days PIU will convey resolution

7 Complaints Response Redress action recorded in grievance log book Confirm with complainant that grievance can be closed or determine what follow up is necessary

4-7 Days PIU will record redress action, and confirm or follow up with complainant

8 Close grievance Record final sign off of grievance If grievance cannot be closed, return to step 2 or refer to sector minister or recommend third-party arbitration or resort to court of law

4-7 Days Final sign off by Project Coordinator



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9. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION

9.1 Project Institutions

The main institutions which will work together to ensure sound management of the environmental and social aspects of the project include Project Implementation Unit under the MOIC and also SLEPA.

9.1.1 Project Implementation Unit

The WARCIP Project Implementation Unit was established to participate and manage the ACE Fibre-Optic submarine landing project. The e- Transform Project Implementation Unit to be set up will not have capacity to implement the ESMF and may require assistance. Earlier, SALCAB was incorporated in March 2010 and was run by a seven member Interim Management Team (IMT). The SALCAB team was made up of professionals drawn from both public and private institutions.

9.1.2 SLEPA

The SLEPA is responsible for ensuring compliance with laid down EIA procedures in Sierra Leone in accordance with the EPA Act 2008 and its amendment and Agency is expected to give environmental approval for the Project. The EIA is being applied in Sierra Leone to development projects as well as other undertakings as an environmental permitting pre- requisite and a major environmental management tool. The SLEPA will support the project by exercising its permitting and monitoring powers.

Although SLEPA is a relatively new agency under the Office of the President, it previously existed as an Environmental Department under the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment. The organizational structure is still being filled with new recruitments. With the experience in EIA review and monitoring, SLEPA will be able to oversee the internal review of the ESMF.

9.2 Capacity Building Requirements

The capacity developed from the implementation of the WARCIP will be useful in carrying out this project. It is expected that the WARCIP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has benefitted immensely from numerous interactions with the environmental consultants and also with the SLEPA and therefore in a suitable position to provide further support to implement this ESMF.

However, if required further capacity building will mostly be in the form of a training workshop for any such eTransform PIU to be set up. The training workshop on the ESMF and the World Bank safeguard policies



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OP 4.01 would be organized for the Project Implementation Unit, SLEPA, Project consultants/contractors and other relevant stakeholders involved in the project implementation.

The capacity of the Project Implementation Unit should be enhanced to provide guidance, and ensure adequate overall environmental supervision of the project. A consultant with knowledge and understanding of the implementation of the World Bank Environmental Assessment OP 4.01 may be contracted to undertake the training. The training cost for key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Project may be estimated to be between US$10,000-US$15,000.



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10. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Environmental and Social Management Plan presented under this section considers institutional arrangements required to implement the environmental and social actions, as well as a presentation of some monitoring indicators. The mitigation measures are reflected in this ESMP as a set of actions.

The ESMP to ensure that the actions are managed fully and that unforeseen or unidentified impacts of the Project are detected and resolved. The ESMP is also to provide assurance to regulators and stakeholders that their requirements with respect to biophysical and social performance will be met.

10.1 Roles and Responsibilities

10.1.1Role of Project Implementation Unit

Although the contractor will have a key role in delivering on the measures set out in the ESMP, as the project proponent, led by the PIU will have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the measures are delivered.

In this respect, the PIU will review and approve contractor plans for delivery of the actions contained in this ESMP and during project installation will review contractor performance through monitoring, audits and inspection. Where the measures set out in the ESMP do not result in the achievement of objectives, the PIU will work with the contractor to refine the measures.

Need for an ESMF Liaison Officer and collaboration with government institutions/NGO The PIU will have to appoint an ESMF Liaison Officer to oversee the implementation of the ESMP and to ensure that the overall objectives are met. The PIU will have to liaise with the appropriate government ministries/agencies as well as relevant NGO to assist with the oversight of environmental and social performance.

