Environmental and Social Monitoring Report
Project No. 46122-003 Semestral Report February 2019
Maldives: Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development Project
Sub-projects: Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Grid-tied Solar PV- diesel Hybrid Power Generation Plant in 5 Pilot Islands (POISED 001) Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Generator and Grid Infrastructure in 5 Pilot Islands of Maldives (POISED 002) Design, Supply and Installation of 8MW of Diesel Generator in Male’ Capital City of Maldives (POISED 003) Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Grid-tied Solar PV- diesel Hybrid Power Generation Plant and Generator and Grid Infrastructure in HA Atoll (POISED 004) Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Grid-tied Solar PV- diesel Hybrid Power Generation Plant and Generator and Grid Infrastructure in HDh Atoll (POISED 005) Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Grid-tied Solar PV- diesel Hybrid Power Generation Plant and Generator and Grid Infrastructure in Sh & N Atoll (POISED 006)
Prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Energy for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Republic of Maldives and the Asian Development Bank.
This environmental and social safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
Environmental and Social Safeguard Monitoring Report
Project Number: 46122 (AUGUST 2014) Reporting Period: July – December 2018 Date: February 2019
Sub-projects: Design, Supply, Installation & Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant in 5 Pilot Islands (POISED 001) Design, Supply, Installation & Maintenance of Generator & Grid Infrastructure in 5 Pilot Islands of Maldives (POISED 002) Design, Supply and Installation of 8MW of Diesel Generator in Male’ Capital City of Maldives (POISED 003) Design, Supply, Installation & Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in HA Atoll (POISED 004) Design, Supply, Installation & Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in HDh Atoll (POISED 005) Design, Supply, Installation & Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in Sh & N Atoll (POISED 006)
Prepared by:
Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED) Project, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Green Building, Handhuvaree Hingun, Maafannu, Male', 20392, Republic of Maldives.
Prepared for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Asian Development Bank
This environmental and social safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff.
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations ...... 3 Executive Summary ...... 4 1. Introduction ...... 5 1.1. Scope of the report ...... 5 1.2. Brief Project Description...... 5 1.3. Scope of the project ...... 7 2. Project Status ...... 8 2.1. Implementation Schedule...... 8 2.2. Status of Project Implementation ...... 9 2.3. Project Monitoring ...... 13 3. Environmental safeguards compliance ...... 13 3.1. Compliance to National Regulations ...... 13 3.2. Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement ...... 15 3.3. Compliance to Environmental Management Plan ...... 16 3.4. Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts ...... 22 4. Social safeguards compliance ...... 25 4.1. Compliance with Legal and Policy Requirements ...... 25 4.2. Compliance with Social Safeguard Covenants ...... 26 4.3. Compliance with Resettlement Plan Requirements ...... 27 5. Implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 28 5.1. Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 28 5.2. Status of Implementation of the GRM ...... 28 6. Stakeholder Engagement ...... 28 6.1. Stakeholder Engagement Process ...... 28 6.2. Consultations ...... 29 7. Conclusion ...... 29
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List of Abbreviations
ADB Asian Development Bank CC City Council dB decibel EA Executing Agency EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA Environment Impact Assessment EIB European Investment Bank EMP Environment Management Plan EPP Environment Protection and Preservation GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IC Island Council IEE Initial Environmental Examination ME Ministry of Environment MOF Ministry of Finance NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NGO non-government organisation PIU Project Implementation Units PMU Project Management Unit POISED Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development PTA Parent Teacher Association PV Photovoltaic RE Renewable Energy RF Resettlement Framework RP Resettlement Plan SPS Social Protection Safeguards STELCO State Electric Company WDC Womens development Committee
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Executive Summary
This Environmental and Social Monitoring Report for the period July 2018 to December 2018 provides the implementation status of the 6 subproject phases of the POISED project. The investments under the Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED) project are broadly in the areas of renewable energy-based electricity generation and energy efficiency improvements at the generation and distribution of electricity. Hence, the project constructs and operates hybrid energy systems that include solar power generation units (on ground and roof-top) with a total capacity of 20888 kWp and 40170 kW diesel generations on about 160 islands. As proposed in the project document a phased-out intervention strategy has been undertaken in the implementation of the project. In the first Phase, the pilot phase of the POISED, five Outer Islands were selected as pilot islands namely: B. Goidhoo, Lh. Kurendhoo, Th. Buruni, Ga. Villingili and Hithadhoo of the Addu. In addition, this reporting period include the Phase 2B, 14 islands of HA. Atoll and Phase 3A, 26 islands in Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls.
