Government of Belize

Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation

Community Action for Public Safety II

Environmental and Social Analysis (draft)

This document was prepared by Christa Hulse, Environmental and Social Consultant for the Government of Belize, Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation Belmopan, Belize. December 2019.

2 Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES ...... 6 LIST OF TABLES ...... 7 ACRONYMS ...... 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 9

IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ...... 9 INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT...... 10

INTRODUCTION ...... 10 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 10 Site location ...... 10 Description of the site ...... 13 Users of the site ...... 13 Conceptual project design ...... 14 Size of development ...... 14 Construction logistics ...... 15 Land acquisition ...... 16 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ...... 16 Purpose ...... 16 Objectives ...... 19 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 19 Location alternatives ...... 19 Activity alternatives ...... 20 Site layout alternatives...... 22 Design alternatives ...... 22 ADDITIONAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS ...... 23 OTHER PROJECTS IN THE AREA ...... 23 METHODOLOGY ...... 25

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ...... 25 METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR SOCIAL ANALYSIS ...... 25 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ...... 30

THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS ...... 30 LOCAL LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS...... 31 LOCAL PLANS AND POLICIES ...... 34 RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS ...... 35 NATIONAL REGULATORY AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS AND STATUTORY BODIES ...... 35 INTERNATIONAL POLICIES AND STANDARDS ...... 37 IDB policies ...... 37 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS ...... 38

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ...... 38 Land use ...... 38 Air quality ...... 38 Noise ...... 39 Geology ...... 39 Soil ...... 41 Hydric resources ...... 41 Flora and fauna ...... 41

3 SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ...... 45 Population demographics ...... 45 Levels of urbanization ...... 45 Age ...... 46 Ethnic composition ...... 46 Language ...... 47 Religion...... 48 Poverty ...... 48 Belize district labor status ...... 50 Employment sectors ...... 50 Gross domestic product (GDP) ...... 51 Economic base ...... 51 Per capita GDP ...... 52 Infrastructure and amenities ...... 53 Energy ...... 55 Health care ...... 55 Education ...... 56 Gender factors ...... 56 NATURAL DISASTER FACTORS ...... 59 Risk of natural disasters ...... 59 Risk of natural hazards ...... 59 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS ...... 70

ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AND IMPACTS ...... 71 Pollution ...... 71 Resource efficiency ...... 72 SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS ...... 72 Construction workforce ...... 72 Risks to social workers ...... 72 Mainstreaming gender and social inclusivity ...... 73 Resettlement and livelihood restoration ...... 73 Physical hazards ...... 74 Chemical hazards ...... 76 Biological hazards ...... 77 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS MATRIX ...... 80 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT ...... 82

LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS ...... 82 Working conditions and management of worker relationships ...... 82 Workforce protection ...... 83 Workers accommodation ...... 83 Worker code of conduct ...... 84 Grievance redress mechanism...... 85 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY...... 85 General facility design and operation ...... 85 Physical hazards ...... 88 Chemical hazards ...... 90 Biological hazards ...... 92 Personal protective equipment (PPE) ...... 94 Monitoring ...... 95 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 97 SOCIAL WORK SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE ...... 99 GENDER EQUITY IN DESIGN ...... 100

4 CLIMATE RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 101 Flood risk ...... 101 Hurricane risk ...... 101 Earthquake risk ...... 101 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 102 Waste streams ...... 102 Waste management principles ...... 102 Management actions ...... 103 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY ...... 105 Energy conservation ...... 105 Water conservation ...... 108 CONSULTATION PLAN ...... 109 REFERENCES ...... 110 ANNEX ...... 114

PERSONS CONSULTED ...... 114

5 List of Figures

FIGURE 1: BELIZE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS ...... 11 FIGURE 2: LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE ...... 11 FIGURE 3: MARKETS AT THE PROJECT SITE ...... 12 FIGURE 4: ORANGE STREET ON A TYPICAL DAY ...... 12 FIGURE 5: SITE MAP WITH LOCATION OF INFORMAL DWELLERS ...... 13 FIGURE 6: EXAMPLES OF WRAP-AROUND SERVICE CENTERS WORLDWIDE ...... 14 FIGURE 7: LOCATION OF MHDSTPA DEPARTMENTS ...... 16 FIGURE 8: GANG-CONTROLLED AREAS OF BELIZE CITY ...... 21 FIGURE 9: PLANT-BASED AREAS INCORPORATED INTO BUILDING DESIGN ...... 22 FIGURE 10: MAP OF PROPOSED FLOOD CONTROL WORKS (BL-L1028) ...... 24 FIGURE 11: MITIGATION HIERARCHY ...... 28 FIGURE 12: GEOLOGY MAP OF BELIZE ...... 40 FIGURE 13: MAIN VEGETATIVE TYPES NEAR BELIZE CITY ...... 42 FIGURE 14: MAP OF MANATEE SIGHTINGS IN BELIZE, 2000 ...... 44 FIGURE 15: ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION OF BELIZE DISTRICT ...... 47 FIGURE 16: EMPLOYMENT SECTORS IN BELIZE ...... 51 FIGURE 17: AREAS OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ...... 52 FIGURE 18: PER CAPITA INCOME IN BELIZE, 2010 ...... 53 FIGURE 19: ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BELIZE (2010) ...... 55 FIGURE 20: BELIZE FLOOD EVENTS ...... 60 FIGURE 21: "10-YEAR FLOOD" MAP ...... 62 FIGURE 22: "100-YEAR FLOOD" MAP ...... 62 FIGURE 23: MAJOR ROAD SYSTEMS VULNERABILITY TO FLOODING ...... 63 FIGURE 24: COST OF DAMAGE DONE BY HURRICANE KEITH, 2000 ...... 65 FIGURE 25: DAMAGE DONE BY HURRICANE KEITH RELATIVE TO ECONOMIC INDICATORS ...... 65 FIGURE 26: HURRICANE HATTIE FLOOD AND INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE ...... 66 FIGURE 27: HURRICANE HATTIE INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE ...... 66 FIGURE 28: HURRICANE EARL RESIDENTIAL DAMAGE ...... 67 FIGURE 29: RADISSON FORT GEORGE HOTEL PIER DAMAGE ...... 67 FIGURE 30: DAMAGE TO BANANA PLANTATION ...... 68 FIGURE 31: TECTONIC PLATES NEAR BELIZE ...... 69 FIGURE 32: BOTHERSOME INSECT TYPES ...... 79 FIGURE 33: WASTE MANAGEMENT HIERARCHY ...... 103 FIGURE 34: AIR CIRCULATION REQUIREMENT FOR AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ...... 106 FIGURE 35: ROOFING INSULATION ...... 107 FIGURE 36: EXTERNAL SHADING FEATURES ...... 108

6 List of Tables

TABLE 1: UNITS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WITHIN EACH DEPARTMENT BEING HOUSED AT THE WRAP-AROUND CENTER ...... 17 TABLE 2: MANATEE SIGHTINGS PER HABITAT, 2000 ...... 43 TABLE 3: POPULATION AND DEGREE OF URBANIZATION ...... 45 TABLE 4: AGE DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECT AREA ...... 46 TABLE 5: ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECT AREA ...... 47 TABLE 6: POPULATION (> 4 YEARS) BY LANGUAGE SPOKEN ...... 47 TABLE 7: RELIGIOUS DISTRIBUTION OF BELIZE CITY ...... 48 TABLE 8: DISTRICT MINIMUM FOOD BASKET COST FOR AN ADULT MALE ...... 48 TABLE 9: DISTRICT LEVEL GENERAL POVERTY LINE ...... 49 TABLE 10: EXTENT OF POVERTY IN BELIZE ...... 49 TABLE 11: BELIZE CITY HOUSEHOLDS' MAIN WATER SOURCE ...... 54 TABLE 12: BELIZE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ...... 56 TABLE 13: BELIZE DISTRICT SCHOOL ENROLMENT ...... 56 TABLE 14: MARITAL STATUS IN BELIZE DISTRICT ...... 57 TABLE 15: UNION STATUS IN THE BELIZE DISTRICT ...... 57 TABLE 16: LABOR FORCE INDICATORS IN THE BELIZE DISTRICT ...... 57 TABLE 17: PERSONAL AND SUMMARY JURISDICTION OFFENCES IN BELIZE DISTRICT ...... 58 TABLE 18: MAIN HURRICANES AFFECTING BELIZE, 1931 - PRESENT ...... 63 TABLE 19: EMERGENCY SHELTERS NEAR THE PROJECT SITE ...... 69 TABLE 20: OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES AND COMPONENTS OF THE WRAP-AROUND SERVICE CENTER ...... 70 TABLE 21: AVERAGE NOISE LEVELS OF COMMON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ...... 74 TABLE 22: VIBRATION LEVEL/IMPACT ...... 75 TABLE 23: TYPICAL VIBRATION LEVELS OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ...... 76 TABLE 25: RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ACCORDING TO TYPE OF HAZARD ...... 95

7 Acronyms

ACT Alternative Care and TIPs Unit BCC Belize City Council BYC Belize Youth Challenge CAP Chapter CAPS II Community Action for Public Safety II CBA Central Building Authority CEO Chief Executive Officer COMPAR Community and Parenting Empowerment Program CPS Child Protection Services CPSS Child Placement and Special Services Division CRD Community Rehabilitation Department CYDP Conscious Youth Development Program DHS Department of Human Services DMCCC Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center DOE Department of the Environment DK/NS Don’t Know or Not Stated ECP Environmental Compliance Plan FCW Flood Control Works GHRH Golden Haven Rest Home GSHS Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter GPL General Poverty Line GOB Government of Belize GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HWM Hierarchy of Waste Management IDB Inter-American Development Bank KHMH Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital LF Labor Force LIRC Lake Independence Resource Center MFB Minimum Food Basket MHDSTPA Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation MOH Ministry of Health OHS Occupational Health and Safety RLRP Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Plan SJ Summary Jurisdiction S-S Saffir-Simpson TD Tropical Depression TIPs Trafficking in Persons TS Tropical Storm WAP Working Age Population WFS Women and Family Support Department YCT Youth and Community Transformation

8 Executive Summary

The Ministry of Human Development, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (MHDSTPA) has decided to combine the offices of two of its departments, the Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), within a new wrap-around service center to be located in southside Belize City, between Mosel and East Collet Canal Streets.

The property, which is some 3,000 feet2 and rectangular in shape, had previously belonged to the Batty Bus Company. The derelict remains of the old terminal can still be seen there. Additionally, there is an unstable foundation and slab structure from a previous construction attempt, in the middle of the property. The property is mostly overgrown with grass, small shrubs and a number of small trees. Both the east and west entrances are being used as a garbage dump. Also, members of the homeless community have been relieving themselves in one corner of the property. Finally, the property is being used as a dwelling place for a number of people and as a space to conduct various economic transactions, including criminal activities, for others.

The ministry has proposed an ambitious plan for the wrap-around service center, in which the building will be able to cater to the entire family – babies, small children, youths and adults, as well severely traumatized and vulnerable individuals – victims of human trafficking and youths with severe behavioral problems. The ministry envisions a state-of-the-art building that is safe, comfortable and welcoming for both its staff and full range of clients. Hence it must be child and youth friendly, as well as gender and socially inclusive. Further, the building must incorporate the green technology and be climate resilient.

Impacts and Mitigation

This study looks at the potential environmental and social impacts of the building’s construction and operation. Since the project is a brownfield development, the environmental impacts are minimal, focusing mainly on noise, air and water pollution and ensuring the conservation of resources such as energy and water. The social impacts are more exhaustive, from taking into account the resettlement and livelihood restoration of informal dwellers and users, ensuring that the action taken does not exacerbate their vulnerabilities; to ensuring the safety of construction workers, the ministry’s staff, and the community from pre-construction through to operations phases. Construction workers and the community are at risk for a number of construction hazards, including physical, chemical and biological. The ministry’s staff and clients are susceptible to potential faults in the design and construction of the building. These are highlighted in the Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts section, while mitigation strategies and considerations for safeguards are elaborated in the Environmental and Social Management section of this document.

9 Introduction to Project

Introduction

The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation of the Government of Belize (GOB), with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is undertaking the design and construction of a 2-3 story wrap-around service center in the southside of Belize City, as part of Component 2, of the Community Action for Public Safety II (CAPS II) project. The center will house the Community Rehabilitation Department, the Human Services Department, the Accounts Department, and the offices of the Minister and Chief Executive Officer. Housing these entities together in one place, will be critical in providing clients and their families, the wrap-around services envisioned by the Ministry. Services will include counselling, mental health treatment, educational and vocational training, masculinity and gender violence programs, parenting classes, community workshops, gang mediation and after-school programs for children.

The concept of a wrap-around services is one in which the Ministry is seeking to support its clients in a holistic way, by addressing the individual’s many needs, as well as those of his/her entire family, in one facility and within a shorter timeframe. Operationally, the Ministry will benefit from better data and case management, through maintaining singular records in one central repository for each client; reduced workload in some areas by streamlining processes and reducing duplication of efforts and finally; having immediate access to finances and decision makers.

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the potential environmental and social benefits and impacts of the proposed Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) wrap-around service center project and to make recommendations on alternatives that would eliminate negative impacts completely, or on mitigation strategies that would substantially lessen impacts.

Project Description

Site location

The wrap-around service center will be located on the south side of Belize City, in the Albert’s administrative division (see Figure 1).

10 Figure 1: Belize City administrative areas

Source: ESCI, Baseline Study for Belize City

More specifically, the center will occupy the site of the city’s famous, old Batty Bus Terminal, which is nestled between Orange, Mosel, Vernon and East Collet Canal Streets within the heart of the city. Not far from the site, on the north side, is the Haulover Creek. The Haulover Creek is a large distributary of the Belize River that runs from west to east, directly through the center of the city. On the west side of the site is the city’s largest man-made drainage canal, the Collet Canal, which joins the Haulover Creek in a perpendicular fashion, flowing south to the Caribbean Sea.

Figure 2: Location of project site

11 Source: Google Earth elaboration

At the confluence of both waterways, and to the northwest of the site, is the Conchshell Bay Fish Market. Further southwest of the site, along the west bank of the Collet Canal, is the city’s main bus terminal as well as the Michael Finnegan Farmer’s Market. The property is flanked on the south by one of the city’s main arterial vein, Orange Street, which runs directly into the downtown area (see Figure 4).

Figure 3: Markets at the project site

Conch Shell Bay Fish Market Michael Finnegan Farmer’s Market

Source: The Touch of Sound and I Travel Belize

The streets surrounding the site abound with commercial activity, especially Orange Street, which is lined with hardware, grocery and clothing stores, in addition to street vendors who sell anything from plastics to food. Residential houses and a spattering of warehouses can be found within the immediate city block, accessible only by narrow alley ways.

Figure 4: Orange Street on a typical day

Source: https://diamondjubilee.hellomagazine.com

12 Description of the site

The project site currently sits as an abandoned piece of property, with brush and smaller trees growing through the entire lot. The east end is almost entirely enclosed with a large wall, about 16 feet tall, however there is an entrance to the property on the northeast end of the wall. This entrance is guarded by a two-storey tower-like structure that is in severe disrepair. In the far southeast corner is the derelict structure of the old bus terminal. In the middle of the property, there are a number of concrete foundations with slabs from an incomplete infrastructure project. The west end opens into a smaller lot, where three local bus companies park their buses during the day.

Users of the site

There is one confirmed permanent dweller on the site who lives in a tent towards the rear of the property. In consultation with that person it was learnt that two other people inhabit the tower on occasion; this however, has not been confirmed. After numerous visits to the site, no inhabitants of the tower have been located. In fact, it was recently learnt that a fire had engulfed the lower flat of the tower sometime around the middle of December. It is therefore assumed that these individuals no longer inhabit the tower. Investigations also confirm that a sex worker also uses the site to conduct her economic transactions. Finally, three bus companies use a small lot on the west side of the site to park four buses throughout the day. These buses travel with workers from Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town and Lemonal each day.

Figure 5: Site map with location of informal dwellers

13 Source: Elaborated from Google Earth

Conceptual project design

The design of the wrap-around service center is still in its conceptual stage. However, the emphasis for the building’s architectural design and space layout will be on its human, spatial, material and training elements, as it is intended to facilitate a seamless flow of diverse people, and complement and align with the proposed services and activities being offered at the center, including:

▪ Counseling ▪ Mental health treatment ▪ Educational and vocational training ▪ Masculinity and gender violence programs ▪ Parenting classes ▪ Other community workshops ▪ Gang mediation ▪ After-school programs for children ▪ Data and case management system operations ▪ Open spaces for community events.

Additionally, the design of the building will take into consideration and mitigate for risks of natural disasters, including flood, hurricane and earthquakes.

Figure 6: Examples of wrap-around service centers worldwide

Oak City Center, N. C. Women’s Center, El Salvador

Pinterest Image

Source: Google Images

Size of development

The land is approximately 3,000m2 and each floor of the building is expected to be about 2,000m2 (Cortez, 2019). Occupancy rate in the operational phase will comprise 45 staff members from the Department of Human Services, 30 staff members from the Community

14 Rehabilitation Department and ??? from the accounts department and administration. An additional 40 – 100 clients are expected to visit the center each day (Cortez, 2019).

Construction logistics

The construction works will be carried out in three phases: Phase 1: Demolition of derelict bus terminal and foundation and slabs from a previous construction and, clearing and site preparation for new construction. Phase 2: Construction of new building. Phase 3: Clean-up of construction debris and, planting and development of landscape features.

Timeframe

The entire construction process is expected to take 18 months.

Workforce requirement

Since the design of the service center has not yet been elaborated the exact workforce requirement is unknown. However, a general overview of the organization and work processes of building contractors in Belize is provided below.

Contractors who specialize in infrastructural projects in Belize, generally have a small permanent work force with specialized skills, who will travel to the worksite daily, especially when a project is in an easily accessible urban area like this one. When a project requires additional, non-specialized labor, local workers will be contracted for a specific time or a specific job.

Workers camps are not necessary in urban based projects, however sleeping quarters for one watchman with detached restroom and kitchen area will generally be provided on site. Small storage sheds will also be brought on site to store tools and small equipment. Material and heavy equipment are usually stored on site as well, or when locally available, brought to the project site on the day required. Likewise fuels and lubricants might also be held on site. Finally, construction sites have large service demands for electricity, water, sewerage and solid waste disposal which in this case will be provided through the city’s utility infrastructure.