The Liaison Officer will have the power to stop the work at any time should the actions recommended in the ESMP not be followed without any tangible reasons being given.

10.1.2Contractors’ Role

The contractor in this case refers to any individual or firm or consultant engaged during pre-installation and installation periods to provide technical services (e.g. design, surveys, refurbishment, installations or any works associated with the project).

The contractor will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation as well as managing the potential environmental, social, health and safety impacts of all contract activities specified in this ESMP and or as may be recommended by key stakeholders.



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The Contractor will be expected to demonstrate commitment to the ESMP at all levels in the Contractor’s management structure. The Contractor will be required to identify individuals responsible for overall environment, social (including community relations); and health and safety management.

The Contractor’s implementation of the requirements of the ESMP will form part of contractual agreement, and the Contractor’s project reporting requirements to the client will include sections on environmental, social and safety issues.

10.2 Standards, Specific Action Plans and Stakeholder Engagement

10.2.1Standards

Environmental and social management issues at various stages of the Project are governed or guided by a number of standards, including: • the ESMF/RPF requirements; • those contained in national legislation; • those established by industry codes of practice; and • international standards and guidelines (such as those of the World Bank).

10.2.2Specific Action Plans

Specific action plans (as relevant to the contractor works) will need to be developed by the contractors to implement the mitigation and management measures outlined in this ESMP. Specific action plans could include the following: • Environmental, Health and Safety Plan/Policy (EHSP) • Refurbishment Site Management Plan • Spill Prevention and Control Plan • Waste Management Plan • Hazardous Materials Management Plan • Labour Policy /Plan • Chance Finds Procedure • Erosion Control and Restoration Plan (for onshore refurbishment activities)

10.2.3Stakeholder Engagement

The PIU should continue to engage with stakeholders especially throughout refurbishment phase. The objectives of communication and liaison with stakeholders are to: • Provide interested stakeholders in the vicinity of the Project with regular information on the progress of

work and its implications. • Monitor implementation of mitigation measures and the impact of refurbishment on communities

via direct monitoring and feedback from those affected. • Manage any disputes between MOIC, Contractors and local people.



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10.3 Monitoring and Audit

Contractors will be required to report on the project’s environmental and social performance. The ESMF Liaison officer will undertake regular environmental audits and random spot checks during Project implementation. All audit findings will be reviewed by the Project and where corrective actions are deemed necessary, specific plans (with designated responsibility and timing) will be developed, aimed at achieving continuous improvement in performance.

10.4 Reporting

Contractors will be required to provide the PIU periodic reports on environmental and social management issues at an agreed frequency appropriate for the stage. The PIU will be required to also provide periodic reports (preferably quarterly or as agreed) to the World Bank on the Project’s environmental and social performance.

10.5 Mitigation and Monitoring Action Framework

This section presents the general action framework covering the mitigation measures and monitoring in tabular format as provided in Table 10:1 and Table 10:2. These will constitute additional costs to be incurred by the project for the environmental and social management of the various activities, and will be clearly determined and confirmed in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to be prepared as part of the ESIA study.



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Table 5 General Environmental Action Framework

Impact issue Proposed Action/ Measures Implementation tool/ criteria

Monitoring/ indicators

Verification Project stage Responsibility

Terrestrial Activities /Environment Solid waste disposal

-Provide adequate waste reception facilities at refurbishment/work camp sites -Dispose of waste at Freetown City Council approved waste dump sites

-EHSP/Waste Management Plan/Refurbishment site management plan

Number of site waste bins

Final disposal records

Weekly checks by MOIC or assigned representative

Refurbishment

Operation

Contractors

MOIC or assigned representative

Waste oil/fuel disposal

Provide drums or containers for temporarily storage of spent or waste oil from vehicles and equipment

Dispose of waste oil through recognized oil marketing company or approved agent

EHSP/Spill prevention and control plan

Waste oil drums or containers on site

Waste oil collection and disposal records

Monthly checks by MOIC or rep

Refurbishment

Operation

Contractors


Air/noise pollution

-Purchase sound equipment/ machinery for project -Operate well maintained engines, vehicles, trucks and equipment. -Use good quality fuel and lubricants -Suppress dust generation at project sites -Reduce traffic speed on unpaved roads through communities and at project sites -Switch off engines of vehicles/trucks when not in use.