The PV hybrid systems in all 5 pilot islands are in operation and currently maintenance support work is ongoing if issues arise. The contract for Phase 2B was closed in September 2018 with 10 of the 14 islands commissioned. The remaining 4 was not commissioned due to the unavailability of powerhouses. The remaining work will be carried out by FENAKA when the powerhouses are anticipated to be completed in six months time. On-site physical construction work is ongoing in Shaviyani and Noonu islands.
Performance monitoring has been made continuously in order to align implementation of subproject activities with the objectives of ADB's SPS 2009 and laws and regulations of Maldives and attended accordingly whenever and wherever complaints and issues are raised. Issues with inadequate roofing materials in one island was addressed by replacing roofing sheets. Though no formal complaints were received during the reporting period, an issue of water leakage in N. Velidhoo was identified during inspection and the contractors have been asked to rectify this.
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1. Introduction
1.1. Scope of the report
This report for the period July 2018 to December 2018 provides status of implementation and the processes involved to keep environmental and social safeguards compliance during the implementation of 6 subprojects of POISED, which are:
Design, supply, installation & maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant in 5 pilot islands; B. Goidhoo, Lh. Kurendhoo, Th. Buruni, GA. Villingili and S. Hithadhoo (POISED 001) Design, supply, installation & maintenance of generator & grid infrastructure in 5 pilot islands of Maldives; B. Goidhoo, Lh. Kurendhoo, Th. Buruni, GA. Villingili and S. Hithadhoo (POISED 002) Design, Supply and Installation of 8MW of Diesel Generator in Male’ Capital City of Maldives (POISED 003) Design, supply, installation & maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and generator & grid Infrastructure in HA Atoll (POISED 004) Design, supply, installation & maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and generator & grid Infrastructure in HDh Atoll (POISED 005) Design, supply, installation & maintenance of grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plant and generator & grid Infrastructure in Sh & N Atolls (POISED 006)
1.2. Brief Project Description
The Maldives, located 750 km southwest of Sri Lanka, is an archipelago consisting of 26 atolls, 1192 islands with a total land area of about 300 sq. km. About two thirds of the country’s population live on the outer islands, about 190 islands. The Maldives has about 100 MW of installed diesel generation capacity on the inhabited islands and another 100 MW on the tourism islands. While the Maldives has the unique distinction of being the first country with 100% access to electricity, this achievement has come at a cost. Given the geographic location of islands, each island is electrified with its own diesel-powered mini grid system resulting in expensive and not very reliable supply. The cost of diesel power is unaffordable at 30-70 cents/kWh and requires government subsidies in excess of $50 million annually (POISED Project Administration Manual, Ministry of Environment and Energy, 2014). Electricity sector subsidies are also one of the identified areas for government expenditure
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management. In 2012, Maldives spent over $470 million for oil imports of which fuel imports for electricity generation contributes significantly.1 The 100% diesel dependence of Maldives also makes its carbon emissions per unit of electricity among the highest in the region.
The Maldives has significant renewable energy resources namely solar and in some pockets wind energy. Energy sector studies reveal that energy generation based on renewable energy and fossil fuel hybrids would be significantly lower compared to existing options. The transition to renewable energy-based systems has sound economic rationale. The Government’s effort to increase electricity production from indigenous sources, including solar and wind power, to enhance energy security will reduce the pressure on the balance of payments and improve the fiscal position. The Government has initiated two programs – one for the Male region to replace base load generation with renewable energy and the other on the Outer Islands to replace existing diesel-based generation with renewable energy.