Primary suppliers

It is expected that supplies such as cement blocks, cement, steel, aggregates, and other building material will be sourced from any of the numerous building supply stores in the country.

15 Land acquisition

The property currently belongs to the Government of Belize, however the MHDSTPA requires a proper transfer of land title with property survey map completed by a licensed surveyor.

Purpose and Objectives

Purpose

The primary purpose of this project is to amalgamate the CRD, DHS, Accounts and Administration offices of the ministry, so that they can operate more efficiently and also increase their productivity by both, improving their services to their clients and increasing the number of clients they are able to assist.

The MHDSTPA is comprised of three operational departments, each having its own rented building in separate parts of the city (see Figure 7). The departments and their location, are as follows:

• Community Rehabilitation Department – 54 Freetown Road (Northside, Belize City) • Department of Human Services – 40 Regent Street (Southside, Downtown area) • Women and Family Support Department – 133 corner Central American Blvd. (Southwest side, Belize City)

Figure 7: Location of MHDSTPA departments

Source: Google Earth elaboration

16 CRD and DHS provide similar or complimentary services (see Table 1) and share some of the same clients, however their geographical distance has often led to a reduced capacity to deliver the appropriate support. For example, directors assert that many times potential clients will come into one office, only to learn that the service is provided at the other office across the city. Sometimes, these clients who are already vulnerable become frustrated and decide not to pursue their search for help. There are also instances when CRD cannot provide financial assistance to a needy family because the Accounts Department is in the DHS building and there is no available transportation to go there. Being able to compile comprehensive case files on clients or discuss client issues have also been difficult for each department as they don’t see each other often (Personal communication, Nov. 14, 2019).

In addition to mitigating the geographical distance between the two departments to increase efficiency and productivity, the ministry also seeks through the design of the infrastructure to increase the space available to its staff and provide a level of privacy and comfort, through recreational and green spaces, to both staff and clients. Finally, the building will be constructed to be accessible to women and people with disabilities who have very unique needs from the usual male standard, or “Reference Man,” applied to design projects and infrastructure works (Perez, 2019).

Table 1: Units, programs and services within each department being housed at the wrap-around center

Community Rehabilitation Department Department of Human Services Background: Background: • CRD was established in 2001 with the enactment of the Penal • HSD provides the following services: System Reform (Alternative Sentences) Act, CAP 102:01, to o Early childhood stimulation promote the use of alternative sentencing; such as community o Parenting educational services service, probation, fines, recognizance, conditional discharge, o Family and children case management, including child and suspended sentences; as opposed to custodial sentences protection and placement services to support the rehabilitation of juvenile or first-time offenders. o Victim care services for trafficked victims • CRD also develops and implements prevention, diversion, and o Institutional care for children, the homeless and the rehabilitation programs targeting at-risk youth; first-time elderly. offenders; juveniles who come in conflict with the law; and their families. Court and Case Management Services Community and Parenting Empowerment Program (COMPAR) • Empowerment of parents and the community through various parent enrichment programs; institutionally mandated parenting courses; the Roving Caregivers program; and the Rhymes that Bind, Family Literacy Program. Counselling Services Child Protection Services Division (CPS) • Agency responsible for protecting children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; as well as, neglect and exploitation. • Services include: o Receiving reports of child abuse and neglect/exploitation o Investigation or assessment o Providing court mandated supervision, care or custody obligations o Acting as guardian ad litem (GAL)1 or amiscus curiae2

1 “A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an objective, impartial person whom the court appoints to act as a representative for the minor children in a contested custody proceeding. In cases of alleged child abuse or neglect, the court will as a matter, of course, appoint a guardian ad litem” (Retrieved from https://www.galmichelawfirm.com/blog/2016/november/understanding-role-of-guardian-ad-litem-in-child/). 2 “Amiscus curiae (literally, “friend of the court”) is someone who is not a party to a case and may or may not have been solicited by a party and who assists a court by offering information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues in the case; and is typically presented in the

17 o Prepare children and families for the criminal court process o Case management o Coordination and referral services for parenting, counseling, financial assistance, job placement and skills training Conscious Youth Development Program (CYDP) Alternative Care and TIPS Unit (ACT) • Specialized gang intervention program, providing conflict • Safe House (adolescents/adults) mediation and psycho-social support services to gang-involved youth and their families. • Staff work as violence interrupters and respond to all gang- related shootings and incidents in Belize City and surrounding areas. • Goal is to mediate conflicts between rival gangs, prevent retaliations and save live. • Provides the following programs and services: o Conflict mediation o School gang interventions o Suspension program o Under 15 years, Life Skills and annual sport summer camp o Under 19 years, Life skills and annual sport summer camp o Annual Trek Camp o CYDP Peace Cup football tournament o Case Management and Support Services Princess Royal Youth Hostel Child Placement and Special Services Division (CPSS) • Detention facility for youths ages 12-18, who have been • Responsible for the placement and monitoring of children in charged with a criminal offence or been referred by the court foster care or for placement in permanent adoptive homes. system for uncontrollable behavior. • Also deal with case management, independent custody • Located at Mile 21 George Price Highway. reports and international case work. • The MHDSTPA, through the CPSS, is the central authority responsibility and oversight for provisions of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption3. The Convention addresses intercountry adoption as well as abduction cases. • Oversight provided to the following facilities: o Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center (DMCCC) – home for children ages 5-12, however, quite frequently houses children up to 18+ years. o Coral Grove Group Home – home for adolescents o Mile 14 Group Home – home for adolescents o Golden Haven Rest Home (GHRH) – home for elderly persons over 60 years of age, who have limited or no family support o Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter (GSHS) – provides shelter and drop-in services to homeless persons Belize Youth Challenge (BYC) • Evolved out of the National Youth Cadet Service Corp. • A two-year disciplinary and training program for males, ages 15-17, managed conjointly by the department and the Belize Defense Force (BDF). • First year is a residential phase where youths are required to board at a housing facility located at Mile 21 on the George Price Highway. In the second year, youths remain in their communities but participate in the programs’s curriculum. Lake Independence Resource Center (LIRC) • Administration of a 21,000 ft2 single story, resource center with training rooms and educational spaces and an indoor multipurpose sporting area.

form of a brief. The decision on whether to consider an amiscus brief lies within the discretion of the court” (Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amicus_curiae). 3 For further information, see https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/Conventions/specialised-sections/intercountry-adoption

18 • Developed under Component 2 – Community Infrastructure Support, of the Youth and Community Transformation (YCT) Project. • Objective of the YCT is to reduce vulnerability of children and youth to crime and gang membership in the Collet, Lake Independence, Pickstock and Port Loyola constituencies of Belize City.

Objectives

Specific objectives of the wrap-around service center are as follows:

▪ To increase efficiency and productivity by housing CRD, DHS, Accounts and Administration in one building. ▪ To delocalize the finance and procurement departments. ▪ To be closer to the community and service areas required, such as the courts. ▪ To streamline services offered to clients. ▪ To increase work and storage space. ▪ To provide for greater privacy and confidentiality. ▪ To improve working conditions by increasing inflow of natural light and ventilation. ▪ To create a child-friendly environment. ▪ To increase health and comfort by providing recreational and green spaces. ▪ To provide for greater security through the building’s design. ▪ To improve accessibility through a socially inclusive design. ▪ To mitigate against workplace and natural hazards such as fires, floods, hurricanes, etc.

Project Alternatives

During the initial scoping exercises, a number of issues that might suggest the need to consider various alternatives came up. However, because the process is in its beginning stages, that is, directors and staff have only just elaborated their desires for the building, some of these alternatives cannot yet be considered. Nonetheless, a brief description of the potential need for alternatives is discussed below.

Location alternatives

The location of the project site posed a number of concerns, namely 1) that the site is rather small to comfortably house and support the current number of staff and clients, and 2) the area is considered a “hot spot” for flooding in all flood analyses conducted of the city. This location however, is the only location available to the MHDSTPA in the city. In addition, it is in the heart of the vulnerable community the ministry serves and a stone’s throw away from support services, such as the court system, that work closely with the ministry.

There is no alternative for a change in location for this project, the ministry simply does not have another location in the city that it can consider. The issue of space can be mitigated by building more floors. The “no go” option poses the same problem with lack of space, indeed,

19 the current locations have even less space than is anticipated in the new location. In terms of the flood issue, while the current locations are not considered “hot spots” they flood as well. In addition, the current DHS office is only a few meters from the Caribbean Sea making it very susceptible to storm surges during hurricanes.

Activity alternatives

A determination has not yet been made whether to house the Conscious Youth Development Program (CYDP) of the CRD, within the new building. This program that specializes in gang intervention and conflict mediation is currently housed in a separate building in north east Belize City. There are a number of concerns with housing this program in the new building, for example, the clients served by this program are considered violent youths who could have the opportunity in the new building to interface with children and babies or even vulnerable youths, not yet socialized to gang behavior. Additionally, a lot of work has gone into developing trust and a level of safety among the proponents of the program and youths within the program, a change in physical space might erode some of that trust. Finally, safety for the youths of the program become an issue because the new location seems to be within a gang- controlled area. A reality of gang members in the city is that they face possible death if they venture outside their “territory” especially into another gang’s territory (see Figure 8).

20

Figure 8: Gang-controlled areas of Belize City

Source: Google images

The alternative here is to design the building so that the youths from the CYDP have a separate access and a separate space, and as is happening currently, youths requiring additional safety measures can be picked up and brought to the site for their sessions. The issue of separate access however, cannot be determined at this time since land that is assumed to be a part of the property, providing an outlet unto West Collet Canal Street, is being contested by its current users, the bus drivers. This issue awaits clarification from the Lands Department. Hence, for the purposes of this report the property has only one access. The notion of a separate space is also up in the air, because as mentioned above, the space is already too small to house the staff and clients of both departments, without considering additional floors. Finally, the “no go” option, remains a viable option. Youths of the CYDP already have a space that they are accustomed to and comfortable with. They have already established a temporal and spatial routine surrounding their current location. Additionally, this location sits outside of any gang-controlled area.

21 Site layout alternatives

The concept being proposed currently sees the building having two separate wings to each accommodate a department, with a courtyard in the middle. However, there are two issues with this concept, 1) the CRD Director has made explicit that she would like to be fully integrated with the other department and not be forced to operate like silos within the same building because of its design, and 2) with limited space a large courtyard in the center of the property might be untenable.

Determining an appropriate site layout will require a participatory process of collaboration between the architect and the eventual users of the building. Additionally, it is important that the architect is sensitive to the needs of her clients and innovative enough to design for those needs. Finally, the issue of green spaces for relaxation might be remedied by incorporating smaller plant-based areas inside the building or outside in smaller patio or deck areas (see Figure 9).

Figure 9: Plant-based areas incorporated into building design

Source: Pinterest images

Design alternatives

While in concept the building requirements seem straightforward, namely amalgamating two departments in one building, upon further examination, one can see that the design will be more complex than foreseen. For example, the DHS has requested lactation spaces, a baby room, showers, children play areas large enough and conducive to accommodating supervised visits, and a complete separate care and support area for their trafficking victims unit, which includes separate wait rooms for victims and perpetrators, and an interview room with an attached audiovisual control center with staging space for the police. The CRD has requested a

22 youth-friendly area, where youths can recreate, relax, learn and do homework. In addition to these special requests, the departments both require sufficient workstations for permanent staff and interns/volunteers, private counselling rooms, training rooms, conference rooms, kitchen and eating area, staff recreational/lounge area, and sufficient areas for storage of sensitive files, office supplies and program/work-related paraphernalia. Finally, the building must be gender sensitive and socially inclusive, that is, able to accommodate all diversities; it must be resource efficient, namely by incorporating passive energy design systems; it must be safe, that is able to mitigate potentially violent behavior; and finally it must be built to withstand natural disasters.

Additional Project Requirements

The project will require no ancillary activities apart from the usual service demands for water, electricity, sewage and solid waste disposal.

Other Projects in the Area

Near the project site, and also funded by the IDB, is the proposed Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program (BL-L1028), Flood Control Works (FCW) project. The FCW project seeks to mitigate the flooding through the dredging of silt build-up and the cleaning of debris4 from two major outlet canals (Collet and East/Southside) in the south side of Belize City. In addition, four sluice type hydraulic floodgates will be strategically installed to isolate each of three canals from the Haulover Creek and from each other, allowing for better control of the flow of water. Finally, an Archimedes Screw type water pump will be installed at the mouth of the Collet Canal to expedite the flow of water from the canals to the Caribbean Sea. The project also proposes to speed up the draining of water from a number of streets that run perpendicular to the Collet Canal, by closing up existing under-cover drains and allowing the water to be freely channeled along either side of the street, via swales and gutters, to the canal (see Figure 10).

The FCW project will alleviate some of the issue of flooding in the project area of the wrap- around center. Particularly because the bulk of the dredge material that will be removed is in that portion of the Collet canal near the project site. Additionally, Orange Street is one of the streets slated to be rehabilitated to provide better drainage.

4 There are some 9,300m3 of sediment buildup within the canals. This according to the project’s interim report is the “single largest factor that impairs hydraulic capacity” of the canals (Chentec, 2017).

23 Figure 10: Map of proposed flood control works (BL-L1028)

Source: Chentec 2017

24 Methodology

Methodological Approach for Environmental Analysis

The focus of the environmental assessment is to protect and preserve the natural environment through which the project interfaced, as well as to support the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, including energy, water and raw materials, while limiting the pollution created throughout the entire project’s life-cycle.

The investigation included several site visits to collect relevant physical and environmental baseline data to determine potential environmental constraints. This included information on the landscape, nearby waterbodies, and also biological features such as existing flora and fauna. A Google Map assessment was then conducted to contextualize the project and its features within the greater Belize City area, as well as the country on a whole. Finally, a thorough literature review was conducted to determine the possible environmental impacts of construction sites.

Methodological Approach for Social Analysis

There are many different frameworks for conducting social impact analyses. The one being applied here is that of the International Association of Impact Assessments (2005), which includes a number of tasks divided into 4 phases. While the phases are sequential in manner, they also overlap, as the management of social impacts is an iterative process – new information informs older management practices. In addition, the nature of the intervention along with the scope of predicted impacts will determine the debt of analysis that is required.

The four phases are outlined below:

Phase 1 – Understand the Issues

Understand proposed project – includes a thorough understanding of the project with all its dimensions and ancillary activities. This required a focused study of the project plans, visits to the project site, and consultation and clarification of unknowns with proponents. In addition, a review of the literature on the impacts and risks – social, economic, health and safety – of infrastructure projects was necessary to inform the thematic area of influence and to provide grounding with which to engage stakeholders and conduct the impact assessment.

Clarify roles and responsibilities – implies an understanding of the relationship of the project to other studies, plans, visions, etc. within the local, national, and even global context. For example, how does the CAPS II project fit into the United Nations, “Sustainable Development Goals?” In addition, what are the national laws, international guidelines and/or standards that need to be observed?

25 Social area of influence – Social influence or impacts, often times transcend the geographic boundaries of the community in which the intervention is being applied. While a social analysis will never be able to cover every detail and every connection, it is important that it takes into account the major linkages and networks that connect people.

To accomplish this, the ESA investigator mapped the complete project footprint, including activities occurring at all stages of development, from construction through operation. This ensured that both the geographic and thematic zones of influence were captured. Stakeholders within each zone were identified, analyzed and mapped. Once this was done, representatives of each stakeholder group could be identified for consultation.

As one engages the iterative process of understanding the social, economic, political and environmental aspects of the project and its relation to the community, the area of influence may evolve and become richer.

Community profiling – a rich qualitative description of the affected communities was built on secondary data sources (Belize Population and Housing Census, 2010; Labor Force statistics, 2019; National Emergency Management Organization, hurricane and flood reports; Belize City Council, real estate and property tax reports; Belize City Master Plan; Belize Transportation Master Plan, 2018; and various reports on the environment and climate change) and through insights gained from public participation. Analysis of local social and economic data revealed baseline and trends.

Public participation – It is important to recognize that social impacts begin the moment a project is announced, as people begin speculating and sometimes acting, in anticipation. The ESA investigator was therefore committed to engaging affected communities at a very early stage, in order to discuss and explain the project, and to identify and respond to issues and concerns regarding possible social impacts. Specific objectives of the consultations include the following: • Inform community members and other interested parties about the project and its likely impacts, both positive and negative. • Determine the acceptability of likely impacts and proposed benefits. • Share how the community can be involved in the ESA. • Solicit aspirations, concerns and local knowledge. • Establish an ongoing relationship, for two-way communication, with the affected communities. • Minimize any potential for misinformation circulating. • Inform community members of their procedural rights within the framework of the project. • Provide access to grievance and feedback mechanisms.

26 The above objectives were accomplished through one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders. The aim was to gather local opinion about the impacts and also to identify how each impact will affect the different social groups within a social justice framework.

Phase 2 – Predict, Analyze and Assess the likely Impact Pathways

Determining the social impacts to communities is the ultimate goal of the social assessment. Through analysis of the community profile, the investigator determined the social changes and impacts (direct and indirect) that would likely result from the project.

In this phase, the project’s contribution to cumulative impacts and the community’s response to these impacts was also elaborated. The community’s response has implications for indirect impacts and can also determine risks to the project. Consideration was also given to developing an impact significance assessment to determine priorities for action, however, it must be noted that even minor impacts that might seem inconsequential and therefore not deserving of action, can cause major community upset if left unresolved.

Phase 3 – Develop and Implement Strategies

Mitigation and remediation strategy – The ESA investigator solicited recommendations for mitigation from stakeholders using the Mitigation hierarchy (International Association of Impact Assessments, 2005) as a guiding framework. The active participation of community members in mitigation strategies allow for the following benefits: • It is more inclusive, eliminating the top-down resolution approach to risks. • It encourages buy-in to the project as participants have a vested interest. • It affirms human rights principles whereby those impacted by an action should 1) hold participatory roles to determine the direction of the development, plan or policy and, 2) should be supported to benefit from the event (International Association for Impact Assessment, 2015).

27 Figure 11: Mitigation hierarchy

1. Avoid

2. Reduce

3. Repair

4. Compensate in kind

5. Compensate by other means

Source: International Association for Impact Assessments (2005)

Benefit enhancement efforts – The social assessment also has a responsibility to elaborate ways of “enhancing benefits and project-related opportunities” (International Association for Impact Assessment, 2005, p. 16). Ideally, the benefits (e.g. increased coverage and efficiency) and opportunities associated with project construction (e.g. jobs) should accrue to the communities receiving the intervention and those affected by the impacts first.