-Part of contract agreement with contractor -A routine maintenance program or plan for equipment/ machinery -Purchase fuel at recognized fuel/ filling stations

Speed limits on unpaved roads through communities should be ≤50km/hr and near or at project site should be ≤30 km/hr

-Maintenance plan implementation -Grievances recorded

-Independent checks by MOIC or representative

Maintenance records verified by MOIC or representative

-Check by contractor

Refurbishment Contractors / MOIC or assigned representative


The project sites should be boarded off from public view and ensure good house- keeping at refurbishment sites

Refurbishment site management plan

Implementation of Plan

-Check by contractor


Impact on traffic

-Use only road worthy vehicles and Trucks

-Use experienced drivers

Purchase sound vehicles and trucks /machinery for project Driver qualification

-Traffic incidence records -Grievances recorded

MOIC or representative to verify




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Check by contractor

Water pollution

-No garbage/refuse, oily wastes, fuels/waste oils should be discharged into drains or shores/ beach or onto site grounds -Fuel storage tanks/sites should be properly secured -Maintenance and cleaning of vehicles, trucks and equipment should take place offsite. -Provide toilet facilities for refurbishment workers

EHSP/ waste management plan

Spill prevention and control plan/EHSP


EHSP

-On site erosion features

Proposed actions implemented

-Daily checks by contractors -Periodic reports on performance by contractor to MOIC or representative -Spot checks/audits by MOIC or representative

Refurbishment

Operation

Contractors / MOIC or assigned representative



-Cover buckets of trucks carrying refurbishment materials such as sand, quarry dust, etc -Use road worthy vehicles/trucks and experienced drivers/operators -Active refurbishment areas to be marked with high-visibility tape -Backfill and or secure open trenches. -Provide adequate sanitary facilities -Provide PPEs for refurbishment workers. -Educate refurbishment workers on site rules/regulation and hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention.

EHSP

Vehicle maintenance programme/plan in place


EHSP

EHSP

EHSP

-Health and safety incident register -Grievance records

Health and safety plan under implementation

-Daily checks and verification by contractor -Spot checks by MOIC or representative -Periodic reports by contractor to MOIC or representative

Refurbishment Contractors



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11. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Coastal Erosion in West and Central Africa. UNEP region sea report and studies. 2. Conservation at utilization rationale des forest de mangrove de L’Afrique, Okinawa, ISME/ITTO/COME, Project pg

114/90 (f). Version Frances du Rapport su L’Afrique. 2./267p. 3. Environmental Management Problems in Resource Utilization and Survey of Resources in West Africa and Central

African Region. UNEP regional sea report and studies No. 378. 4. Government of Sierra Leone. 1989. National Population Policy for Development, Progress and Welfare. 5. Government of Sierra Leone. 1990a. National Forestry Development Plan. International Round Table Freetown. 6. Government of Sierra Leone. 1990b. The Fisheries Regulations, 1990 Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazatte

Extraordinary. Vol. CXXI. 28 December. 7. Hogan & Hartson. (1999). Study on submarine cable landing rights and existing practices for the provision of

transmission capacity on international routes. Brussels, European Commission. 8. International Cable Protection Committee website: www.iscpc.org/ 9. International Finance Corporation (1998) Procedure for Environmental and Social Review of Projects. 10. IFC, Washington. International Finance Corporation. (2006) Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability. IFC,

World Bank Group. 11. ICPC, 2007. A History of Submarine Telecommunication Cables. International Cable Protection Committee.

http://www.iscpc.org/ 12. ICPC, 2009. International Cable Protection Committee. http://www.iscpc.org/ 13. Johnson R.G. Ndah, E. Eshiet m. (1995). “Effective management of EEZ through region cooperation – problems and

problems and prospects Case study of West Africa” In participant” country report International Ocean Institute (10) Training programme; Dollhouses University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

14. Johnson. R.G. (1996), Impact of development Activities on the Sierra Leone coastal zone, paper presented at the International seminar on the coastal zone of West Africa. Problems and management, Accra Ghana.