The POISED Project is aligned to ADB’s Strategy 2020 of supporting sustainable energy growth, Energy Policy 2009 and is a part of the Maldives COBP for 2013-2015. Based on the government’s investment plan for the outer islands and the characteristics of the electricity systems, a sector lending approach would support the transition of those islands that meet the investment criteria. The project would transform the existing mini grids on the outer islands through physical investments in renewable energy, energy management and control systems, and energy storage and distribution networks. The private sector would have a role in supporting the renewable energy investments in identified outer islands.
The investments under the project are broadly in the areas of renewable energy-based electricity generation and energy efficiency improvements at the generation and distribution of electricity. The executing agency will be the Ministry of Finance (MOF). A Project Management Unit (PMU) comprising the officials from Ministry of Environment (ME), FENAKA and STELCO has been setup for coordination of activities under the project. The implementing agencies include ME, FENAKA and STELCO. The PMU is strengthened with external experts in the areas of finance, procurement, contract management, renewable energy (RE) and Solar-Diesel hybrid system. Project Implementation Units (PIU) are also established in FENAKA and STELCO to assist in preparing an overall implementation plan, contract packing and annual budgets.
1 The Maldives is considered one of the most oil vulnerable countries with oil imports close to 31% of GDP in 2012. (Maldives Energy Outlook 2013 by Ministry of Environment and Energy) 6
1.3. Scope of the project
The project components and outputs will be: (i) development of RE ready mini grid systems for outer islands, (ii) capacity enhancement of PMU, STELCO and FENAKA to implement RE mini grid projects. Under this RE project, the initial plan was to cover almost 148 islands of FENAKA and 33 islands of STELCO. However, the project is anticipating to cover 160 islands of both FENAKA and STELCO under the available funds of the POISED.
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2. Project Status
2.1. Implementation Schedule
POISED Project Implementation Schedule 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No of JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFM AMJJASOND Islands Pilot Iislands (Phase 1) 8
STELCO 8MW Diesel (Phase 2c) 1
HA (Phase 2b) 14
HDh (Phase 2a) 13
Sh (Phase 3a) 13 N (Phase 3a) 13
AA (Phase 3b) 8 K (phase 3b) 4 Adh (Phase 3b) 10 V (Phase 3b) 5 Lh (Phase 3b) 3
R (Phase 4A) 15 B (Phase 4A) 13
M (Phase 4b) 8 F (Phase 4b) 5 Dh (Phase 4b) 6
Stages of implementation Survey Feasibility & Bid preparation Tendering process Evaluation Implementation Figure 1. The planned implementation schedule for the POISED sub-projects
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2.2. Status of Project Implementation
Table 1 gives brief status of overall implementation of the POISED project as of 31st December 2018. The progress of implementation is also shown in Error! Reference source not found., where the area shaded in black indicates completion status.