General stakeholder communication records maintenance – Communication records were maintained by the ESA investigator. This included all key outgoing as well as incoming communication such as comments, general questions, complaints, etc. A summary of actions to be taken, if applicable, will also be recorded.

Monitoring, reporting and feedback mechanisms – Through established communication channels (telephone, email and face-to-face meetings) the ESA investigator monitored and provided feedback as appropriate.

Grievance mechanism – A complaint or grievance can be submitted via a grievance form or verbally. The full Grievance Redress Mechanism is elaborated in the Consultation Plan.

Phase 4 – Design and Implement Monitoring Programs

Baseline data will be used to develop indicators for monitoring change over time. Within the context of Belize, where resources for monitoring and follow-up are almost never available, it is recommended that a participatory monitoring plan be developed where community members

28 can be empowered to do some of the follow-up work themselves, and where they will have an understanding of the governance structures applicable to the project through which they can advocate for themselves.

29 Legal and Institutional Framework

This section details the framework of relevant laws, policies and Government departments within which the selected contractor must operate to ensure compliant execution of the project.

The National Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The building of the wrap-around service center will require adherence to national sustainable development laws, policies and regulations that, through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, seek to examine the environmental and social benefits and consequences of a proposed development project to ensure that it is implemented in a pragmatic and sustainable manner.

The EIA process in Belize is fairly comprehensive with a number of stages, including screening, to determine if an EIA is needed; scoping, to determine the extent of the EIA required; baseline studies and the development of the EIA report, which will identify and develop management plans for impacts; public consultation; review process and finally; the preparation of an environmental compliance plan (ECP), which is a contractual promise to comply with various safeguard measures as required by the Department of Environment (DOE).

Under the EIA regulations of Belize, the proposed wrap-around service center project would likely be considered a Schedule II project. While it is not a large project, it involves construction near several waterbodies.

30 Local Legislation and Regulations

Implementing and # Legal Instrument Brief Description Area or Issue Covered Monitoring Agencies Social Services, Health and Education (Vol.3 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011) Under Part VIII of Offensive Trades 128(1)(b), the Minister can make regulations relating to nuisances for the prevention, control or reduction of Regulates pollution Public Health Act, CAP. pollution or contamination of air, soil or water caused by any activity or within workers’ camps Ministry of Health 40 (Rev. ed. 2011) condition resulting in the emission of a pollutant or contaminant into the and the project area environment. This Act provides for the insurance of all employed persons. Building Social Security Act, Relates to the project Contractors, PEU, CAP. 44 (Rev. ed. 2011) workers labour Social Security Board Local Government (Vol. 5 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011) General powers include the control, care and management of public streets, coordination of activities of utility agencies, and administration of safety regulations as it applies to fences adjoining public streets. The BCC Building permits, Belize City Council Act, also has authority over markets, slaughter-houses, bath-houses and wash- occupancy certificates, MHDSTPA CAP. 85 (Rev. ed. 2011) houses; and additionally manages building hazards, the property parking regulations & numbering system, parks, libraries, cemeteries, garbage collection, drain garbage collection cleaning and ensures the continued maintenance and development of the town’s conveniences and amenities. Administration of Justice (Vol. 6B of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011) This Act provides for the protection against sexual harassment which include sexual jokes, offensive phone calls, pornographic photos; sexual Prohibits sexual Protection against Sexual propositions; touching in a sexual way; remarks or insinuations about a harassment among Harassment Act, CAP. person’s private or sex life; obscene gestures; demanding sexual attention MHDSTPA project workers and 107 (Rev. ed. 2011) with threats or rewards; explicit offers of money in exchange for sexual within communities attention; or withholding promotions or raises until an employee submits to sexual advances.5 Allows for a summary jurisdiction court to determine nuisances in or of a Nuisances Act, CAP. building, anything therein or thereon or on any public way, such as land or Regulates noise pollution Building Contractor 118 (Rev. ed. 2011) water, and may order the nuisance abated either immediately or in a certain time. Public Order, Safety and Security (Vol. 7 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011)

5 Women’s Department. (n.d.). Sexual harassment in the workplace. Belize: Women’s Department

31 Implementing and # Legal Instrument Brief Description Area or Issue Covered Monitoring Agencies Belize Building Act, This Act establishes the Central Building Authority and provides for the Building CAP. 131 (Rev. ed. Authority to issue building permits, regulate construction and certify use Building permits Contractor, PEU, 2011) and occupancy. CBA This Act gives effect to a National Emergency Management Organisation Legal framework to Disaster Preparedness and National Emergency Coordinator, as well as a Policy Review and guide the project’s and Response Act, CAP. Planning Committee. It also sets out directives for Emergency Operations NEMO Emergency Preparedness 145 (Rev. ed. 2011) Centres and Shelters, obligations of public officers during times of and Response Plan. emergencies and designation of especially vulnerable areas. Property and Land Law (Vol. 9B of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011) Prescription Act, CAP. This Act establishes the level of land rights of informal dwellers or Legal rights of informal Ministry of Natural 192 (Rev. ed. 2011) “squatters.” dwellers Resources Labour and Trade Unions (Vol. 15A of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011) The Act covers the following areas: • Labour inspection • Contracts of Service Generally • Oral Contracts of Service • Written Contracts of Service • Recruiting Labour Act, CAP. 297 • Employment Service (Rev. ed. 2011) • Protection of Wages • Hours of Work, Overtime and Holidays • Safety, Health and Housing Relates to the project Building • Employment of Women and Children workers labour and Contractors, PEU, working conditions and Department of • Maternity Protection includes OHS. Labour • Severance Pay Provisions Equal Pay Act, CAP. This Act provides for the payment of equal pay for equal work. 302.01 (Rev. ed. 2011) Workmen’s This Act establishes the circumstances for compensation of employees in Compensation Act, CAP. the event of an accident or death. 303 (Rev. ed. 2011) International Labour This Act brings all International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions Organization into domestic law. Conventions Act, CAP 304.01 (Rev. ed. 2011) Environmental, Regulation and Control, Culture and History (Vol. 15B of the Substantive Laws of Belize, rev. ed. 2011)

32 Implementing and # Legal Instrument Brief Description Area or Issue Covered Monitoring Agencies The Environmental Protection Act, Part V, section 20(2) requires that a developer conduct an impact assessment to identify and evaluate the effects of the development on human beings. The assessment must also Environmental provide mitigating actions for potential risks and impacts. The aim is to Protection Act, CAP. protect and improve human health and living conditions. The final Environmental permit DOE 328 (Rev. ed. 2011) assessment is evaluated by the DOE and then forms part of the Environmental Compliance Plan, which the developer is required to follow.

Environmental Impact This regulation outlines the process and guidelines for the preparation and Assessment evaluation of an EIA. Environmental permit DOE, NEAC (Amendment) Regulations, 2007 These regulations govern air, water, soil and noise pollution in Belize. Pollution Regulations (SI They seek to prevent the emission and/or deposition of contaminants Environmental permit DOE 56/1996) without the issuance of a permit from the DOE. Hazardous Waste These regulations establish rules for the transportation, storage and Management disposal of hazardous waste such as used lubricants, batteries, all manner Environmental permit DOE, BSWaMA Regulations (SI of chemicals and medicines. The regulation calls for the proper disposal 100/2009) of these items at the Mile 24 Sanitary Landfill, Hazardous Waste Cell.

33 Local Plans and Policies

Belize Horizon 2030 A broad overarching policy framework to direct all programs and initiatives in Belize. Based on comprehensive consultations with citizens, this document elaborates a vision for how Belizeans would like to see Belize by the year 2030. There are four grand themes to support this vision. These include: • Democratic governance for effective public administration and sustainable development • Education for development • Economic resilience Healthy citizens and a healthy environment which are foundational to realizing the other themes.

Belize City Master Plan The masterplan is a technical cooperation between GOB and the IDB, through its Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI), to promote the development of the city, through a multisectoral vision, which sought to prevent the challenges of climate change, increase in population, high pressure on peri-urban and rural areas, poverty, low urban density, natural hazards, degradation of natural resources, social-spatial segregation, and difficulties to provide public services and improve the quality of life, from becoming limiting factors.

National Gender Policy (2013) The Constitution of Belize and several other International Conventions, to which Belize is a signatory, undergird the Belize Gender Policy. The Constitution of Belize guarantees gender equality for all its citizens and provides them protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed or sex.6 These Constitutional provisions along with those from the International Conventions provide a number of key guiding principles that ultimately are enshrined in the below Gender Policy Vision.

There are currently five priority areas in the Gender Policy framework of Belize – Health, Education and Skills Training, Wealth and Employment Generation, Violence Producing Conditions, and Power and Decision-making.

6 Belize Constitution 2012, preamble, s 3, s 16

34 Relevant International Conventions and Agreements

Environmental and Social Related International Treaties Biodiversity Related 1 Convention on Biological Diversity

Pollution and Climate Related Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their 2 Disposal, 1992 3 Kyoto Protocol 4 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer 5 Paris Agreement, 2016 6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 7 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

Labour Related 8 Convention concerning Forced or Compulsory Labour, 1930 9 Convention concerning the Abolition of Forced Labour, 1957 10 Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention 11 Convention concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value 12 Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation) Convention 13 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention 14 Labour Administration Convention, 1978 15 Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 16 Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 17 Labour Relations (Public Service) Conventions, 1978 18 Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 19 Minimum Age Convention, 1973 20 Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 21 Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 22 Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 23 Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 24 Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 25 Workers Representatives Convention, 1971 26 Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention (Revised), 1934 27 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention

Human Rights Related 28 Convention on the Rights of the Child 29 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, especially Part 2 which establishes the 30 principle of “progressive realization” of these rights; and Part 3, Article 11, which establishes the “Right to an adequate standard of living” and in particular adequate housing. 31 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 32 Charter of the United Nations 32 Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women 34 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women

National Regulatory Agencies, Departments and Statutory Bodies

The following outlines the institutional framework that will be providing guidance to the project:

35

Women and Family Support Department (WFS) The Women and Family Support Department’s goal is to promote gender equality and equity by facilitating economic development and empowerment of women and men, minimizing the incidence of gender violence and advocating for gender sensitive policies, plans, programs and projects. In addition, the department’s Family Support Services (FSS) division is responsible for creating an integrative system of care to protect the rights of adults, children and families. The department offers a full range of support services to adults, the elderly, children with disabilities, and families with children.

The department is the focal point in coordinating the resettlement and support of informal dwellers of the project site. Additionally, the department will advise on appropriate gender measures to mainstreaming gender within the project, for example, incorporating appropriate infrastructural design to accommodate women and children. Finally, the department is tasked with advising on issues of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Department of the Environment (DOE) The DOE was first established in 1989 but became a statutory body through the Environmental Protection Act, CAP 328, 1992. The DOE falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, and Immigration. Its mission is to ensure the effective management of the environment leading to sustainable development of the country. The DOE is tasked with ensuring environmental and social compliance of the project.

Belize City Council (BCC) The BCC comprises a mayor and ten councilors. The council is tasked with the general rule and good governance of the town as accorded in the provisions of the Belize City Council Act, CAP 85 (Rev. Ed. 2011) and any laws relating to it. General powers include the control, care and management of public streets, coordination of activities of utility agencies, and administration of safety regulations as it applies to fences adjoining public streets. The BCC also has authority over markets, slaughter-houses, bath-houses and wash-houses; and additionally manages building hazards, the property numbering system, parks, libraries, cemeteries, garbage collection, drain cleaning and ensures the continued maintenance and development of the town’s conveniences and amenities. Project proponents will liaise with the BCC to coordinate traffic during construction and for the management of construction and operational wastes.

Central Building Authority (CBA) The CBA was established under the Belize Building Act, CAP 131 (Rev. Ed. 2011) and is responsible for the administration of the Act. The CBA has primary responsibilities over building permits and control, which includes permits to erect or demolish structures, approval or rejection of plans, the power to require removal or alteration of work,

36 issuance of occupancy certificates, and control over moveable dwellings, public buildings, dangerous buildings and hurricane precautions.

Lands and Surveys Department The Lands and Surveys department of the Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for the management and allocation of national lands, registration of land tenure, authentication of plans for all legal surveys, sub-division of lands, valuation of lands, land use planning and land information management. The MHDSTPA will require the assistance of this department in the verification of Government’s ownership and transfer of title to the Ministry.

International Policies and Standards

IDB policies

The IDB’s Sector Framework sets out the Bank’s commitment to sustainable development, through a set of Bank Policies that are designed to support Borrowers’ projects, with the aim of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

The Policies set out the requirements for Borrowers (in this case, the GOB and MHDSTPA) relating to the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Development Project Financing. The Bank believes that the application of these standards, by focusing on the identification and management of environmental and social risks, will support Borrowers in their goal to reduce poverty and increase prosperity in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the environment and their citizens. The policies will: (a) support Borrowers in achieving good international practice relating to environmental and social sustainability; (b) assist Borrowers in fulfilling their national and international environmental and social obligations; (c) enhance non-discrimination, transparency, participation, accountability and governance; and (d) enhance the sustainable development outcomes of projects through ongoing stakeholder engagement.

The following policies establish the safeguards that the Borrower and the CAPS II project will meet through the project’s life cycle: • OP-102 Access to Information • OP-703 Environmental and Social Safeguards Compliance • OP-704 Disaster Risk Management • OP-710 Involuntary Resettlement • OP-761 Gender Equality in Development

37 Environmental and Social Conditions

The following is a profile of the environmental, social and economic conditions of Belize City.

Environmental Factors

Land use

The MHDSTPA’s property sits in an area in the heart of the city where property lots are used for various purposes, including commercial enterprises particularly on the main corridors and waterways, Orange street, Vernon street, and the Collet canal; residential properties, located on the inner sections of each block and on the smaller distribution roads; and finally non-residential properties such as the Conchshell Bay Fish Market located north west of the site and the city’s main bus terminal and Michael Finnegan Farmers Market located south west of the site. The nearest green area is a small children’s park, Constitution Park, located some 200 yards west of the site on Cemetery Lane. A few feet west of the Park is the Roger’s Stadium, a softball and baseball stadium with a small weightlifting gym.

The property was previously used as a bus terminal but has been sitting abandoned for a few years now. It has therefore partly developed into a small green area with shrubs, brush and small trees. However, it is also being used as a waste disposal site. The construction of the wrap- around center therefore will return the area to the built environment, and while small secondary habitats might be destroyed, the new infrastructure will mitigate the solid waste issue.

Air quality

According to the World Bank’s, World Development Indicator, more than 90% of the world’s 7 population was exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution in 2017. A measure of PM2.5 in outdoor ambient air quality is used to determine levels of air pollution. PM2.5 refers to a particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter. These particulates are able to travel deep within the respiratory system, causing a number of adverse health issues, such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Air Quality Guideline warns 3 that exposure to more than 10 g/m of PM2.5 annually, over a long term can cause cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. In 2017, the mean annual exposure to PM2.5 in Belize was 23.012 g/m3, well above the recommended concentration.8 Other forms of disease causing air pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), nitrates, free radicals, heavy metals, pesticides and industrial chemicals.

The air pollution in Belize comes from the several sources9:

7 Pirlea, F. and Huang, W. V. (2019, October). 8 World Bank. (2017, September). 9 Somerville, M. F. (2017).

38 • Burning of petroleum products • Industrial activities • Dynamite, firecrackers and fireworks • Home, office and commercial activities • Unsustainable solid waste management • Agriculture • Deforestation • Burning biomass • Wastewater management • Military activities • Mosquito control • Human-caused wildfires

Noise

The Noise Abatement Regulations, Part XI, of the Environmental Protection Act, CAP. 328 of the Laws of Belize (Rev. Ed. 2011), provides for the regulation of noise pollution in Belize. In residential areas, the daytime permittable level of noise is 60 decibels (dB), while the nighttime (6PM to 6AM) allowed level is 45 dB. Maximum day time levels in industrial/commercial areas should not exceed 90 dB.

High noise levels can be hazardous to a person’s health, causing hearing loss in addition to other stress related symptoms. According to the WHO, noise levels at 80 dB can temporarily cause hearing loss, while 100 dB can cause complete hearing loss. To put this in perspective, a standard older model passenger vehicle may emit noise up to 82 dB, while vehicles built from 2016 onward may emit noise up to 74 dB. Noise from firecrackers may exceed 145 dB.

Geology

The geology of Belize City is characterized as Quaternary Alluvium denoted by yellow areas in Error! Reference source not found.. Alluvium is a loose, unconsolidated soil, made up primarily of fine particles of silt and clay, and larger particles of sand and gravel brought down by rivers and deposited along riverbanks and the coast near river mouths. Additionally, naturally occurring sea waves and other wave action in coastal areas contribute to the composition of alluvium in coastal regions. Alluvium is usually Quaternary10 in geological age as this sedimentary cover occurred within the current period of the geologic time scale.

10 Quaternary (2.6 million years ago to present) refers to the last of the three periods of the Cenozoic Era in the geologic time scale of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaternary

39 Figure 12: Geology map of Belize

Source: Geology Department, Belize

40

Soil

Belize City sits on the delta of the Haulover Creek at the Caribbean Sea, as such the soil in the area is described as deltaic or coastal alluvium. That is, it has a combination of both river and sea deposits. Further, historical data indicates that the swampy coastland on which the colonial English settlement of Belize was built, was filled several times throughout its history by various means,

“A pattern of reclamation began which has changed little to date. This takes the form of cutting the mangrove, laying it over as a mat, then hauling in coconut husks, sawdust and other absorptive materials as filler. The pipeshank coral is brought in from the lagoon areas and placed as the second lift as base material for the final layers of sand” (Swayne as cited in Everitt, 1986, p. 87).

Along the riverbanks near the mouth of the Haulover Creek, chips and sawed-off ends of logs from historical timber squaring and manufacturing works would have also formed a base; and in the early 19th century, ballasts from ships arriving in Belize to load Mahogany and logwood, was also used as land fill (Everitt, 1986).

Hydric resources

Water is an important element of consideration in Belize City, which is surrounded by two major canals, the Haulover creek in the center of the city and north of the project site, and Burdon canal, on the west of the city. The Haulover Creek is a distributary of the Belize River, which is some four miles northwest of the city. Additionally, several urban canals drain into the Haulover creek or the Caribbean Sea; a number of lagoons situated in the city and also the Faber’s lagoon west of the city; and wetlands and swamps with mangrove forests along the coast and within parts of the city.