15. Johnson, Raymond G. and G Johnson,1991. “State of Mangrove Resource and Coastal Environment in Sierra Leone”. Paper presented at National Seminar on Fishery Industries Development, 25-29 November. Freetown.

16. Longhurst, A., 1958. An ecological survey of the West African marine benthos. Fish Publ. Colon. Off., Lond. (11): 101 p

17. Main One Submarine Cable Company (Ghana) Ltd (2008). Main One Submarine Cable System: Draft Preliminary Environmental Report, December 2008

18. Ministry of Information and Communication (2010) Environment and Social Management Framework for the WARCIP, Freetown

19. Nation and regional aspects of coastal erosion in the sight of Bein, Excerpt from EEC report on expert findings, 1989, in UNESCO/UNDP/COMARAF project training manual part 1.

20. Reynold G. Johnson, Raymond G. Johnson, Coastal Marine resources Utilization and Management Issues in Sierra Leone (Book in Press)

21. SCIG, 2009. Submarine Cable Improvement Group. http://www.scig.net/ 22. Tyco Telecommunications (August 2008) Main One Submarine Cable Network, Phase 1, Desktop Study. Report

Number: 0802J003_Main1_DTS. 23. United Nations Environment Programme. (2008) UNEP-WCMC CITES Trade Database http://www.unep-

wcmc.org/citestrade/ 24. UKCPC, 2009. United Kingdom Cable Protection Committee. http://www.ukcpc.org

http://www.iscpc.org/



http://www.scig.net/

http://www.unep-wcmc.org/citestrade/



http://www.ukcpc.org/



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ANNEX 1 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS

List of individuals/organizations contacted

Key stakeholders were identified for consultations for the preparation of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of eTransform project.

Organization Name and Title Date of Consultation Ministry of Information and Communications (MOIC)

Mr. Bakarr Tarawally, Director of Communications, MoIC Mr. Samuel J. Koroma, MD, SalPost Mr. Abdul Sherriff Kamara, Project Coordinator, WARCIP

October 7, 2013

Ministry of Health Dr. D. A. Bash-Taqi, Director of Hospitals Dr. Samuel A. S. Kargbo, Director, Reproductive and Child Health Programme Dr. Musa P. Kamara, Senior M&E Officer

October 7, 2013

Corporate Affairs Commission Ms. Michala C. Mackay October 8, 2013 University of Sierra Leone Professor Ekundayo J.D. Thompson, Deputy

Vice Chancellor Mr. Sorie Ndigi Dumbuya, Registrar

October 8, 2013

Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

Dr. Victor E. A. Kabia, Vice Principal and Director of Studies

October 8, 2013

Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA)

Dr Kolleh A Bangura, Director October 9, 2013

Freetown City Council Bowenson F. Phillips, Chief Administrator October 10, 2013 Conservation Society of Sierra Leone

Mr. D D Siaffia, Director October 10, 2013

Stakeholder Discussions

Stakeholder Issues Discussed Ministry of Information and Communications

MOIC is the implementing agency of eTransform Sierra Leone and WARCIP projects. The discussion with MOIC revolved around the project development objectives and environment and safeguard implications as a result of the development of innovation center under eTransform project. Sierra Leone Postal Services Ltd, under MOIC, indicated that a postal office in Freetown could serve as a co-location facility for the innovation center. The potential for using such a facility and the terms for such usage would be discussed during project implementation. The meeting noted that the WARCIP PIU under MOIC has had previous experience in dealing with environment and safeguard issues under WARCIP. WARCIP involved the laying of an undersea fiber cable and the construction of a civil works facility for landing station. eTransform project will benefit from MOIC’s prior experience in the area. For



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innovation centers, the use of a grants manual would further underscore the role of contractors in adhering to environment and safeguards provisions of the project.