Table 1. Status of Overall Implementation of the POISED Project (as of 31st December 2018)
Major components/activities Status
Established (Hired Project Manager for POISED Project (POISED 001-OS), Technical Expert Local (POISED S- 120330), Environment Specialist (POISED S-120769; S- 132820), Social Expert (Gender and Community Development) (POISED S-120329), Technical Consultancy Services Contract PMU (POISED 001-TC), IT & Financing Consultant’s Services (POISED 002-TC), Senior Advisor (JFJCM) (018303)), Solar PV Specialist (JFJCM) (S-134522), Procurement Specialist (JFJCM) (S-134524), Asset Valuation Consultant’s Services (POISED 003-TC), Contract signed on 22nd October 2015. Installation work has been completed and commissioned in the last reporting period Design, Supply, Installation & of July to December 2017. Rectification of reported roof leakage Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- issues in Addu was completed during this reporting period. This diesel hybrid power generation plant was the final rectification for all the remaining and unresolved in 5 Pilot Islands (POISED 001) water leakage issues and other civil works in the island. EMS training and monitoring of sites was continued and project was closed in September 2018. Design, Supply, Installation & Contract signed on 25th October 2015. Installation work has Maintenance of Generator & Grid been completed and commissioned in the last reporting period Infrastructure in 5 Pilot Islands of of July to December 2017. Project was closed in September Maldives (POISED 002) 2018. Design, Supply and Installation of Contract signed on 17th April 2016. Installation work is 8MW of Diesel Generator in Male’ completed and commissioned. No work was carried out on this Capital City of Maldives (POISED during this reporting period. 003) Design, Supply, Installation & - Field survey completed Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- - Feasibility study completed and report formulated on 27th diesel hybrid power generation plant July 2016. and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in - Preparation of tender document HDh Atoll - Tendered published on 11th July 2016 - Pre-bid meeting held on 1st August 2016 - Bid submitted on 26th September 2016. 9 parties submitted bid documents. - Bid evaluation process completed - Contract awarded and signed on 18th May 2017 and 24th May 2017, respectively. - Conducted technical survey for detail drawing - Prepared and submitted detailed design
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- Advance payment is not made yet waiting for EIB to process the required procedures - Work has not been commenced as the EIB loan is not effective. - PMU has been in negotiation with EIB on progressing the loan effectiveness. Design, Supply, Installation & - Feasibility study conducted and report formulated on 1st Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- March 2016. diesel hybrid power generation plant - Preparation of tender document and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in - Tendered published on 30th August 2016 HA Atoll - Pre-bid meeting held on 19th September 2016 - bid submitted on 26th October 2016. - Bid evaluation process completed - Contract awarded and signed on 27th April 2017 and 30th April 2017, respectively. - Conducted technical survey - Prepared and submitted detailed design - Advanced payment made on 18th September 2017 - Detailed designs of systems were completed and approved for all islands. - Project construction work completed with 10 commissioned islands out of 14 while the rest of the islands are partially completed due to unavailability of powerhouse. Contractors will continue to support defect and maintenance. - The completed percentage of the partially completed islands are as follows: Uligamu – 77% , Vashafaru – 91%, Thakandhoo – 79%, Maarandhoo – 78%. - The remaining works will be carried out by FENAKA after the construction of powerhouses Design, Supply, Installation & - Feasibility study conducted and formulated report on 1st Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- March 2016. diesel hybrid power generation plant - Preparation of tender document is in progress and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in - Bid submitted on 3rd April 2017 Sh & N Atolls - Bid evaluation process completed and contract with winning party was signed on 6th December 2017. - Detailed designs of the systems were completed and approved in 26 islands. - Work is in progress in all 26 islands. All materials required for project are supplied to the sites - 30% of the installation works are completed Design, Supply, Installation & - Feasibility study conducted and report formulated Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- - PV hybrid installation is to be done only in Olhuvelifushi in diesel hybrid power generation plant Lh Atoll. The extra 200 KWp of PV and extra equipment and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in from Kurendhoo pilot island is to be transferred to Lh Atoll Olhuvelifushi. This will be continued by FENAKA under PMU supervision. Design, Supply, Installation & - Feasibility study has been completed and approved by Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- EIB diesel hybrid power generation plant - Tendering process has been on hold waiting on EIB loan and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in effectiveness R & B Atolls