The project site itself sits on a swath of land that is bounded on the north by the Haulover creek; west by the Collet canal, the largest drainage urban canal in the city; and east by the East canal. A little further east, past the East canal, and to the south lies the Caribbean Sea.

Flora and fauna

Vegetation

The project site is dominated with a number of grass-like species, a variety of shrubs and a few small trees. Within the vicinity of the site there is practically no vegetation, except for a small mangrove stand, northwest of the property near the Conchshell Bay area. Further west of Belize City, outside the urban area, are larger stands of Riverine Mangrove and Mixed Mangrove Scrub (see Figure 13).

41 Figure 13: Main vegetative types near Belize City

Source: Egis/Transconsult, 2017

42 Birds

Some of the more common bird species found along the coast and around the waterways and mangrove stands in Belize City, include the Snowy Egret, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Little blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, White Ibis, Brown Booby, Brown Pelican, Olivaceaous Cormorant, Magnificent Frigatebird, Tiger Heron, Amazon Kingfisher and American Pygmy Kingfisher (Egis/Transconsult, 2017).

Fish

Freshwater fish species found near the project site, in the Haulover Creek and the Collet Canal, include Baysnook, Tuba, River Lobster, Tilapia, Baca, Butasi, Catto, Old Guy, Mudfish and Toadfish (Egis/Transconsult, 2017).

Turtles

Hicatee, Narrow Bridge Musk Turtle, Mexican Musk Turtle and Bucator are the species of turtle found in the Haulover Creek and Collet Canal (Egis/Transconsult, 2017).

Manatees

Manatee are common around the mouth of the Belize River and also on the coast around Belize City. Their habitat include the coast, cayes, rivers and lagoons especially where there is an abundance of seagrass. The manatee is a protected under the Wildlife Protection Act which prohibits the killing, taking or molesting of any manatee.

Table 2: Manatee sightings per habitat, 2000

Source: Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, 2001

Manatee mortality

62.5% of all manatee mortality were found in the Belize district. 37.5% of mortalities have been positively attributed to human related causes. However, it is suspected that humans have a

43 greater influence on manatee deaths, especially through watercraft activities, however post- mortem on many of the carcasses could not be done (CZMAI, 2001).

Figure 14: Map of manatee sightings in Belize, 2000

Source: Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, 2001

44

Socioeconomic Factors

Population demographics

Belize City (Southside) – Belize City is the oldest city in the country, with the south side dating back to the first settlement in the 1600s. Unfortunately, although the south side enjoys a rich history, it is also one of the most impoverished areas of the country and has often been the focus of poverty alleviation efforts.

In 2010, there were 39,555 residents living in the south side, which represented 69% of the total population (57,169) of the city (Statistical Institute of Belize, 2013). Fifty-eight percent of the residents were Creole, 18% were Mestizo, 12.5% were of mixed heritage, and 5.5% were Garifuna. There were slightly more females than males living in the area, with a ratio of 0.95:1. The average household size was 3.6, which is slightly higher than the district’s average, but considerably below that of the country at 4.1.

The population density of Belize City at the time was 22 people per hectare, with the south side being more congested than the more affluent north side. Housing arrangements in the south side consist primarily of private dwellings (80%), part of private dwellings (8%), apartments (6%), and a combination of other arrangements. City wide, a little below half (40%) of the houses are built of wood with zinc roofs. The bulk of these wooden houses are located in the south side of the city.

Table 3: Population and degree of urbanization

Sex Male to No. of Degree of District Population11 HH Size Male Female Female HH12 Urbanization13 Ratio 174,738 Country 408,487 79,492 4.1 204,247 204,240 1:1 (44.8%) Belize 81,409 124,096 27,282 3.5 61,305 62,791 1:1.03 District (69%) Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Levels of urbanization

The total density within the project area of the city, between Collet and East canals, is approximately 25-35 dwellings/hectare. Residential properties here account for 2.37% of the city’s urban footprint, and 7.2% of its total population. The density of these properties is 34

11 Country and district population figures taken from the Statistical Institute of Belize Postcensal estimates (2019), while population figures for individual villages are taken from the Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010 12 Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010 13 Labour Force Survey, September 2017 (Estimated Total Population – 389,975)

45 dwellings or 120 inhabitants per hectare. The residential area is said to have an irregular morphology because many houses are nestled within enclosed blocks accessible only by narrow alley ways. Nonetheless major streets are organized in a north to south fashion, with smaller arterial streets running east to west.

Properties on Orange street and Collet canal near the project site can be characterized as mixed- use properties. Many are 2-3 story buildings with commercial enterprises on the ground floor and offices and/or residences on the upper floors. The density of this area is approximately 16 dwellings or 56 inhabitants per hectare.

Age

The bulk of Belize’s population is below the age of 14. The country currently has a fertility rate of 22.2% and a mortality rate of 3.6%. Life expectancy is, on average, 70 years: 68 years for males and 73 for females (SIB, 2015).

Table 4: Age distribution of project area

Age Group Total <14 14-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 >55 DK/NS Population 132,101 88,866 60,604 46,708 32,742 34,838 23 Country 395,882 (33.4%) (22.4%) (15.3%) (11.8%) (8.3%) (8.8%) Belize 35,367 25,693 20,359 15,835 11,196 11,426 119,876 0 District (29.5%) (21.4%) (17%) (13.2%) (9.3%) (9.5%) Source: Labour Force Survey, September 2018

Ethnic composition

Belize is a very ethnically diverse country with approximately eight major groups. These include the Mestizo (52.9%), Creole (25.9%), Maya (11.3%), Garifuna (6.1%), East Indian (3.9%), Mennonite (3.6%), Caucasian (1.2%), Asian (1%) and other (1.5%). Most of these groups have, over the course of the history of Belize, immigrated to the country and settled in various pockets of the country allowing for geographic pre-eminence of each group, which then came to prominently define their respective culture within the context of Belize (Premdas, 2002). (SIB, 2015).

Creoles made up the majority of the population at one time, however about 16% of the population have emigrated, mostly to the United States, in search of jobs and educational opportunities. On the other hand, immigrants into Belize constitute approximately 15% of the total population and account for an increasing share of Belize’s population growth rate, which is steadily falling due to fertility decline. This large influx of immigrants, mainly from Central America, has rapidly changed Belize’s ethnic composition since the 1990’s. Mestizos have become the largest ethnic group, and Belize now has more native Spanish speakers than English or Creole speakers, despite English still being the only official language.

46 Belize City itself has remained a predominantly Creole society, in keeping with its historical settlement roots. The city was the original outpost of the British colonizers, called “Baymen,” and their African woodcutting slaves (Shoman, 1994). These two groups are the ancestors of the modern-day Belizean Creole.

Table 5: Ethnic distribution of project area

Ethnicity District Asian Creole East Indian Garifuna Maya Mestizo Country 3,316 83,460 12,452 19,639 36,507 170,446 Belize District 1,429 53,839 5,146 6,009 2,287 32,875 Belize City 1,009 30,197 1,340 2,560 542 12,886 Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Figure 15: Ethnic distribution of Belize district

Ethnic Group Distribution - Belize District

Creole Garifuna Maya Mestizo/Hispanic Other DK/NS

Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Language

Languages spoken in Belize include English (63%), Spanish (56.6%), Creole (44.6%), Maya (10.5%), Garifuna (2.9%), German (3.2%) and Chinese (0.9%).

Table 6: Population (> 4 years) by language spoken

Languages Spoken No. of Cannot Persons > Chinese Creole English Garifuna German Maya Spanish Other NS Speak 4 yrs 2,600 130,467 183,903 8,442 9,364 30,748 165,296 2,729 609 928 Country 292,263 (0.9%) (44.6%) (62.9%) (2.9%) (3.2%) (10.5%) (56.6%) (0.9%) (0.2%) (0.3%) Belize 87,486 1.3 63.6 72.5 2.7 0.1 1.2 34.1 1.5 0.2 0.4 District Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

47 Religion

Belize is religiously diverse akin to the diversity in ethnicity. Major religious groups practicing in Belize include Roman Catholic (40.1%), Protestant (28.3%), Eastern religions (0.5%), Muslim (0.2%), None (15.5%) and Other (15.4%).

Table 7: Religious distribution of Belize City

Religion Anglican Baptist Jehovah Methodist Nazarene Pentecostal Roman Seventh Other None Not Total Witness Catholic Day Reported Adventist Belize 7,887 2,122 768 4,985 1,297 2,700 23,214 2,642 4,280 6,771 505 57,169 City Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Poverty

At the last country poverty assessment carried out in 2009, it was found that 41.3% of Belize’s population or 31% of households were living below the poverty line. Of this, 15.8% of the population or 10.4% of households were considered indigent and 25.5% of the population or 20.6% of households were considered poor/not indigent (Government of Belize and the Caribbean Development Bank, 2010). Poverty, in this instance, is defined “as not having the per capita income to afford a market basket of basic food,” whereas indigence means “falling short of being able to afford even food” (Close, 2017, p. 276). The market basket is determined by calculating the minimum cost of a balanced diet, within a particular community, for an adult male consuming 2,400 calories/day. The table below shows the daily and annual minimum food basket (MFB) cost for an adult male, for each district of Belize, in 2009.

Table 8: District minimum food basket cost for an adult male

District Daily Cost Annual Cost Corozal $5.35 $1,953.00 Orange Walk $5.32 $1,942.00 Belize $5.36 $1,958.00 Cayo $4.91 $1,791.00 Stann Creek $5.99 $2,186.00 Toledo $6.12 $2,234.00 Country $5.50 $2,005.00 Source: Country Poverty Assessment (2010)

An additional 13.8% of the population or 12.9% of households, while not poor, were considered vulnerable to poverty. When individual or household expenditure is less than or equal to 25% above the General Poverty Line (GPL)of the community, then this individual or household is thought to be vulnerable to poverty. The General Poverty Line is derived from determining the average food share (of total expenses) of the poorest 40% of the community and then accounting for the difference (MFB x reciprocal of food share) in expenses.

48 The GPL also tells a story of the cost of living within particular areas of Belize. As shown Error! Reference source not found., cost of living in Belize City is one of the highest in the country, exceeded only by Stann Creek on the mainland, and San Pedro Town, which is a popular tourist island destination. This is indicated by an annual GPL well above the country’s average. Food in Belize City accounts for about 60% of a household’s expense.

Table 9: District level general poverty line

District MFB Annual Food Share Annual General Poverty Line Corozal $1,952.00 64% $3,041.00 Orange Walk $1,941.00 59% $3,308.00 Belize City & $1,920.00 50% $3,810.00 surrounding San Pedro Town $2,354.00 45% $5,279.00 Belmopan & $2,088.00 56% $3,730.00 surrounding San Ignacio/Santa Elena & $1,621.00 54% $3,537.00 surrounding Stann Creek $2,186.00 56% $3,906.00 Toledo $2,233.00 81% $2,753.00 Country $2,005.00 58% $3,429.00 Source: Country Poverty Assessment (2010)

Finally, Belize’s not poor population constitutes 44.9%. These individuals have an expenditure that is more than 25% above the General Poverty Line.

While the poverty situation in Belize might look dismal, it must be remembered that the actual “not poor” figure is 59%, which takes into account those who are vulnerable but not poor. The Country Poverty Assessment Report also did indicate that there were several external impacts that created this picture of poverty in Belize, including but not limited to, a sluggish economy due to a global recession, setbacks in several of the agricultural industries, a hurricane in 2007, and major floods in 2008. It is expected that the data should look more promising at this time, since agriculture has rebounded, there has been consistent growth in the tourist industry, and the government has invested significantly in infrastructural projects that are projected to boost the economy further.

Table 10: Extent of poverty in Belize

Category Indigent Poor/Not Total Vulnerable Not Total Grand Indigent Poor Poor Not Total Poor 8,539 16,852 25,390 10,583 45,927 56,510 81,900 Households 10.4% 20.6% 31% 12.9% 56.1% 69% 100%

49 52,185 84,455 136,640 45,614 148,460 194,074 330,715 Population 15.8% 25.5% 41.3% 13.8% 44.9% 58.7% 100% Source: Country Poverty Assessment (2010)

Belize district labor status

The unemployment rate in the Belize District is 12.5%, which equates to 7,940 individuals. This is significantly higher than the national average of 10.4%. Unemployment among Belize District women is 68.7%. Unemployment among men in the Belize District is one of the lowest in the country. While the bulk of the unemployed have only a primary school level education, followed by secondary school level education, the majority of unemployed prefer future employment in the service industry as opposed to primary and secondary industries. This tendency of primary certificate holders to the service industry is not indicative of global trends. Noteworthy, is that 74.3% of the unemployed in the Belize District are Creole and a staggering majority (90.7%) of unemployed individuals prefer jobs in the service industries. This is perhaps attributable to historical colonial trends where the Creole population was guided into the civil service and other service-oriented jobs and away from production jobs (Shoman, 1994). In addition, service-oriented jobs have historically been indicative of an elevated social status in Belize (Shoman, 1994).

Finally, there are 8,952 individuals in the Belize District who are underemployed. Approximately 73.6% of these individuals indicated that they were underemployed not of their own making but because the only jobs available required less than 35 hours of their labor time or their work hours had been cut. Again, the bulk of the underemployed had only a primary school education, while 57.5% were Creole and 35.9% Mestizo.

Employment sectors

The wholesale and retail trade and repair sectors are the largest employment sector in the country, employing 18.3% of total employed persons in 2019. This is followed by the tourism sector (17.2%) and agriculture sector (14.1%). The manufacturing sector accounts for only 7.7% of employment.

50 Figure 16: Employment sectors in Belize

Source: Statistical Institute of Belize, September 2019

Gross domestic product (GDP)

Belize’s GDP was estimated at about, BZE $2.81 billion in 2018 (SIB, 2018). This is a growth of 22% over the past 10 years. This year, 2019, however has seen a decline in growth with the 3rd quarter experiencing – 0.4% decline over the same period in 2018. (SIB, 2019)

Economic base

Tertiary industries, most notably the wholesale and retail and repairs sector, accounts for the biggest share of the GDP (65.5%), while the primary sector, most notably agriculture products for export – sugar, citrus and banana, and the secondary sector (manufacturing, electricity, water supply and construction) account for only 9% and 11.6%, respectively. Around 80% of the manufacturing sector involves processing of sugar and molasses or citrus fruit concentrate for export.

Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy of Belize. Over the past year, the country experienced a growth of 14.6% in overnight tourist arrivals, while cruise passenger arrivals in 2018 was over 1.2 million (Belize Tourism Board, 2019).

Belize City has one of two cruise ports in the country receiving well over 1,000,000 visitors per year. Tourist destinations in the area include historic old Belize, several Maya sites, a water park, cave tubing and the Belize Zoo. The Belize Tourism Board has been exploring the potential for the growth of tourism in the historic south side area (Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, 2030). Additionally, Belize City is the largest commercial center in the country with offshore outsourcing, fisheries, agribusiness & agro-processing (coconut & cashew), logistics (road & highways, sea ports, airports), construction and administrative industries.

51 Figure 17: Areas of economic activity

Source: IDB Logistics Study, Mesoamerican study in freight logistics, 2014.

Per capita GDP

Belize’s GDP per capita income is BZE $7,068.28 (2018), which is higher than most other countries in the region. The median monthly income for September 2019, was $1,134.00. (SIB, 2019)

52

Figure 18: Per capita income in Belize, 2010

Source: Statistical Institute of Belize, 2010

Infrastructure and amenities

Housing

The project site is located in an area of the city that is part of the Old Town, with many of the buildings dating back to the beginnings of the consolidation of the city in the 1800s. This is evident in the fact that at least 30-70% of the buildings are timber framed. Timber was the predominant building material at the time. Lot sizes are fairly small, with residential properties ranging between 0-300m2. Residencies are typically single-family housing, with this residential area being characterized as low-middle income.

53 Communication

All areas of Belize City have access to landlines or cellular telephone and broadband or mobile internet service provided by both Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and the Smart phone company.

Electricity

Belize City area residents derive their source of lighting from the national power company, Belize Electricity Ltd., through overhead powerlines. There are however still some residents, particularly in southside Belize City, who have no source of lighting at all.

Water and sanitation infrastructure

Some 99.5% of the population of Belize uses improved drinking water sources. In addition, 90.5% of the total population uses an improved sanitation facility where human excreta is separated from human contact (World Health Organization, 2016). The Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) supplies potable water to Belize City. Some residents also have their own rainwater vats which they use to supplement their water supply.

Table 11: Belize City households' main water source

Belize Improved Water Source 31,720 Unimproved Water Source 568 DK/NS 131 Source: SIB, Abstract of Statistics, 2018

Solid waste

Residential and commercial/office waste is collected in Belize City by the Belize Waste Control Limited (BWC), a private company contracted by the Belize City Council. Waste collection occurs weekly from Monday to Thursday on the north side of Belize City and Tuesday to Friday on the south side of Belize City. The Belize City Council itself, through its Waste Collection Services, handles the removal of primarily public waste generated at parks, public facilities, and through street and drain cleaning. The waste collected by both entities is taken to a transfer station located at Mile 3 on the George Price Highway (GPH). From there it is taken by private contractors to the Regional Sanitary Landfill located at Mile 24 on the GPH. Both the Transfer Station and the Sanitary Landfill is managed by the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA), which was established in 1991, to provide for the management of the country’s solid waste in an environmentally sound manner.

54 Energy

The transportation sector accounts for the bulk of energy consumption in Belize, using a little over 5,000 terajoules of energy per year. This is followed by the industrial and residential sectors respectively.

Figure 19: Energy consumption in Belize (2010)

Source: National Energy Policy Framework, 2011

Health care

The budget allocated by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the treatment of diseases and emergencies, equals 5.8% of the GDP. The country is divided into four health regions, which include regional public hospitals, healthcare centers and health posts administered by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Belize City is located in the Central health region. It is served by the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), which is the country’s only hospital that offers secondary and tertiary care. Additionally, two private hospitals, Belize Medical Associates and Belize Health Care Partners; two Polyclinics II, Matron Roberts and Cleopatra White; two health centers, Port Loyola and Queens Square; and one mental health facility, Port Loyola Mental Health Acute Day Hospital, also serve the Belize City area.

Mortality

The main cause of death in Belize is heart disease (13.8% of total). This is followed by malignant neoplasms (11.4%), diabetes (10.3%), accidents and homicides (~ 7.0%) (SIB, 2018).