Ministry of Health

eTransform Sierra Leone project has a sub-component on e-health. Ministry of Health will support implementation of the health component. These would include providing connectivity to health centers, establishing health records, and establishing an information system for human resource management.

The digitization and setup of health records could use the innovation centers being established under the project. The environment issues that could result are establishing ICT systems at the innovation centers, updating operational processes, maintaining the system, and efficiently using energy resources. The setup would require training and capacity building on various aspects of ICT, healthcare, and energy conversation. The social issues that could affect are the recruitment of local labor for carrying out digitization tasks. MOH officials have been actively involved in the preparation of the project and in discussions on issues including environment and safeguards.

Corporate Affairs Commission

eTransform Sierra Leone project provides support to CAC on setting up an information system for retaining records on corporations under the Companies Act of Sierra Leone. The project provides related technical assistance and capacity building. Discussions with CAC indicated that the environmental effects due to the innovation center and the related physical facilities would be minimal given the nature of support to CAC.

University of Sierra Leone

The project supports the use of ICT for higher education and for innovation. Discussions with the University of Sierra Leone centered on ways by which ICT skills in youth in Sierra Leone could be improved, and supporting facilities could promote innovation, skills development, and training. University of Sierra Leone could benefit from innovation centers being developed under the project. The issues discussed entailed the scope of the project in terms of online education and local content. Participants inquired about how institutions benefiting from the project would be selected. Educational institutions supporting implementation would closely follow sound environmental practices.

Milton Margai College

The project team met with the administration of Milton Margai College. Discussions centered on how the eTransform project could help alleviate the ICT needs of the college, and the importance of ICT in today’s curriculum and training. The administration indicated that previous efforts to establish ICT facilities in the college were useful but the ICT equipment is in urgent need of upgrade. Access to ICT facilities in the college is limited for students. The administration underscored the need for better ICT usage in facilities and training. The role of innovation in Sierra Leone would be beneficial and would be of use to students in the college. Environmental implications include e-waste of outdated ICT equipment and update of administrative processes. A convenient location of the innovation center could give easy access to the youth and students.

Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA)

According to the EPA Act of 2008, SLEPA oversees environment issues in Sierra Leone. SLEPA reviews the environmental effects of projects and approves projects that have been assessed under the EIA process. Discussions with SLEPA involved explaining the scope of the eTransform project, the



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various project components, and the support for an innovation center under the project. The project team explained that the innovation center is expected to be co-located in an existing government building or an existing building may be procured on a competitive, commercial basis. No new construction is envisaged under the project. Limited refurbishment, in terms of refreshing physical premises, for use by the innovation centers is expected. The identification and refurbishment of the physical building will be done during project implementation. SLEPA and stakeholders will be consulted during project implementation to ensure adequate compliance with environment and safeguards laws and regulations of Sierra Leone.

Freetown City Council

The project team described the project and development objectives. Physical facilities for innovation centers are not yet identified, though facilities such as the postal office in Freetown downtown could serve as co-location facility.

Conservation Society of Sierra Leone

Discussions with the Conservation Society were useful in highlighting the new eTransform project, the activities supported under the project, and the potential environment and conservation aspects caused by the project. The discussions noted that setting up innovation center in heavily populated areas of Freetown, though beneficial, would require a review of adherence to conserving historic facilities. At the early stage of project preparation, no major issues are known. Additional discussion may be helpful during project implementation once potential sites for innovation centers are identified.

Documents

THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/...THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE . MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS. Environmental and Social