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Design, Supply, Installation & - Feasibility study has been completed and approved by Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- EIB diesel hybrid power generation plant - Tendering process has been on hold waiting on EIB loan and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in effectiveness K, AA, ADh, V Atolls and S. Hulhumeedhoo island Design, Supply, Installation & - Technical surveys conducted and initial feasibility report Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- completed in November 2016. diesel hybrid power generation plant - This phase has been removed from POISED as IDB loan and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in component has been withdrawn by MoF. GA and GDh. Atolls Design, Supply, Installation & - Technical survey conducted in Meemu, Faafu & Dhaalu Maintenance of grid-tied solar PV- atolls. diesel hybrid power generation plant - The feasibility report has been completed. and Generator & Grid Infrastructure in - Further work is on hold awaiting EIB loan effectiveness. M, F & Dh Atolls Procurement of design, supply and - Contract was signed on 18th December 2018. installation of EMS and BESS for PV- diesel hybrid system in Addu City
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2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 No of JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFM AMJJASONDJFMAMJJASOND Islands
Pilot Iislands (Phase 1) - PV Component 5
Pilot Iislands (Phase 1) - Grid Component 5
STELCO 8MW Diesel (Phase 2c) 1
HA (Phase 2b) 14
HDh (Phase 2a) 13
Sh & N (Phase 3a) 26
K, AA, Adh, V, Hulhumeedhoo (Phase 3b) 24
R&B (Phase 4A) 25
Addu Battery and EMS 1
M, F, & Dh (Phase 4b) 19
Stages of implementation Survey Tendering process Implementation Commissioning Feasibility & Bid preperation Evaluation Completion On-hold
Figure 2. Progress of POISED sub-projects implementation, 31st December 2018
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2.3. Project Monitoring
Regular monitoring is implemented by the PMU and PIU. Daily routine supervision and monitoring are also conducted by the FENAKA staff from respective branch of the sub-project sites. The main objective of this regular supervision and monitoring is to ensure that the project activities are carried out in line with the ADB’s SPS 2009 and the country’s safeguard system. The project implementation plan is being made to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts of projects on environment and the people living around the sites. Hence, project supervision and monitoring undertakes all required assurance. Viber groups have been made for each atoll separately where the FENAKA staff from respective islands can directly communicate with PMU and FENAKA staff in Male’ to more quickly address and resolve any issues that arise.
3. Environmental safeguards compliance
3.1. Compliance to National Regulations
The project loan agreement requires the Executing Agency to implement the project in compliance with all agreed relevant provisions stipulated in the environmental documentation of the project, for example: Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF), ADB’s Environmental Policy (2002), Environmental Covenants as stipulated in the Loan Agreement, EMMP applicable to the subprojects.
The IEE and EARF prepared for the project had identified the environmental regulatory requirements of the project undertaken as per the country’s laws and regulations, especially the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (4/93), Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation 2011, National Environmental Action Plan III (NEAP III) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The Environmental regulatory requirements of the project with the compliance status are summarized and presented in
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Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of compliance with national environmental regulatory requirements
Relevant government Compliance requirement Compliance status notifications and under the regulations regulations 1 EIA process, the legal - Conducted IEE and IEE approved requirement as stipulated in submitted to the EPA for EPP Act (4/93) Article 5 and approval according to EIA Regulation 2012 2 Managing and disposing of - Use the Environmental The conditions in the approval wastes, oil and gases as Management Plan for this for EIA for powerhouses are stipulated in EPP Act (4/93) project which specifies how followed in the disposal of the wastes, oil and gases wastes and oils. These are generated by the project shall long term storage and re- be disposed exporting. 3 Management, handling and - Ensure safe disposal of Subprojects have not been disposal of hazardous waste chemical, hazardous and handling anything as such so according to regulations and industrial waste far standards as stipulated in EPP Act (4/93) 4 Safe disposal of chemical, - Ensure safe disposal of Subprojects have not been hazardous and industrial chemical, hazardous and handling anything as such so waste industrial waste far 5 Protecting protected areas - Avoid protected areas and Sites had been selected and natural reserves natural reserves carefully considering all the requirements therefore, no project site is located at any protected area or natural reserves. 6 Uprooting, removal, cutting - Avoid/minimise large- scale Some trimming of tree and transportation of palms uprooting, removal, cutting branches were carried out at and trees as in the Regulation and transportation of palms sites. Routine trimming has on Uprooting, Cutting and and trees and include in the been done as needed to Transportation of Palms and EIA minimise shading of PV Trees 2006 and Regulations - Conserve and protect old panels. of Conservation of Old Trees trees which are rare and are Some very minor bushes and and National Biodiversity in extinct at island, atoll and ground covering were cleared 2002 Strategy and Action national level from the site in B. Goidhoo Plan 2002 - Foster community and Lh. Kurendhoo. These participation, ownership and are not owned by any person support for biodiversity and grows abundantly in the conservation area.