55 Education

Public spending on education accounted for 7.41% of GDP in 2017. The overall literacy rate in Belize is 88.6%. Approximately 96.3% of primary school aged children are enrolled in school, while 69.3% of youths, are enrolled in secondary school (Trading Economics, 2019).

Table 12: Belize district educational facilities

Belize Preschools 52 Primary Schools 60 Secondary Schools 18 Source: SIB, Abstract of Statistics, 2018

Enrolment in these education institutions are as follows:

Table 13: Belize district school enrolment

Belize Preschool 2,578 Primary School 16,193 Secondary School 6,992 Vocational/Technical 91 Source: SIB, Abstract of Statistics, 2018

Gender factors

Gender assessment

Even though the situation of women in Belize has improved over the past decade, women still face many inequalities, for example women still only comprise 42% of the labor force (SIB, 2019). Of that number, 58.7% are paid employees however, mostly in the elementary occupations. Another 32.4% are self-employed primarily in the informal sector, while another 8.7% work as unpaid labor in family owned businesses. Women continue to bear the responsibility of unpaid work at home, both as primary caregivers and in maintaining the house; while men are still perceived as decision makers. Finally, violence against women continue to be a concern in Belize, where 2,061 women experienced domestic violence in 2018 and another 70 experiencing rape or carnal knowledge/unlawful sexual intercourse.

Marriage/union status

The Belize district has the lowest married population (29.1%) in the country, well below the average of 36.5%. Of those 19,000 people who are married however, only 25% live with their spouses. Interestingly though, an equal amount of people (25%) live in a common-law relationship. Further, while the district has the lowest marriage rate it has the highest rate of divorce, widowed or legally separated, at 6.7%.

56

Table 14: Marital status in Belize district

Divorced Population Widowed Districts Never Married Married Not Reported (>15 years) Legally Separated Country 207,705 57.4% 36.5% 5.8% 0.3% Belize 65,327 63.9% 29.1% 6.7% 0.2% Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Countrywide 37.1%, or about 2 out of every 5 persons, are not in any type of union. More males among the 15 – 29 age group tended to be single, while more women were single after age 35. This trend continues for women in their older years (65 years and above), with 59.6% not in any union compared to only 32.9% of males at that age.

Table 15: Union status in the Belize district

Married and Population Common- Visiting Not in a Not Districts Living with (>15 years) Law Partner Union Reported Spouse Country 207,705 32.5% 23.1% 6.1% 37.1% 1.2% Belize 65,327 25.4% 25.7% 11.7% 36.4% 0.7% Source: Belize Population and Housing Census, Country Report, 2010

Labor force

An estimated 70% of the population of the Belize district is of working age an about 31% of those individuals are located rurally. Eighty percent, or 4 out of every 5 males, are in the labor force. The figures for women, however, are a bit dismal. The labor force participation rate for women is about 63%.

The unemployment rate for women is also higher than for men, in all three districts. While male unemployment rate hover in the 5% range, 7.7% of women are unemployed, exceeding that of men by about 2%.

Table 16: Labor force indicators in the Belize district

Belize Total Population 123,351 Working Age Population 85,885 Labour Force 62,220 Male LF Participation Rate 82.27% Female LF Participation Rate 63.05% Male Unemployment Rate 5.99% Female Unemployment Rate 7.71% Source: SIB, Labour Force Statistics (April 2019)

57 Health

Sexual health

Of concern when assessing gender relations is sexual health of the adults within a community, especially as it surrounds such serious communicable diseases as HIV/AID. In the Belize district, HIV seropositivity fluctuates annually, however the rate is the highest in the country.

HIV seropositivity Rate (SIB, Abstract of Statistics, 2018) • Of the 10,711 people tested in Belize in 2018, 139 were positive (55% of country total). o Avg of 10,200 people get tested yearly, with a seropositivity rate of 1.28%

Maternal health

The country wide maternal deaths in 2018, was 9, out of which 2 women in the Belize district died of maternal related issues (SIB, 2018).

Crime

There were a number of crimes perpetuated against women and men, girls and boys in the Belize district in 2017 and 2018. These range from personal crimes, such as rape and unlawful sexual intercourse; to summary jurisdiction offences such as abduction and kidnapping. The following table provides an overview of some of the crimes over the past two years.

Table 17: Personal and summary jurisdiction offences in Belize district

Belize 2017 2018 Rape 6 8 Unlawful Sexual 18 12 Intercourse Breach of Protection 14 Order Sexual Assault 6 7 Forcible Abduction 1 Indecent Assault 1 Kidnapping 1 Abduction 2 Common Assault 182 Source: SIB, Abstract of Statistics, 2018

Gender-based violence

Gender-based Violence (GBV) remains an issue affecting women and girls in Belize. This is perpetuated by the fact that at least 5.2% of women and 5.4% of men, believe that a man is justified in beating or hitting his wife for any one of the following reasons:

58

• She goes out without telling him • She neglects the children • She argues with him • She refuses sex with him • She burns the food

While considerable advances have been made in the area of gender equality, the above attitudes reinforce what Huggins (2016), argues is the core of gender inequality in Belize, that is, “traditional systems and structures rooted in patriarchy and male dominance” (p. 1).

Natural Disaster Factors

Risk of natural disasters

According to the World Risk Report 2019, the likelihood that a natural hazard in Belize results in a disaster is high. Belize ranks 62 out of 180 countries in its susceptibility to disasters and has a risk index of 8.02. Disasters happen when a society is vulnerable (German Development Cooperation, 2015). Vulnerability may be characterized by weaker social, economic and political systems or even the existence of fragile ecological systems. When considering a country’s resilience to natural hazard events then, analysts don’t only consider the natural hazard sphere but also the societal sphere. They look at a country’s exposure to natural hazards such as floods, sea-level rise, cyclones, droughts and earthquakes; and they assess vulnerability by looking at a community’s susceptibility in a hazard event, its ability to cope with that event and finally, what adaptation strategies are in place. Components of susceptibility include level of public infrastructure, nutrition, poverty and number of minor and elderly dependents, and the country’s economic capacity and income distribution level. Coping depends on the level of organization and planning by governments and relevant authorities who are in charge of early warning mechanisms and disaster preparedness regimes; the availability of medical services that are also in close proximity; social networks that assist vulnerable people on the ground; and the level of insurance and other material coverage. Finally, adaptation is determined by the level of research and availability of knowledge; gender equality; environmental status and ecosystems protection; preemptive strategies for adapting to hazards, including the implementation of projects and strategies to respond to natural hazards and climate change; and finally the level of investment in human development, as assessed through indicators such as birth rate, maternal heath, etc.

Risk of natural hazards

Flooding

Flooding, through fluvial, pluvial and coastal means, is a common occurrence in low-lying Belize City. The resultant property losses, contamination from pollution, health risk, not to mention

59 inconvenience has been exacerbated over the past 30 years due to rapid urbanization14 and the effects of climate change.

Belize City is prone to three different types of flood hazards (Trigg, Smith & Sampson, 2016):

1. Pluvial flooding – caused by intense rainfall over a short duration. This can result in the soil being quickly saturated, leading to localized ponding and even overland water flows.

2. Fluvial flooding – river overtopping after prolonged rainfall or extreme rains usually associated with tropical storms or hurricanes. Catchment areas, such as the Belize River watershed, can become inundated and empty into rivers. Further, rains in the Maya Mountains where headwaters lie, result in wave buildup and faster travel times as this water rushes down the steep slopes of the mountains. As the wave action reaches further along the river and in Belize City where the terrain is flat, it causes overtopping.

3. Coastal flooding – storm surges of 1-5m associated with tropical storms and hurricane winds and low pressure reaching the coast.

Figure 20: Belize flood events

Insert 1: Heavy rains Insert 2: Heavy rains & river overtopping

14 The population of Belize City has increased about 60% since 1981 (Statistical Institute of Belize, 2010).

60 Insert 3: Hurricane floods Insert 4: Storm surge Source: Google images

Flood hazard analysis

A Disaster Risk and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Belize City was conducted for the IDB’s, Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI). In the assessment, consultants analyzed the long-term probability of flood hazard within Belize City and developed flood maps for flood return periods (RP) of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 years. Essentially, in hydrologic studies flood size and dynamics are categorized by RP where smaller floods have a recurrence interval of 10 years, and the largest floods, have a recurrence interval of 500 years. The return period is simply the annual probability of a particular flood event occurring, for example a “10-year flood” has a 10% probability of happening in any year, a “100-year flood” has a 1% probability of occurring annually, and a “500-year flood” has a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year. Thus, once a flood has occurred in any year its chance of recurring remains the same.

Both the 10-year and 100-year return period flood maps indicate that the proposed area of the project site will experience 1-3m of flooding in any of those events. The area has been identified as a “hot spot” within the city. This is due to the low elevation at Orange Street, converging with the Collet Canal and Haulover Creek waterways/drainage canals. In a 10-year flood, this depth of 1-3m is confined to the immediate block of the project site and both canals, while the areas immediately east and west of the site will experience less flooding of 0.5-1m (see Figure 21).

61 Figure 21: "10-year flood" map

Source: ESCI, Disaster Risk and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Belize City (2017)

In a 100-year flood, the entire area surrounding the project site will experience 1-3m floods, while the canals will experience flooding greater than 7m (see Figure 22).

Figure 22: "100-year flood" map

Source: ESCI, Disaster Risk and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Belize City (2017)

All major roads exiting the city are also prone to flooding (see Figure 23).

62 Figure 23: Major road systems vulnerability to flooding

Source: World Bank. Prioritizing climate resilient transport investments in a data-scarce environment.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are perhaps the biggest threat to the country of Belize, as it is located in the most active hurricane area of the world (see Table 18). The World Bank estimates that Belize experiences a major storm on average every three years (GFDRR, 2010). The average death toll per hurricane is 168 people, with an additional 52 injured.

Table 18: Main hurricanes affecting Belize, 1931 - present

Max. Sustained Estimated Surge Year Date Name Location S-S Scale Winds (MPH) (m/ft) Belize City & 1931 10 September Storm 5 130 3 3.05/10 Orange Walk 1934 5-8 June Storm 2 Belize City - TS 2.59/8 1941 28 September Storm 4 75 TS

63 1942 27 August Storm 4 85 1 1942 9 November Storm 10 80 1 1943 22 October Storm 10 - - 1945 4 October Storm 10 70 1 1955 27 September Janet Corozal Town 175 5 2.44/8 1960 15 July Abby 70 TS 1961 24 July Anna 70 TS 1961 31 October Hattie Belize City 180 5 3.17/10 1969 3 September Francelia 95 1 1971 10 September Edith 90 1 1971 20 November Laura 60 TS 1974 1 September Carmen 130 3 South of 1974 19 September Fifi 95 2 3.7/12 Placencia 1978 18 September Greta Dangriga Town 115 3 1.8-2.1/6-7 1998 22 Oct. – 9 Nov. Mitch 155 4 Caye Chapel, 2000 28 Sept. – 6 Oct. Keith Caye Caulker & 120 3 1.2/3.94 San Pedro 2001 14 August Chantal 70 - 2001 9 October Iris Placencia 145 4 4.6/15.1 2007 21 August Dean 165 5 2008 1 June Arthur 40 TS 2008 10-16 October TD 16 - TS 2010 26 June Alex 40 TS 2010 15 September Karl - TS 2010 25 September Matthew - TS 2010 24 October Richard Gales Point 90 1 0.91-1.52/3-5 2011 20 August Harvey 65 TS 2012 8 August Ernesto 85 1 2016 3-4 August Earl Northern Lagoon 80 1 1.83-2.7/6-9 Source: Elaborated from ESCI, Disaster Risk and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Belize City (2017), and Ramon Frutos (2019).

Hurricanes also cause an estimated annual loss of US $5.5 million to Belize’s economy through wind damage and floods that destroy homes, infrastructure, industry, agriculture and the fragile marine ecosystem (see Figure 24). Hurricane Keith, in 2000, caused damage amounting to 45% (1999 figures) of the country’s GDP (GFDRR, 2010)(see Figure 25).

64 Figure 24: Cost of damage done by Hurricane Keith, 2000

Source: Environmental statistics for Belize, 2001

Figure 25: Damage done by Hurricane Keith relative to economic indicators

Source: Environmental statistics for Belize, 2001

65 Figure 26: Hurricane Hattie flood and infrastructure damage

Source: Google images

Figure 27: Hurricane Hattie infrastructure damage

Source: Google images

66 Figure 28: Hurricane Earl residential damage

Source: Google images

Figure 29: Radisson Fort George Hotel pier damage

Source: Google images

67

Figure 30: Damage to banana plantation

Source: Google images

Earthquake and tsunami

Belize’s earthquake hazard level is classified as medium.15 While the country lies directly on the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, Belizeans however, have only ever experienced minor tremors, particularly in the south of the country (see fig). The most distinct of these tremors was in May 2009, when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit south east of Belize, or some 129km off the coast of La Cieba, Honduras. The quake damaged a number of structures in Monkey River and Placencia, in the Stann Creek district.

15 See GFDDR at http://thinkhazard.org/en/report/28-belize/EQ

68 Figure 31: Tectonic plates near Belize

Source: Google images

In addition to underwater earthquakes, the submarine volcano, Kick ‘em Jenny, located 8km north of Grenada in the western Caribbean has been identified as a possible source of tsunami activity having the potential to affect the coastal areas of Belize (GFDRR, 2010). The threat of tsunamis however, has been classified as low.16

Emergency shelters

There are three emergency shelters in the immediate vicinity of the project site. These three shelters can withstand hurricanes with winds less than 100mph. For hurricanes with winds greater than 100mph, residents requiring shelter will need to evacuate to shelter in the Santa Elena and San Ignacio towns, some 80 miles west of Belize city.

Table 19: Emergency shelters near the project site

Internal Shelter External Shelter District Constituency (Less than 100 MPH) (More than 100 MPH) Belize District Grace Primary School (Amara St. Ignatius High School (Santa Albert Ave) Elena) Sacred Heart Primary School (San Salvation Army Primary School Ignacio) Mesopotamia Maud Williams High School Assembly of God Pentecostal Church (San Ignacio) Source: National Emergency Management Organization

16 See GFDDR at http://thinkhazard.org/en/report/28-belize/TS

69 Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

This section elaborates the environmental and social impacts associated with each activity of the project. To conduct the environmental and social assessment, the major activities in each phase of the project life cycle, beginning from the pre-construction phase, were considered for their impacts. The table below details these activities and their affiliated components.

Table 20: Outline of activities and components of the wrap-around service center

Project Phase Activities Components 1. Identification/Exploration 2. Conceptual Outside the scope of the ESA 3. Pre-feasibility 4. Feasibility & Planning Building design & scope Fit-for-purpose and inclusive design 5. Pre-Construction Resettlement of users of Conduct census and develop site resettlement and livelihood restoration plan in consultation with PAPs Demolition and site clearing Demolition of derelict bus terminal and foundations from previous construction activities Removal of rubble and other construction material Leveling and grading of site Development of Installation of utilities (water and construction staging and electricity) storage areas Erection of storage building and watchman quarters Erection of perimeter guards/buffers 6. Construction Construction of building Construction of pile foundation, plinth and superstructure elements Finishing of building Installation of building services Site clean up Installation of landscape features 7. Operations Use of building through its Safety of employees lifespan Safety of clients Maintenance, repair, replacement and refurbishment of building Operational energy use Operational water use Solid waste management

70 Once activities and their affiliated components were identified and the concomitant processes thoroughly understood, a comprehensive identification, assessment and analysis of impacts across all stakeholders was conducted for both environmental and social impacts.

Environmental Risks and Impacts

Pollution

Noise pollution

The main sources of noise pollution at the construction site will be construction machines that produce impact, such as jackhammers and other concrete breaking tools; earth-moving machines, including graders, backhoes and compactors/construction rollers; pile drivers; pneumatically driven tools, such as rock drills, paint sprayers and blast cleaners; and combustion engines, such as vehicles and generators. The noise may be exacerbated when reflected off a couple taller buildings in the vicinity. Additionally, the site is located in the downtown area where a multitude of cars, buses and even boats accessing the nearby fish market traverse. The construction noise then will have an additive effect to the already elevated noise pollution of the city.

The nearest sensitive receptors to the project site are Grace Primary School, which is located 170m south of the site and the Matron Roberts Polyclinic II, located some 250m west of the site. Finally, a number of residences that are located exactly next to the site will be affected by the noise.

Air pollution

Land clearing; the operation of combustion engines, especially diesel engines; demolition work, burning; and working with toxic materials are all construction activities that contribute to air pollution. Fugitive dust from concrete demolition, as well as dust from working cement and cutting wood and stone, classified as PM10 (particulate matter that is less than 10 micron in diameter), can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, bronchitis and even cancer. PM10 emissions can travel for long distances affecting individuals far from the site.

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is another source of PM10 air pollution. DPM is emitted from the exhausts of diesel engines and consists of soot, sulphates and silicates, which can combine with other toxins in the atmosphere causing increased health risks to people who inhale the air. Diesel exhausts also contain carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that contribute to Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and global warming.

71 Another source of air pollution on construction sites are noxious vapors from oils, glues, thinners, paints, treated wood, plastics, cleaners, and other hazardous chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.

Water pollution

Construction worksites can contribute to water pollution in a number of ways. For example, when land is cleared, it can lead to erosion and sediment run-off into waterways. Sediments cause water to become turbid, which the restricts sunlight and affects the natural course of water ecosystems. Additionally, sediments eventually settle on aquatic animals and plants, suffocating them and destroying habitats. Surface run-offs can also carry pollutants such as fuels, oils, and chemicals into waterways with them.

Pollutants at construction sites can also make their way into the ground water below the site, which may be a source of human drinking water. Finally, debris from construction sites, often times make their way into waterways, when solid waste is not managed properly.

Resource efficiency

This wrap-around center project is relatively small and therefore it is not expected to be a significant consumer of energy, water or raw materials, both during construction and operations. Nonetheless there are a number of design features and management policies that will be employed to conserve these resources during all phases of the project life-cycle.

Social Risks and Impacts

Construction workforce

Construction projects are complex and have many diverse aspects to it. Being a dynamic place, contractors as well as workers come and go. Construction workers typically are hired from project to project and may spend only a few weeks or months at any one project. One negative consequence of this is that workers must make and remake productive and safe working relationships with other workers whom they may not know, and this may affect safety at the work site. Also, in the course of the year, construction workers may have several employers and less than full employment. Workers hence may act as self-employed contractors however, without the benefits, such as health insurance or social security, that come with a secured full- time job.

Risks to social workers

Social workers generally work with diverse sets of people who are usually vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. Many have had traumatic experiences in their past and as a result may act out in unpredictable ways, as such social workers are always in a position of

72 physical danger or harm. It is imperative then that the necessary infrastructural safety features are incorporated in the building design and during construction, and that safety protocols are employed during the operational phase of the project.

Mainstreaming gender and social inclusivity

Women in Belize are under-represented in the construction industry but over-represented in the social services sector. This disparity of representation has often been attributed to historical socialization and stereotypes in which construction was deemed to be a man’s domain and social work, a woman’s domain. In recent times many have also asserted that the lack of gender sensitivity in the area is also to contribute to the disparity. However, while there is an overabundance of women working in the social work sector, gender sensitive infrastructure and practices are also not present.

Resettlement and livelihood restoration

Project-related land acquisition may cause physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land or loss of shelter), economic displacement (loss of land, assets or access to assets, leading to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood), or both. The term “involuntary resettlement” refers to these impacts. Resettlement is considered involuntary when affected persons or communities do not have the right to refuse land acquisition or restrictions on land use that result in displacement. This project is concerned with the relocation of people without formal, traditional or recognizable usage rights, who are occupying or utilizing land prior to a project specific cut-off date. The objectives of a resettlement and livelihood restoration plan is to mitigate unavoidable adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition by assisting displaced person in their efforts to improve, or at least restore, their livelihoods and living standards. Also to improve living conditions of poor or vulnerable persons who are physically displaced, through provision of adequate housing, access to services and facilities and security of tenure.

Physical displacement

One person, who is an informal dweller on the site, has been identified for resettlement. Stakeholder consultations indicate that there might be an additional two individuals who will require resettlement, however these individuals have not been located after numerous visits to the site.

There are three bus companies that have been parking their buses on the west side of the project property during the day. The owners assert that the property belongs to a private individual and is not a part of the GOB’s property. A land title search is currently being conducted at the Lands and Surveys Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Once ownership of the land has been verified, a determination can be made on the status of the bus park.

73 Economic displacement

One woman has been conducting economic activity on the site and she will require the necessary rehabilitation.

Physical hazards

Accidents and injury

Construction sites are full of risks and hazards, however each type of construction work within the project, carries its own set of hazards. Risks are associated with working at heights, on ladders, scaffolding and roofs, with impacts ranging from fall injuries to fatalities. Collapsing trenches and demolition work can injure or kill workers. Moving objects such as overhead lifting equipment, supply vehicles, rotating and moving equipment and tools can result in workers being struck by falling or flying objects, ran over, etc. Electrical harm can occur when workers either touch live parts or they touch a conducting object or material. Electrical shocks are also a common cause of falls from ladders, scaffolds and work platforms. Slips, trips and falls are also very common at construction worksites, particularly when surfaces are uneven; obstacles are in pathways including trailing cables and ropes; or when surfaces are wet and slippery. Sprain and strain injuries may occur through over-exertion, repetitive motion and the improper handling of materials.

Noise and vibration

Construction workers are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) when they are repeatedly exposed to noise levels at 85 dB or above without hearing protection. On construction sites though, workers are exposed to an average noise level of 89.1 dBA, as all tools generate peak noise levels above 85 dBA (CPWR, 2019). Further, heavy equipment used in demolition works, grading, pile driving, etc., also add to significant noise pollution. While hearing loss is the primary concern for construction workers, noise can also create a safety risk if it makes it difficult for workers to communicate effectively or if it stops them from hearing warning signals.

Table 21: Average noise levels of common construction equipment

Tool Average Noise Level (dBA) Maximum Noise Level (dBA) Screw gun, Drill motor 85.8 112.5 Hand power saw 87.9 107.3 Stationary power tool 88.2 105.0 Chop saw 88.2 114.2 Hammer, mallet, sledge 90.2 116.4 “Other” tools 91.8 119.0 Roto hammer 95.8 113.4 Rattle gun 98.4 131.1 Chipping gun 103.0 119.2 Source: CPWR, 2019

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The World Health Organization (WHO), assert that the health effects of noise in the community include “hearing impairment, startle and defense reactions, aural pain, ear discomfort, speech interference, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular issues, performance reduction, and annoyance responses” (WHO, n.d., para. 1). Additionally, the WHO (n.d.) maintain that these health effects can lead to “social handicap, reduced productivity, decreased performance in learning, absenteeism in the workplace and school, increased drug use, and finally accidents” (para. 1).

Vibrating hand tools used in demolition or repetitive use of power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome. Workers who operate hand tools expose the tissue of their fingers and arms to more than 90% of the energy being transmitted from the tool. This eventually causes irreversible small fiber nerve damage which then impairs the worker’s sense of touch and temperature. Larger tools, like the jackhammer, may injure the shoulder and neck through the low-frequency waves these emit.

Vibration or shocks experienced from sitting or standing on a machine or vehicle, travelling over rough ground or working near powerful machinery is called whole-body vibration (WBV). Long- term exposure to whole-body vibration can cause whole-body vibration syndrome (WBVS). The most pronounced effect of whole-body vibration is damage to the lumbar region of the spine, resulting in deformation, lumbago and sciatica (Bogadi-Sare, 1993). However, other organ systems, such as the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, vestibular, vascular, digestive and female reproductive systems are also liable to become affected over the long term (Bogadi- Sare, 1993). Low level exposure to WBV may exacerbate existing lower back injuries that will cause pain.

A number of heavy equipment being used in the project have the capacity to generate ground- borne vibrations, which may have an impact on the comfort of people living or working near the site. However, people can feel vibration levels that are far lower than those require to cause cosmetic or structural damage to buildings.

Table 22: Vibration level/impact

Receptor Peak Particle Velocity (mm/s) Vibration Frequency (Hz) 0.14 (just perceptible) – 10 Humans 4 (resulting in complaints) Cosmetic damage to building 15 4 Minor damage to building 20 15 Major damage to building 50 40 Source: Elaborated from Campbell Associates Ltd., 2018

75 The table below shows the typical vibration level of various construction activities.

Table 23: Typical vibration levels of construction activities

Average Peak Particle Velocity Construction Activity Distance (m) (mm/s) Vibratory roller < 1.5 25 Hydraulic rock breaker 4.5 5 0.4 20 0.1 50 Compactor (road roller) 20 5 < 0.3 30 Pile driving 50 (depending on soil 1 - 3 conditions and piling technique) Bulldozer 1 - 2 5 0.1 50 Truck traffic (smooth surface) < 0.2 20 Truck traffic (rough surface) < 2 20 Source: Advanced Engineering Solutions, 2009

The table indicates that the road roller has the potential to cause minor damage to buildings at a distance of 5 meters away.

Air quality

Demolition, excavation and movement of earth materials, contact of construction machinery with bare soil, pile-driving and the exposure of cleared land may cause the release of fugitive dust. Additionally, exhaust from a number of construction machines and the open burning of solid waste on the site may result in air emissions. These various particles can all damage the lungs and lead to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards can be airborne, appearing as dust, fumes, vapors, mists or gases; they can be in a liquid or semi-liquid form, such as glues, adhesives and tar; or they can be in powdered form, such as dry cement. As such they can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, and ingested.

Illnesses associated with chemical hazards include bronchitis among welders; skin allergies among masons and others who work with cement; neurologic disorders among painters and others exposed to organic solvents and lead, as well as landscapers who frequently use pesticides.

Fires and explosions can also be a hazard to construction work sites where the three components of a fire – oxygen, heat and fuel – are often found. Ignition sources at constructions sites include lighting, machinery and tools, heaters, naked flames and cigarettes

76 and lighters. While fuel sources include garbage, packing materials, volatile substances such as paints and thinners, and structural material such as timber and paneling.

Biological hazards

Workers can be exposed to a number of biological hazards ranging from contaminants, such as untreated or improperly managed sewer; communicable diseases, sunburns and heat related illnesses; plant poisons; and dangerous insects; including those that carry vector-borne diseases.

Sewage

Raw sewage includes excrement, effluent and debris such as sanitary towels, condoms, etc. Excrement is a major source of harmful micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Construction workers may be exposed to raw sewage when clearing the site and connecting sewage pipelines to septic tanks and city mains. Cleaners may also be exposed during the normal course of their work. Exposure may result in a number of illnesses including gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and infection to the skin or eyes.

Communicable diseases

The composition of the labor force on a construction project may constantly change and as such workers come in contact with new workers quite often. As a consequence they may be more exposed to contagious diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis.

Construction workers are also notorious risk takers, many with a propensity to engage in risky sexual activity while in communities away from home. Their and the community’s susceptibility to diseases such as HIV are therefore heightened.

Sunburns and skin cancer

People working in the sun, such as construction workers, are vulnerable to sun damage in the form of sunburns, but also to nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. A major risk factor of both nonmelanoma and melanoma cancer is unprotected or excessive UV exposure.

Heat related illnesses

Workers become more vulnerable to heat-related injuries and illnesses, such as heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and stroke, with increasing summer temperatures. In addition, personal characteristics such as age, weight, fitness, and medical conditions can affect a worker’s ability to deal with excessive heat.

77 Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, may occur in hot and humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. More than often, it occurs in areas where clothing presses or rubs against the skin. In addition to being a nuisance, heat rash interferes with the body’s ability to sweat, further reducing the ability of the body to handle heat.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by heat, dehydration, poor conditioning, and the body’s loss of salt. Heat cramps affect tired muscles especially.

Heat exhaustion often occurs when fluids lost through sweating is not replenished. If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to a heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include paleness, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache and clammy skin.

Heat stroke is caused by the body’s failure to regulate its core temperature. In this case, sweating stops and the body is no longer able to rid itself of excess heat. Unless treated promptly, victims of heat stroke will die. Symptoms include dry, pale skin with no sweating; hot, red skin that looks like a sunburn, irritability and confusion, seizures, headaches, a rapid pulse and unconsciousness.

Poisonous plants

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are three plant species whose sap can get on the skin and cause painful skin irritations and blisters. The poison ivy and poison oak both have two symmetrical side leaves that grow close to the stem, and a third isolated leaf at the tip. Poison sumac however, can have seven or more symmetrical side leaves but can also be identified by the isolated end leaf.

Insects

Insect bites and stings can be painful in and of themselves, however they can also lead to serious illnesses, from bacterial and viral infections. Furthermore, workers with allergies can experience life-threatening allergic reactions when bitten by insects.

Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, while bees sting only once but leave behind a barbed stinger and poison sac that keeps pumping venom. The sting of these insects is quite painful to most people. In some people however, these insects can cause severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. While not of the wasp or bee family, the doctor fly, a species of highly aggressive biting horse-fly, is also known to cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Finally, the Africanized honey bees, also known as the “killer bee,” can pose a serious danger to all construction workers as they are known to be more aggressive than conventional European bees. Additionally, they swarm more readily and frequently, they defend their hive more vehemently, they sting more collectively and they will follow a target up to a quarter mile away, even hovering over water to pursue their victim.

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Ticks are primarily a nuisance to humans however, they can also cause a number of diseases in humans, including yellow fever. Ticks are generally found in the jungle but also in the city in brushy areas and on many animals, including dogs, rats, birds, etc.

Mosquitos can cause diseases such as dengue and malaria and they can also transmit the larva of the Bot fly unto humans. The larva borrows into the skin where it develops into the popularly known beef worm. While the beef worm is not dangerous, it has tiny barbs around its body that can be painful to a person as it turns in it burrow. Biting midges (sandflies/no-see- ums) are also another pest in the tropics whose bite can be an itchy nuisance, however they are also known to spread leishmania which is responsible for the disease leishmaniasis.

Figure 32: Bothersome insect types

Sand fly Beef worm Doctor fly

Source: Google images

79 Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Matrix

Management Plan

Activities/Potential Risks & Impacts

Water

Waste

Energy

Ecological

Working Conditions Working

Disaster Risk Disaster

Air Emissions Air

Cultural Heritage Cultural

Noise & Vibration & Noise

Erosion & Sediment Erosion&

Livelihood Restoration Livelihood

Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder

Spill Prevention & Response & Prevention Spill

Labor & & Labor

Community, Health & Safety & Health Community, Occupational, Health & Safety & Health Occupational,

PRE-CONSTRUCTION General Worker Relations Working conditions X Resettlement of Users of Site Conduct census and develop resettlement and livelihood Removal and resettlement X X restoration plan in consultation with PAPs Affecting residents’ income X X Demolition and Site Clearing Land clearing Health risks from biological contaminants, plant poisons, dangerous insects X Demolition of derelict bus terminal and foundations from Accidents and injuries (struck by objects/moving machinery/increased traffic) X X previous construction activities Noise and vibration X X Removal of rubble and other construction material Reduced air quality – dust and possible contaminants X X X Leveling and grading of site Generation of solid waste X Development of Construction Staging and Storage Areas Installation of utilities (water and electricity) Reduced air quality – dust, odors and possible contaminants X X Erection of storage building and watchman quarters Noise and vibration X X Erection of perimeter guards/buffers Storage, handling and use of hazardous materials, e.g. fuels and lubricants X X Heavy machinery and equipment movements, accidents and injury X X Workers’ accommodations X X X CONSTRUCTION Construction of Building Construction of pile foundation, plinth and superstructure Labor and working conditions X X elements Noise and vibration X Finishing of building Reduced air quality – dust and possible contaminants X X X Installation of building services Accidents and incidents from unsafe workplace structures, working at heights, slips and falls, X Site clean up electrical shock, eye hazards, chemical burns, heavy machinery Installation of landscape features Accidents and incidents from increased traffic X X Risk of fire and explosion X X Risk of natural hazards X X Injuries from poor lighting conditions or insufficient protection during welding X

80

Management Plan

Activities/Potential Risks & Impacts

Water

Waste

Energy

Ecological

Working Conditions Working

Disaster Risk Disaster

Air Emissions Air

Cultural Heritage Cultural

Noise & Vibration & Noise

Erosion & Sediment Erosion&

Livelihood Restoration Livelihood

Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder

Spill Prevention & Response & Prevention Spill

Labor & & Labor

Community, Health & Safety & Health Community, Occupational, Health & Safety & Health Occupational,

Illnesses from unsanitary mess halls, contaminated drinking water supply and lavatory facilities X Risk of communicable diseases, vector-borne diseases, illnesses from dangerous insects and other X animals, illnesses from plant poisons, sunburns and heat related illnesses Risk to water quality of neighboring river and canal X X X X OPERATIONS Use of Building through its lifespan General Structural safety of infrastructure X X Risk of fires X X Risk of natural hazards X Safety of employees Risk from being a social work professional X X Health risks and injuries from communicable diseases and unsuitable ergonomic workspaces X Safety of clients Risk of being subjected to other clients’ dangerous behaviors X Maintenance, repair, replacement and refurbishment of Accidents and incidents from unsafe workplace structures, working at heights, slips and falls, X building electrical shock, eye hazards, chemical burns, heavy machinery Operational energy use Energy conservation X Operational water use Water conservation X Solid waste Solid waste management X

81 Environmental and Social Management

Labor and Working Conditions

The “Labor and working conditions” management plan seeks to promote a safe and healthy work environment and to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect, through the adherence of the many labor laws and conventions that promote their wellbeing.

Working conditions and management of worker relationships

Written Labor Management Procedures will be prepared (and made accessible to all workers) that will outline how contracted workers will be managed. The procedures will include the following:

▪ Terms and conditions of employment, which include:

o clear and understandable information that sets out the rights of workers, including hours of work (not to exceed 12 hours), time of work (daylight), wages, overtime, and compensation and benefits

o payment schedule including all deductions

o arrangements for weekly time off, holidays, and leave (sick, maternity, family, etc.)

o provisions for termination of employment, which will require written notification and details of payments (wages earned, social security benefits and any other entitlements - severance, pension contributions, if applicable) to be made on or before termination

▪ Policy on non-discrimination and equal opportunity, that establish the following:

o Employment based on the principle of equal opportunity and fair treatment within the full scope of employment activity; such as recruitment and hiring, compensation, working conditions and terms of employment, access to training and promotion, disciplinary practices, termination of employment, and retirement.

o Measures to address and prevent harassment, intimidation and exploitation, which includes the following:

 a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and exploitation as is provided for by the Protection Against Sexual Harassment Act, CAP 107, (Rev. Ed. 2011), of the Laws of Belize which make sexual harassment in the workplace and all other institutions illegal.

82 (Note: The Act also provides for an employer to be held responsible if s/he fails to take immediate action against the behavior).

 appropriate measures for the assistance and protection of vulnerable workers including women, people with disabilities, children (ages 14-18) and migrant workers.

▪ Statement of recognition and respect for the legitimacy of worker’s organizations and representatives and a commitment to provide, in a timely manner, information needed for meaningful negotiation.

Workforce protection

Child labor and minimum age

Contracting firms may hire children between the ages of 14 – 18, provided they are not being force, that a rapid risk assessment is done to ensure they are not placed in harm or exposed to hazards, and finally that the child’s schooling is not being interrupted.

Forced labor

There shall be a zero-tolerance policy for forced labor.

Workers accommodation

The following standards for workers’ accommodation must be observed:

▪ Workers accommodations should be located within reasonable distance from the worksite and away from sensitive social areas such as schools, hospitals and churches; as well as sensitive environmental areas such as waterways or protected environments. Transportation from workers’ accommodations to the construction site must be safe and free for all workers.

▪ Work areas and workers’ camps are designated “no hunting zones.” Workers training must address the prohibition of hunting, collection, capture or destruction of wildlife.

▪ Workers’ accommodations should be located to avoid flood risk and other natural hazards.

▪ Workers’ accommodations should be secure and inaccessible to the general public.

▪ Workers’ accommodations must be built with adequate materials and must be kept in good repair.

83 ▪ Workers’ accommodations should clean and free from any pollution. Solid waste and other pollutants, such as wastewater, should be handled according to the environmental management plan.

▪ Workers’ camp must be adequately drained to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water. Pest and vector control, as well as disinfection should be handled according to the environmental management plan.

▪ Workers’ accommodations should be adequately ventilated and provided with adequate natural or artificial lighting. Window areas should be no less than 5% of the building’s total square feet for natural ventilation and 10% for natural light.

▪ Emergency lighting must be provided.

▪ Workers must be supplied with an adequate and convenient supply of free potable water that meet the applicable drinking water standards. Water accommodation standard for Belize City is 33 gallons/person/day.17

▪ Adequate sanitary and washing facilities as well as cooking and storage facilities must be provided.