No trees were removed or cut during ground mounting in 14
Baarah, Hoarafushi and Utheemu in in Haa Alif Atoll.
A site was cleared in Sh. Narudhoo for ground mounting. A few coconut trees and ground cover were mainly removed. The site is the area identified by the Island Council to build their new powerhouse. Hence, the impacts of clearing are not directly related to this project. 7 Safe disposal of solid waste - Ensure safe disposal of solid Waste disposal has been and encourage recycling and waste and encourage done accordingly as directed reduction of waste generated recycling and reduction of by the councils to allocated as in the Waste Management waste generated areas Policy and Waste Regulations - Develop guidelines on waste 2013 management and disposal and advocate to enforce such guidelines through inter- sectoral collaboration - Encourage waste reduction, reuse, recycling and recover
3.2. Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Grant Agreement
ME is implementing projects under loan agreement no: 46122 (AUGUST 2014). According to the loan agreement, EA has to ensure that subprojects are not located within protected areas, natural reserves and areas of cultural and historical importance should be avoided. The subprojects were designed after detailed field surveys to ensure strict compliance with the above conditions. No sensitive areas of cultural and historical importance are affected by the project activities and no sites located within protected area and natural reserves. The projects are being planned, designed and implemented in compliance to the other conditions of the loan agreement. Environment and its compliance status is summarized and presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Environmental Compliance Requirements as per Grant Agreement
Covenant Environmental compliance requirements Compliance status Sched. 4, The Recipient, FENAKA, and STELCO shall ensure that - Conducted detailed Para. 16 the preparation, design, construction, implementation, technical, social and operation and decommissioning of the Project and all environmental Project facilities comply with (a) all applicable laws and assessment prior to regulations of the Recipient relating to environment, design of the project and health and safety; (b) the Environmental Safeguards; complied with the plans and (c) all measures and requirements set forth in the
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IEE, the EMP, the Environment Assessment Review - Regular monitoring has Framework and any corrective or preventative actions been conducted and set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report. corrective actions taken where needed. Sched. 4, The Recipient shall ensure or cause FENAKA and - Bidding documents Para 21 STELCO to ensure that all bidding documents and contain the necessary contracts for Works contain provisions that require provisions. contractors to: (a) comply with the measures relevant to the contractor set forth in the IEE, and the EMP, and any corrective or preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report; (b) make available a budget for all such environmental measures; (c) provide the Recipient with a written notice of any unanticipated environmental risks or impacts that arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the IEE and the EMP; (d) adequately record the condition of roads, agricultural land and other infrastructure prior to starting to transport materials and construction; and (e) reinstate pathways, other local infrastructure, and agricultural land to at least their pre-Project condition upon the completion of construction. Sched. 4, The Recipient, FENAKA and STELCO shall do the - Regular monitoring and Para 22 following: reporting is conducted (a) submit semiannual Safeguards Monitoring Reports to ADB and disclose relevant information from such reports to affected persons promptly upon submission; (b) if any unanticipated environmental risks and impacts arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the IEE and the EMP, promptly inform ADB of the occurrence of such risks or impacts, with detailed description of the event and proposed corrective action plan; (c) no later than 6 months after the Effective Date, engage qualified and experienced external experts or qualified NGOs under a selection process and terms of reference acceptable to ADB, to verify information produced through the Project monitoring process, and facilitate the carrying out of any verification activities by such external experts; and (d) report any actual or potential breach of compliance with the measures and requirements set forth in the EMP promptly after becoming aware of the breach.