▪ Workers’ must be provided with sufficient rest as well as accommodations that contain adequate rest and recreational facilities.

▪ Basic healthcare and emergency health response must be provided.

▪ Workers’ accommodations must allow for sufficient privacy.

▪ Workers’ accommodations must be restored to its original state at decommissioning.

Worker code of conduct

A Worker Code of Conduct document shall be developed, which will outline among other things, the construction company’s policy on environmental management; health and safety; equality, diversity and inclusion; and general rules and behavior, on the worksite or while representing the company, that provide for the safety of all employees and the community. Worker rules and behavior must also clearly outline the company’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.

Training will be provided to all employees to apprise them of the above policies and to provide instructions on how to make formal complaints through the Grievance Redress Mechanism.

17 Lands and Surveys Department. (2012). Environmental statistics for Belize. Government of Belize: Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture.

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Grievance redress mechanism

Workers must be informed of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and safeguards against punishment for its use. The complete GRM can be found in the Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement Plan that accompanies this document.

Occupational Health and Safety

Building contractors, during the pre-construction and construction phases, and the MHDSTPA, during operational phase, will identify potential hazards and develop the appropriate responses, with the assistance of the Occupational Health and Safety guide below, to eliminate sources of risk or minimize employee’s exposure to them.

Training must be provided to all employees on all relevant aspects of occupational health and safety associated with their daily work, including emergency arrangements. Each new task employee must also receive OHS training, while visitors must be adequately oriented. Proper signage must be erected to delineate emergency equipment and routes, as well as areas of hazards. Standardized hazard codes must be used and communicated.

Building contractors must document and report occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities to the PEU/Project Steering Committee. Furthermore, a process for reporting, reviewing and correcting near misses and unsafe behavior must be developed as part of a proactive approach to OHS management. Finally, after reporting unsafe conditions, workers must be able to remove themselves from the workplace in the case of imminent and serious danger to life and health.

General facility design and operation18

Aspect Considerations Integrity of workplace • Buildings should be structurally safe and designed to provide structures sufficient ambient lighting, ventilation and noise control. • Fire resistant materials should be used where feasible • Floors and stairs should be level, even and skid-proof • Surfaces should be easy to clean and maintain Severe weather and • Buildings should be designed and constructed to withstand facility shutdown natural hazards such as flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes • Standard Operating Procedures must outline construction and operations emergency shut-down procedures and include an evacuation plan. Drills must be conducted with employees to familiarize everyone with the process.

18 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

85 Workspace and exit • Buildings should be designed and constructed with adequate space for each employee to safely execute his/her responsibilities. Design consideration should be given to the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, sufficient space should be available for the transport and interim storage of materials and products. • Facilities should have a minimum of two exits for each work area. These exits should be clearly marked and visible in total darkness. Passages to emergency exits should be unobstructed at all times. Fire precautions • Apply the three pillars of fire protection o Detection – install systems that provide advance warning of a fire, such as smoke alarms or fire alarm systems, which are both audible and visible o Containment – incorporate structural elements (passive fire protection) created to separate human beings from fire and smoke, including fire doors, fire-resilient insulation, dampers and fire walls and floors, to contain the fire to its location of origin o Suppression – ensure that active fire protection systems such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire hoses are available in the building. These must be easily accessible and simple to use. Lavatories and showers • Lavatory facilities (toilets and washing areas) should be adequate for the number of building occupants. For more than 15 occupants, construct multi-toilet restrooms. • Restroom stalls should be at least 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep, with minimum depth being 48 inches. • All bathrooms must have soap, running water, and a hand dryer or towels. Bathroom compartments must have a door and partitions that provide adequate privacy. • Facilities for showering and changing must also be provided. Potable water supply • An adequate supply of potable drinking water must be provided, and employees must have a sanitary means of collecting the water to drink, e.g. through a fountain with an upward jet, a water dispenser, or water cooler • Water for the purposes of food preparation or personal hygiene must meet drinking water quality standards. Clean eating area • Eating areas must be clean and separate from hazardous or noxious substances Lighting • Facilities should receive natural light, in the first instance, or be supplanted with sufficient artificial light to promote worker’s safety and health, and also to enable safe equipment

86 operation. Minimum window-to-floor area ratio for natural light is 10%. • Emergency lighting must be installed that will activate automatically upon a power failure Safe access • Passageways for pedestrians and vehicles within the property must be segregated and provide for easy, safe and appropriate access. • All equipment and installations requiring servicing, inspection, and/or cleaning should have unobstructed, unrestricted and ready access • Areas prone to slips and falls, such as stairs, fixed ladders, platforms, permanent and interim floor openings, loading bays, ramps, etc., must have hand, knee and foot railings installed • All openings must be sealed by gates or removable chains • Areas susceptible to falling items should have protective covers • Erect signs and design protocols to restrict access to dangerous areas First aid • Building contractors and the MHDSTPA must ensure that qualified first-aid can be provided at all times. Appropriately equipped first-aid stations should be easily accessible throughout the workplace. Air supply19 • Indoor and confined work spaces must be supplied with sufficient fresh air. o Minimum window-to-floor area ratio for ventilation is 5%. o Windows for fresh air should be located at head height, between 3-6 feet from the floor. o Windows must be adjustable and able to close tightly and securely. o Windows must be placed to take maximum advantage of wind direction and include openings on the opposite side to maximize cross-ventilation. The flow of air from entry to exit must not be obstructed o Consideration must be given to outdoor sources of pollution and noise when determining window placement and size. • Air distribution systems should not expose workers to draughts. • Ensure that all mechanical ventilation systems are maintained and in good working order. Point-source exhaust systems

19 Environmental Protection Agency. (nd.). Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, part of indoor air quality design tools for schools. United States Government. Retrieved https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/heating- ventilation-and-air-conditioning-systems-part-indoor-air-quality-design-tools

87 should be properly sealed and connected to short and unkinked insulated ducts that lead to the outside. Additionally, uncontaminated “make-up” air should be provided to replace air exhausts. • HVAC systems should be designed and maintained to prevent growth and spreading of disease agents (e.g. Legionnella pneumophilia) or the breeding of vectors (e.g. mosquitoes and flies) of public health concern. Work environment • The temperature in work, rest room and other welfare facilities temperature should, during service hours, be maintained at a level appropriate for the purpose of the facility.

Physical hazards20

Aspect Considerations Rotating and moving • Machine design is to eliminate trap hazards and to ensure that equipment extremities are kept out of harm’s way under normal operating conditions (for example emergency stops, machine guards, etc. must be installed). • Turn off, disconnect, isolate, and de-energize (Locked Out and Tagged Out) machinery with exposed or guarded moving parts, to prevent injury. • Design and install equipment, where feasible, to enable routine service, such as lubrication, without removal of the guarding devices or mechanisms. Noise • Reduce noise hazards by using quieter equipment • Equipment should be moved as far as possible from workers with the use of extension cords • Erect temporary plywood barriers to block noise, for example around noisy generators • Schedule loud tasks for when there are less people around. However, avoid doing loud tasks when the community is at rest. • Limit the hours that workers are exposed to noisy areas. • No employee shall be exposed to a noise level greater than 85dB(A) for a duration of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection. No unprotected ear shall be exposed to a peak sound pressure level (instantaneous) of more than 140dB(C). • The use of hearing protection must be enforced actively when the equivalent sound level over 8 hours reaches 85dB(A), the

20 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

88 peak sound levels reach 140dB(C), or the average maximum sound level reaches 110dB(A). • Hearing protective devices provided should be capable of reducing sound levels at the ear to at least 85dB(A). Vibration • Exposure to hand-arm vibration from equipment such as hand and power tools, or vibrations from surfaces shall be controlled through choice of equipment (tools of adequate size/power and with low vibration emissions), installation of vibration dampening pads or devices. • Seats, cab and chassis suspensions must be lubricated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Machine operators should be provided with the following information: o The risks to lower back pain associated with WBV o How to control operating factors should as speed or route to reduce vibration o How to adjust seat for good posture o How to adjust mirrors to avoid twisting and stretching o How to identify and report faults Electrical • Mark all energized electrical devices and lines with warning signs. • Lock-out and tag-out devices during service or maintenance. • Check all electrical cords, cable, and hand power tools for frayed or exposed cords and following manufacturer recommendations for maximum permitted operating voltage. • Double insulate/ground all electrical equipment used in wet environments. • Establish “No Approach” zones around or under high voltage power lines. • Vehicles that come into direct contact with, or arching between, high voltage wires may need to be taken out of service for periods of 48 hours. • Identify and mark all buried electrical wiring prior to any excavation work. Eye hazards • Ensure the appropriate use of machine guards or splash shields and/or face and eye protection devices, such as safety glasses with side shields, goggles and/or a full-face shield. • Move areas where the discharge of solid fragments, liquid, or gaseous emissions can reasonably be predicted away from places expected to be occupied or transited by workers or visitors.

89 Welding and other hot • Provide adequate eye protection such as welder goggles work and/or a full-face eye shield for all personnel involved in, or assisting, welding operations. • Special hot work and fire prevention precautions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be developed and implemented if welding or hot cutting is undertaken outside established welding workstations. Industrial vehicle • Train and license industrial vehicle operators in the safe driving and site traffic operation of specialized vehicles. • Ensure drivers undergo medical surveillance. • Ensure moving equipment with restricted rear visibility is outfitted with audible back-up alarms. • Establish right-of-way, site speed limits, vehicle inspection requirements, operating rules and procedures. • Restrict the circulation of delivery and private vehicles to defined routes and areas, giving preference to ‘one-way’ circulation, where appropriate. Working environment • Monitor weather forecasts for outdoor work and provide temperature advance warning of extreme weather and schedule work accordingly (adjust work hours, provide temporary shelters (if required), provide protective clothing and ensure adequate hydration). Ergonomics, repetitive • Ensure appropriate facility and workstation design, consider motion and manual the appropriate use of mechanical assistance to eliminate or handling reduce exertions, select and design tools that reduce force requirements and holding times, provide user adjustable workstations (including left handed persons), incorporate rest and stretch breaks into work processes and conduct job rotation. Working at heights • Install guardrails with mid-rails and toe boards at the edge of any fall hazard area, ensure the proper use of ladders and scaffolds, ensure the use of fall prevention devices, provide appropriate training, develop rescue and/or recovery plans, and equipment to respond to workers after an arrested fall. Illumination • Use energy efficient light sources with minimum heat emission, undertake measures to eliminate glare/reflections and flickering of lights, take precautions to minimize and control optical radiation, control laser hazards.

Chemical hazards21

21 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

90 Aspect Considerations Air quality • Levels of contaminant dusts, vapors and gases in the work environment must be maintained below recommended daily threshold limit values (TLVs). TLVs can be ascertained from organizations such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). • When considering TLVs, the additive effect of multiple contaminants and work shifts beyond 8 hours must be taken into account. • Work practices, such as those below, must be implemented to minimize the release of contaminants into the air: o Pipe liquid and gas materials to its point of use o Minimize the handling of dry powdered materials o Keep operations contained o Use exhaust ventilation at the point of emission/release o Use vacuum transfer of dry material rather instead of pneumatic or mechanical transfer o Materials should be stored in a secure place, indoors and in sealed containers Fire and explosions • Flammable materials must be stored away from ignition sources or oxidizing materials • Storage areas for flammable materials should: o Be located away from the building’s exit or entry points o Be removed from ventilation intakes or exhausts o Have passive ventilation at the floor and ceiling levels, in addition to explosion venting o Contain spark-proof fixtures o Have fire extinguishers o Be constructed with fire retardant material and have fire doors that are self-closing • Fire hazard areas must be well defined, and signs must be installed to prohibit the use of smoking, cell phones and other spark generating devices. • Workers must be trained in the handling of flammable materials as well as procedures to prevent fires and suppress them. Corrosive, oxidizing • Corrosive, oxidizing and reactive chemicals should be and reactive chemicals segregated from flammable materials and from other chemicals of incompatible class (acids vs. bases, oxidizers vs. reducers, water sensitive vs. water based, etc.), stored in ventilated areas and in container with appropriate secondary containment to minimize intermixing during spills

91 • Workers must be trained in handling corrosive, oxidizing and reactive chemicals and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling them. • Ensure that qualified first-aid can be provided at all times and that appropriately equipped first-aid stations, as well as eye- wash stations and/or emergency showers are available near workstations. Asbestos containing • The use of asbestos containing materials should be avoided material (ACM) completely.

Biological hazards

Aspect Considerations Communicable Diseases • Emphasize behavioral changes among workers • Initiate health awareness and education campaigns among workers • Work with local health center and posts to provide access to health services Vector-borne Diseases • Employ an integrated control system for mosquitos, sandflies and other pests Sunburns and heat • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, white or light-colored clothing related illnesses that reflects the sunlight. Fabrics however, must be woven tight enough to protect against sun exposure. Change clothing when saturated. • Wear hardhats with a 360-degree brim to protect the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp, • Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to block out at least 93% of the UV rays. Sunscreens should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours. Sunscreens must be used in situations where it is the only effective means of protection. • Wear sunglasses that block UV rays • Limit direct sun exposure and seek shade whenever possible • Drink small amounts of cool water often (1 cup every 20 minutes). Avoid liquids that cause dehydration, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks. • Use short, frequent work-rest cycles when the weather is hot. Rest periods should be in the shade or a cool place. Schedule heavy work for cooler parts of the day. • Ensure that workspaces have good ventilation as well as adequate cooling. • Be aware that certain medical conditions such as heart conditions and diabetes, or personal characteristics such as

92 age, weight, fitness level, can increase the risk of heat related injuries. • Ensure that first-aid responders can recognize and treat the signs of heat related illnesses. Toxic substances of • Follow the rule, “Leaflets Three, let it Be” to identify poison ivy plant origin and poison oak. These both have two symmetrical side leaves that grow close to the stem, and a third isolated leaf at the tip. Poison sumac however, can have seven or more symmetrical side leaves but can also be identified by the isolated end leaf. • When clearing land of trees or brush, wear trousers tied at the leg, a long-sleeved shirt, and gauntlet-type gloves • Do not touch contaminated clothing or breathe smoke from burning leaves of any of the plants of the sumac (poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac) family, this will have the same effect as directly touching the plant. • Wash hands and face thoroughly with dishwashing liquid after clearing land. Also wash any other body part that has come in contact with any species of the sumac family. • Have a first-aid kit with appropriate medicines nearby. Dangerous insects Stinging insects (stinging insects, ticks • Do not use sweet-smelling perfumes, colognes, soaps, mosquitoes/sandflies, shampoos, hairsprays and deodorants. fire ants) • Do not wear brightly colored clothing or clothes with flowery patterns. • Avoid flowering plants when possible. • Do not eat in areas where there are bees or hornets, because they are naturally attracted to food odors. • Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around. Swatting may cause it to sting. • Do not panic when a hive or nest has been found. Back away slowly, unless being attacked, in which case run away and find immediate shelter indoors or to a shaded area, which is better than an open area. Be aware that bees release a chemical when they sting, which attracts other bees. Do not jump into water, especially in the case of the Africanized honeybee, which is known to hover over water. • Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should inform his/her employers as well as work colleagues. • Observe sting victims for prominent swelling and tenderness in the area of the stings. Look for hives to develop or any problem breathing or swallowing. Seek medical attention for

93 these problems or for stings occurring near the eyes, nose, or throat. • Quickly remove the stinger by scraping with a fingernail or using a straight edge such as a driver’s license or wipe with gauze. Do not squeeze or use tweezers as this runs the risk of squeezing more venom into the wound. Wash the site with soap and water. • Apply ice to reduce the swelling Ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies • Wear trousers tied at the leg and a long-sleeved shirt, as well as insect repellent to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. • Eliminate all sources of standing water, such as covers, tarps, bucket, barrels and wheelbarrows to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Fire ants • Do not disturb ant mounds. • Be careful when lifting items (including animal carcasses) off the ground, as they may be covered in ants. • Fire ants may be found on trees and in water, so always inspect an area before starting to work. • Wear clothing and footwear that cover exposed skin. Trousers should be tied at the leg. • In an attack, briskly brush ants away from skin. Use an antihistamine to relieve minor swelling and irritation. • Seek immediate medical attention if a sting causes severe chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling, or slurred speech. • If necessary, remove nests with an approved pesticide only.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) 22

PPE is considered a last resort that is above and beyond the other facility controls and provides the worker with an extra level of personal protection

▪ PPE should be provided to management, workers and visitors for additional protection to workplace exposure that cannot be eliminated

▪ Protocol must be established to ensure the proper use and maintenance of PPEs.

22 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

94

Table 24: Recommended Personal Protective Equipment according to type of hazard

Objective Workplace Hazards Suggested PPE Eye and face protection Flying particles, molten Safety glasses with side- metal, liquid chemicals, gases shields, protective shades, or vapors, light radiation. etc. Head protection Falling objects, inadequate Plastic helmets with top and height clearance, and side impact protection. overhead power cords. Hearing protection Noise, ultra-sound. Hearing protectors (ear plugs or ear muffs). Foot protection Falling or rolling objects, Safety shoes and boots for pointed objects. Corrosive or protection against moving & hot liquids. falling objects, liquids and chemicals. Hand protection Hazardous materials, cuts or Gloves made of rubber or lacerations, vibrations, synthetic materials extreme temperatures. (Neoprene), leather, steel, insulating materials, etc. Respiratory protection Dust, fogs, fumes, mists, Facemasks with appropriate gases, smokes, vapor. filters for dust removal and air purification (chemicals, mists, vapors and gases). Single or multi-gas personal monitors, if available. Oxygen deficiency. Portable or supplied air (fixed lines). On-site rescue equipment. Body/leg protection Extreme temperatures, Insulating clothing, body hazardous materials, suits, aprons etc. of biological agents, cutting and appropriate material. laceration. Visibility High visibility vests. Source: International Finance Corporation (IFC), 2007

Monitoring23

OHS monitoring programs should verify the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies. Significant hazards should be measurable by indicators that are representative of the hazards and the prevention and control strategies

OHS Monitoring Protocol must include the following:

23 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

95 Aspect Consideration Safety inspection, • Engineering measures, personal protective features, work testing and calibration procedures, workspaces, installations, equipment and tools should be regularly inspected and tested. • Ensure that PPEs continue to provide proper protection and are being worn as required. • Instruments must be calibrated to specification and the respective records maintained. Surveillance of the • Monitoring methodology, locations, frequencies and working environment parameters should be established after potential hazards have been established. • A record of monitoring and performance evaluation must be kept. • Monitoring processes must be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that remain current throughout the projects life- cycle. Surveillance of workers • Appropriate and relevant surveillance of workers’ health health should be provided in cases where extraordinary protective measures are required. Training • Employees and visitors training must be adequately monitored and documented (curriculum, duration, and participants). • Emergency exercises, including fire drills, must be adequately documented. • Service providers and contractors should be contractually required to submit to the employer adequate training documentation before start of their assignment. Procedure and systems • Procedures and systems for the following, must be recorded: for reporting and o Occupational accidents and diseases recording accidents and o Dangerous occurrences and incidents diseases • Workers must be encouraged to report to their immediate supervisor or to management, all situations that present a serious danger to life or health, including: o Occupational injuries and near misses o Suspected cases of occupational disease o Dangerous occurrences and incidents • Investigations of accidents, disease, incidents and near misses should: o Establish what happened o Determine the cause of what happened o Identify measures necessary to prevent a recurrence • Based on results of investigations, safety precautions and procedures should be updated and communicated to all

96 employees. Updated training should be carried out if necessary.

Community Health and Safety24

Aspect Consideration Water quality and • Ensure that rivers and canals are protected from project availability activities such as wastewater effluents, oil and hazardous material, air emissions, solid waste, etc. Structural safety of • Ensure that protective barriers, buffers or other means of project infrastructure separating project works from the public are employed. Consider hazardous material, process failures and nuisance issues when determining type of barrier. • Siting and safety engineering criteria must be incorporated to prevent failures from natural hazards such as flooding, hurricanes/wind, earthquakes and fires. • All structures must meet national building codes and applicable international safety standards. Life and fire safety A L&FS Plan is required that will address and detail the following: (F&FS) • Fire prevention – identification of areas of fire risk such as fuel loading sites and ignition sources • Mean of egress – measures to ensure safe evacuation • Detection and alarm systems – taking into consideration public address systems and emergency response teams. • Compartmentalization – systems to contain the spread of fire • Fire suppression and control • Emergency response plan developed in consultation with local and national emergency response teams. • Operation and maintenance schedule to ensure that all mechanical, electrical and civil structures are in conformance with the L&FS criteria. Traffic safety • Implement best practices for project employees: o Prioritize safe driving o Train drivers in safe driving best practices o Monitor drivers for speeding and other reckless driving practices ▪ Ensure that all vehicles are regularly maintained ▪ Minimize community interaction with construction vehicles ▪ Work during daylight hours only. Disease prevention Communicable Diseases

24 Framework used - World Bank Group. (2007, April). General EHS guidelines: Occupational health and safety. World Bank Group.

97 • Emphasize behavioral changes among workers • Initiate health awareness and education campaigns among workers • Work with local health centers and posts to provide access to health services Vector-borne Diseases • Employ an integrated control system for mosquitos and other pests Emergency An Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan is required, that preparedness and will contain the following sections: response • Administration of Plan (policy, purpose, distribution, definitions, etc.) • Outline of emergency response and control/command centers • Roles and responsibilities • Communication systems, including: o Worker notification and communication systems, such as alarm bells, visual alarms or other forms of communication. These should be routinely tested. Additionally, a back-up system of communication should be established to reach off-site sources, such as the fire department. o Community notification, such as audible alarms, fan out telephone call lists, communicating details of the nature of the emergency, communicating protection options, etc. o Media and agency relations – emergency information with accurate information and appropriate level of detail, should be communicated to the media through a trained professional or written press release • Emergency response procedures • Emergency resources, including: o Finance and emergency funds o Fire services – local fire-fighting capacity should be assessed and if insufficient, the operation should seek to develop or organize additional capacity o Medical services – first-aid kits, equipment and trained attendants should be available to provide treatment prior to transportation to the hospital. o Availability of resources – a extent of external equipment, personnel, facilities, funding, expert knowledge, networking capacity, etc. should be ascertained prior to a begin of the project and managed during an emergency.

98 o Mutual aid – agreements between emergency stakeholders should be established to avoid confusion and increase effectiveness during an emergency o Contact list – a list of contact information must be maintained and updated annually for all internal and external resources and personnel • Training and updating – develop training programs and ensure regular practice exercises to test the plan and also ensure that everyone understands their role and are competent in carrying it out. • Develop checklists for roll call, action required, and equipment needed • Business continuity and contingency o Develop a plan to quickly restore basic functionality to operations after an emergency o Identify replacement supplies or facilities, including alternate sources of water, electricity, fuel, etc. o Maintain back-up of critical information in a secure location to expedite the return to normal operations following an emergency.

Social Work Safety in the Workplace

The following provides a guideline to provide for the safety of social workers in the workplace25:

• Working spaces should allow for social workers to exit easily in potentially violent situations. • Workspaces should have access to alarm systems that can alert others to a safety risk or breach. • Social workers should have access to visually open meeting spaces (“Risk Rooms”) or presence of another staff team member when meeting with a client who may be verbally abusive or aggressive. • Clients should have restricted access to objects that may be used as weapons such as stapler, paper weights, scissors, molded plastic chairs or office décor that can be picked up and thrown, and so forth. • The building should have a secure entry and access such as monitored, restricted access security guard, metal detector screening, bulletproof glass. • Hallways that lead to employees’ workspaces should be well lit. • There should be secure entrances to employees’ workspaces that are separate from public spaces.

25 National Association of Social Workers, 2013

99 Gender Equity in Design

The following gender equitable principles should be considered in the planning and design of the wrap-around service center26:

• The building’s layout should facilitate an active street frontage, with clear sightlines to destinations and transitions points. • Paths and approaches should be inclusive of different modes of transportation, such as bikes, scooters, mobility aids and walking. • A direct and easily accessible link between parking and facility entrance should be provided. • The building and surrounding area must be designed for passive surveillance to increase both perceived and actual safety. The placement of large windows should be considered in this regard. • Landscaping features must not be able to conceal possible threats. • The building design should avoid the creation of potential hiding places in order to avoid opportunities for entrapment. • When placing physical barriers such as steps, stairways, kerbs, exterior surfaces and paving, parking areas, building entrances and exits (including emergency escape routes), internal and external doors, gates, toilets and washing facilities, public facilities (such as counters or service desks), lighting and ventilation, lifts and escalators, floor covering, signs, furniture, and temporary or moveable items (such as equipment and display racks) consideration must be given to people with disabilities and those using baby strollers. • The building’s layout must consider the configuration of functions and users to maximize flexibility and access for different and concurrent uses. • The building’s frontage should be open and inviting with sufficient weather protection at the entry. • There should be sufficient acoustics and soundproofing between rooms to allow for the concurrent use of space. • Sufficient space should be provided to park strollers and mobility aids in a safe and secure place at the building’s entrance. • Child-friendly breakaway spaces should be adjacent to and visible from multipurpose halls/meeting spaces as well as reception area. • Internal building design and wall surfaces should allow for art displays that give character and a welcoming feeling to the building. • Women should be provided with additional toilet facilities above the ratio of that required for men. • All showers should be designed to include a change bench/shelf and coat hooks. Bathroom stalls should also have coat hooks.

26 Adapted from City of Whittlesea, 2017.

100 • A breastfeeding friendly space should be provided that provides a level of privacy but is not secluded from communal spaces. Appropriate furniture should be provided for this purpose as well as access to a sink. • The entry/reception area should create a welcoming area that easily orients users to different parts of the building. Signage and passive wayfinding aspects should be clear with simple language. • Emergency systems for responding to duress must consider restrooms as well as external areas of the facility. • Interior materials and fittings should be commercial grade and durable to withstand heavy use and reduce maintenance costs. However, materials with an “institutional” cold aesthetic should be avoided. • Furniture in waiting areas should consider adult, teenage and child users.

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

Flood risk

The ground floor of the wrap-around center should be built at least 10 feet above the terrain with an additional buffer (freeboard) against the probability of higher floods. The ground level could be used as parking space and storage area for non-critical items. Mechanical and electrical controls should not be located on the ground floor.

Hurricane risk

The following are considerations in building a hurricane resilient structure:

• Storm surge – buildings should be elevated on steel or concrete pilings. • Roofs – wind acting on roof surfaces can create a negative pressure causing the roof to lift off of the structure. Most architects recommend that Hip or Truss Roofs be constructed with steeper pitches. Most important however, is that roofs must be ties to frames properly. • Openings – windows and doors are often weak points in the infrastructure, susceptible to wind pressure and flying debris. Screws and bolts should be used to fasten window and door frames to the building and hurricane shutters should be installed to protect the opening during a hurricane.

Earthquake risk

There a number of earthquake proof building designs such as building flexible foundations, countering forces with damping and installing vibrations shields. However, these are impractical and very expensive to be considered in the design and construction of the wrap- around service center. More practical solutions include the following:

101 • Reinforce the building’s structure o Shear walls and cross braces can be used to transfer movement away to the foundation o Horizontal frames (diaphragms/plinths) distribute forces to the columns and the walls • Use earth-quake resistant materials o Structural steel comes in various shapes and can bend without breaking o Wood is a highly ductile material due to its good weight-to-strength ratio

Solid Waste Management

Waste streams

The following possible sources of waste have been identified for the wrap-around center project:

• Pre-construction waste – rubble, etc. generated as a result of demolishing the remains of old infrastructure on the property. • Construction waste – generated during construction, includes packaging material, broken pallets, unused or broken construction material, etc. • Landscaping and office kitchen wastes – vegetative waste such as grass, leaves, flowers and trimmings and coffee grounds, tea leaves, fruit skin, peel and seeds that are amenable to composting. • General waste – non-hazardous waste such as paper, cardboard, metal, plastic packaging, glass, etc. • Hazardous waste – any waste that has the potential, even in low concentrations, to have adverse effects on public health and the environment o Unwanted, expired or contaminated chemicals including cleaning agents, disinfectants, solvents, paints, landscaping and pest control chemicals. o Office products such as expired printer cartridges and photocopying fluids, old electronic equipment o General items such as batteries and fluorescent lamps

Waste management principles

All waste streams should be managed according to the Hierarchy of Waste Management (HWM) principle (see Figure 33). The hierarchy provides for a structured process of managing waste, providing strategies and options for dealing with each waste stream. The objective is to get the most use benefit out of consumer products before applying the disposal option.

• Prevention – the most preferred option and most cost effective is not to produce waste in the first instance.

102 • Minimization – reducing waste by promoting the efficient use of materials and resources. • Reuse – the process of reusing items in their original form or for a different purpose. Items that cannot be reused on site should be sold or donated to others who can make use of them. • Recycling – the collection of recyclable waste streams for offsite processing and repurposing. Materials should be segregated on site, to retain its recyclable quality. • Energy recovery – converting waste into a source of energy. • Disposal – the last and least preferred option. The waste is taken to a disposal site where it is processed before making its way to a landfill.

Figure 33: Waste management hierarchy

Source: UK Environmental Protection Agency

Management actions

Waste management facilities27

Plastic Recycling Facilities • Bowen and Bowen Limited – recycles soda bottles from beverages produced by the company • Belize Recycling Company – recycles only some bottles • Resource Recovery Recycling Limited • All waste transfer stations

Metal Recycling Facilities • Belize Recycling Company • Belize Metal Recyclers • Orange Walk Metal Recyclers • Trans Metal • Southern Metal Recyclers

27 Somerville, 2015

103 • All waste transfer stations

Paper Recycling Facilities • Belize Recycling Company • Resource Recovery Recycling Limited

Glass Recycling Facilities • Beverage producers often offer a refund for glass bottles from their beverages

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Facilities • Resource Recovery Recycling Limited

Lead-Acid Batteries Recycling Facilities • Resource Recovery Recycling Limited

Ink and Toner Cartridges Recycling Facilities • Cartridge Recycle Company • Copier Engineering Services

Pre-construction waste

Rubble from demolition can be used as land fill for walkway and foundation pavements, if practical. Alternately, rubble should be discarded at the Regional Sanitary Landfill at Mile 24 on the George Price Highway. Wood can be reused or also discarded at the landfill. Metals should be a metal recycling facility.

Construction Waste

• Prevention/Minimization – avoid hazardous materials such as asbestos through green purchasing. Purchase non-toxic material, pre-cut materials and order materials at the desired dimensions. • Reuse – reuse material or consider donating and salvage options to companies or people who could use it. Building reuse includes reusing material from existing buildings and maintaining certain percentages of building structural and non-structural elements such as interior walls, doors, floor coverings and ceilings. Minimise environmental impacts by salvaging, refurbishing and reusing materials within the same building or in another building. Materials may include steel, concrete, beams and posts, door frames, cabinetry and furniture, brick and decorative items. • Recycle – involves collecting, reprocessing and/or recovering certain waste materials to make new materials or products. Rubble can be crushed and reused in construction projects. Waste wood can also be recovered and recycled. • Dispose in an approve manner to avoid hazardous waste contamination, such as hydrogen sulphide release when plasterboard is broken down.

104

Landscaping and kitchen waste

Organic waste from landscaping and the kitchen can be composted and used as mulch around plants. This waste should be collected and held in scavenger proof refuse bins, that allow for frequent rotation until waste has turned to mulch and dirt.

General waste

General waste should be sorted for recyclability and the remaining waste disposed through the city’s waste collection system.

Hazardous waste

All hazardous waste must be taken to a waste facility that is equipped to handle that waste or to the Regional Sanitary Landfill.

Resource Efficiency

Energy conservation

The design of a building plays a major role in the energy consumption of the building, especially in extreme weather climates where occupants seek to regulate thermal comfort through energy driven heating or cooling devices. While a person’s experience of thermal comfort in a building can be dependent on cultural or personal experience, and also acclimation over time, there are physical and mechanical factors to consider when designing and constructing a building that is comfortable. For example, in thinking about keeping a building cool one must consider air movement, air velocity, temperature and humidity. Also, the three elements of heat transfer – conduction, convection and radiation are involved in the flow of heat throughout a building. In principle, to keep a building cool through passive means, ambient air circulation must be maximized and heat transfer must be minimized.

105 Figure 34: Air circulation requirement for ambient temperature

Source: Mahgoub, 2010

Energy efficient considerations in keeping a building cool, includes the following:

1. Mechanical Equipment – use energy efficient air conditioning and renewable energy systems, e.g. evaporative cooler, fans, Photovoltaic (PV) cooling systems, lighting, etc.

2. Passive system – regulate thermal comfort via natural ventilation and the use of stacks. a. Stack ventilation is a passive cooling strategy which relies on two basic principles 1. As air warms up, it becomes less dense and rises. 2. Fresh ambient air replaces the air that has risen. b. Stack ventilation is a natural convection system which creates its own air current where warm air is expelled through a high point (the stack), and cooler outdoor air is brought in at a lower level (windows and doors). Good stack ventilation can allow the air velocity inside the building to reach a speed where it benefits evaporation on human skin. However, for the system to function properly the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperature needs to be at least 1.7 degrees Celsius. The greater the temperature difference, the more effective circulation and cooling will be. Increasing the stack is one way to achieve a greater temperature difference. The higher the stack the greater the vertical stratification of temperatures. Another way to increase the temperature difference between entering and exiting air and

106 hence the air flow is to use solar energy to heat the air around the stacks. Stacks can have windows or be glazed with translucent material.

3. Building design – the building should be designed to cut down on external (solar radiation) and internal (occupants and appliances) heat sources. A building’s roof contributes approximately 33% of heat build-up, while its windows another 40%. Heat build-up can be released into the building envelope or stored within the fabric to later be conducted within the envelope e.g. insulation, construction material, efficient appliances, etc.

a. Considerations in minimizing heat sources: i. Use energy efficient appliances, lights, computer, etc. that use less energy and therefore produce less heat. ii. Resist solar heat gains, through the following: 1. Insulation of external façade and roof – appropriate roof, ceiling and wall insulation can minimize the amount of heat transfer into the building. If using zinc roof use mineral wool or wooden insulation. Ensure that roofs are ventilated as well.

Figure 35: Roofing insulation

Source: Kabe, 2015

2. Windows and wall shading – plant trees that will intercept solar radiation or keep plants within buildings to create cooling microclimates. Install roof overhang and lightweight shading devices and extend the eaves of roofs.

107 Figure 36: External shading features

Source: Kabe, 2015

3. Color of the envelope – paint exterior walls and roof white or a light color. 4. Building orientation – erect buildings so that that longest sides face the north and south and are built with large roof overhangs. 5. Windows - use louvres which can open to 90 degrees minimum, west and east windows should be minimized. 6. Building materials – use lightweight construction material with suitable insulation so that heat is not retained in the fabric or transferred to the building’s interior.

Water conservation

Water conservation measures will begin with the education of staff and clients on the importance of conserving water. Furthermore, a number of water conservation strategies will be employed during the operational phase of the project. These include:

• System optimization o Water-efficient plumbing fixtures such as ultra low-flow toilets and urinals, low- flow and sensored sinks and low-flow showerheads will be installed. o A plan will be devised to incorporate a regular water distribution system audit, leak detection and repair system. • Water conservation measures o Irrigation and landscaping measures will include the use of water-efficient irrigation systems, irrigation control systems, low-flow sprinkler heads and water-efficient scheduling practices. Additionally, the concept of Xeriscape will be employed, where landscape design will incorporate only climate appropriate plants and materials. • Water reuse/recycling systems o Rooftop rainwater collection systems will be implemented to serve landscaping irrigation needs.

108 Consultation Plan

A comprehensive plan for consultation and stakeholder engagement, information disclosure, grievance redress mechanism, and a monitoring and reporting system has been elaborated in the Consultation and Engagement Plan, that accompanies this report.

109 References

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113 Annex

Persons Consulted

Name Organization Elvis Requena, project coordinator MHDSTPA Starla Bradley, director MHDSTPA – Community Rehabilitation Department Lliani Arthurs, director MHDSTPA – Human Services Department Anna Williams, director MHDSTPA – Women and Family Support Department Tiffany Garbutt, supervisor MHDSTPA – Women and Family Support Department Kayle McFadzean, social worker MHDSTPA – Women and Family Support Department Carla Patnett, city planner Belize City Council User 1 User of site Resident 1 Informal dweller Guest 1 Guest of informal dweller Family member 1 Relative of informal dweller Joseph Gardiner, owner Checker Box (community business) Mr. Morgan Resident Oscar Flores, conductor Camal bus company Julio Camal, owner Camal bus company Albert Phillips, owner Phillips bus company

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