3.3. Compliance to Environmental Management Plan
The project physical activities during this reporting phase includes construction work in Haa Alif, Sh and N islands and some minor rectification work in some of the pilot islands. The project work in Haa Alif was finished by the contractor in September 2018. Civil works
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involving cement works, cable laying for grid upgradation and installation of PV panels, gensets, control panels, Battery System and EMS and testing of the hybrid system was carried out in HA Atoll. Most of the work does not involve much noise or emissions as they require mainly manual labour. Cement mixing, and use of power tools such as drills for the civil works and installation of PV and gensets are the ones that create some noise. These noise measurements are given in Table 4. The noise of these are of short durations and measurements were taken when the equipment was in operation.
The subproject works in Sh and N mainly involve installation of solar PV system on rooftop, laying the foundation for the BESS containers and trenching and cable laying work. Any noise from operations were of short duration and these measurements are given in Table 5. Replacing of the roof sheets was done in Sh. Feevah school to prepare the roof for PV installation. In Sh. Narudhoo site was cleared in preparation for ground mounting. This site is in the ground area of the new powerhouse site. Hence, the impacts of clearing are not directly related to this project. The timing happened that our project is being implemented before this area was cleared for the powerhouse. Most of the vegetation is ground cover and low bushes with a few large trees which are 5 coconut trees and a few pandanus trees. The wood from the larger trees were used by locals.
All works associated with subprojects have been complied with ADB’s social and environmental safeguard policies and Maldives laws and regulations. Table 4. Environmental monitoring of construction work at H.A. islands (July – December 2018) Features Detail Jul Aug Sep Type of work and islands Civil works A09, A10, A12 where work was carried Grid upgrade A01, A05, A06, A06 A16 out A07, A09, A10, A15, A16 PV installation A01, A02, A05, A02, A06, A13 A06, A07, A16 A06, A12, A14, A15, A16 Gensets A01, A05, A09, A05, A15 A10 A11, A16 EMS A14 A01, A06, A07, A08, A01, A05, A10, A11, A15, A11, A16 A16 BESS A10, A12 A05, A10, A15 A10 Noise (db) during civil works 102 (15/7), 100 99, 107,100, 98, 102,100 (Qualitative assessment (4/7), 103 (17/7) 102, 107, 100, 101 during the monthly progress report during During PV 90 (5/7), 93 (27/7), 92 (2/8), 94 (5/8), 90 93 (1/9), 92 (2/9), 86 (8/8) construction) installation 88 (1/7), 92 (27/8), (28/8)
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Features Detail Jul Aug Sep 99 (17/7), 90 (8/7), 94 (4/5), 89 (25/7)
Air Project site during No visible emissions during construction activities. The cement mixer (Qualitative assessment construction work used during civil works and drills during PV installation and genset works during the monthly are the only powered equipment being used. progress report during construction) Physical Works Progress Project Site Most work Most work All work completed except completed completed those on hold due to powerhouse unavailability Occupational Health and Project Site None reported None reported None reported Safety *Refer to Appendix 1 for the list of island codes and Appendix 2 for noise level comparisons
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Table 5. Environmental monitoring of construction work at Sh and N islands (July – December 2018)
Features Detail Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Type of work and BESS container C01, D08, D15 C02, C07, C08, C02, C13 D05, D11 D11 C10, C14 islands where work foundation D03, D09, D12, was carried out D13, D15 PV installation D08, D15 C01,C16, C03, D06, D07 C07, D02 D05, D10, D11, D03,D15 C06, C11, C14, Cable laying C01, C05, D03, C03, C04, C10, D06, D07, D08, C13, D07 D15 Other C05 – roof C08 – site replacing clearance Noise (db) during BESS 100 (9/7), 105 99 (30/8), 107 102 (2/9),100 98 (6/10), 104 101 (2/11) 107 (28/12),103 (Qualitative work (15/7), 98 (19/8),100 (25/8), (10/9) (26/10) (26/12) assessment during (24/7) 98 (10/8), 102 the monthly (3/8), 107 (14/8), 100 (12/8), 101 progress report (6/8) during construction) During PV 88 (10/7), 92 93 (28/8), 95 90 (13/9), 92, 89 93 (6/11),92 92, 89 (8/12), 88 installation (25/7) (1/8), 89 (6/8), 90 (16/11) (2/12), 91 (7/12), (10/8) 92 (16/12), 90 (23/12) Air Project site No visible emissions during construction activities. The cement mixer used during BESS container foundation and drills (Qualitative during during PV installation are the only powered equipment being used. assessment during construction the monthly work progress report during construction) Physical Works Project Site BESS work BESS work All work D05 work cable work in All work Progress completed finished except in completed completed completed except completed C02 in D07 PV work finished BESS, roofing and PV work completed
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Features Detail Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Occupational Health Project Site None reported None reported None reported None reported None reported None reported and Safety *Refer to Appendix 1 for the list of island codes and Appendix 2 for noise level comparisons
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The islands which are currently in operation are the 5 pilot islands and Haa Alif islands. Haa Alif Utheemu was commissioned in July and the other 9 islands were commissioned in September. Table 6. Environmental monitoring of islands with PV hybrid systems in operation (July – December 2018) Environmental Features Kurendhoo Goidhoo Buruni Villingili Addu A01 A05 A06 A07 A08 A10 A11 A14 A15 A16 Occupational Health and None reported Safety (weekly) Noise at power houses 48 52 53 53 60 52 51 60 56 52 60 47 52 55 54 (dB) 4/11 3/11 6/12 22/10 28/11 6/11 7/11 6/11 13/11 8/11 7/11 5/11 16/7 7/11 14/11 At least 1 times in a year Standard <65dB Air quality at power Visible emissions reduced after using PV hybrid systems houses/ qualitative assessment At least 1 times in a year PV panel cleaning Not needed cleaning (Monthly for the 1st year) *Refer to Appendix 1 for the list of island codes and Appendix 2 for noise level comparisons
Table 7. Noise measurements recorded at STELCO power house
Location 1 2 3
(Distance from (80m) (70m) (20m) powerhouse, m)
Noise (dB) 58.5 65.4 68
(standard <70db) *Noise measurements taken on 30th August 2018 at 21:30 hrs
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3.4. Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts
Details of the work carried out during this reporting period are given in Table 1. The construction works are monitored by FENAKA site supervisors in respective islands. In addition, monitoring trips are conducted by PMU. The ongoing construction works, do not involve use of large machineries which cause heavy noise pollution or emissions. The impacts noticed include minor noise disturbances during construction work, temporary inconveniences in accessing roads during trenching and disturbances due to increased vehicle movement for loading and unloading. There have been no reports of complaints from community regarding noise disturbances and emissions during these construction activities. The monitoring visits also verify that there are insignificant environmental impacts from construction work. Details of findings of monitoring visits are provided below in Tables 7 -9. Table 8. Monitoring visits to pilot islands (Jul - Dec 2018)
Dates Islands Visited Findings
19-27 Oct GA Villingili Monitored the operation of the hybrid system in the 4 pilot islands (except Addu). This visit was together for EMS training an EMS and operation and maintenance training for the 5 pilot island staff.
All islands identified issues in generating reports from the EMS. The EMS systems of the 4 islands except Addu were accessed and the issues corrected.
Kurendhoo staff identified that their battery system was not working.
Complaints were received from school on water leakage from the roofs where PVs are installed.
3-4 Nov Goidhoo and Kurendhoo Handover inspection and inventory at the 2 sites was done during this visit. Contractor handed over operations to the PMU.
Kurendhoo battery issue was rectified during this visit.
27-28 Nov Addu The visit was to inspect shifting inverter room at ECC. Identified the scope and costing for shifting the inverter
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room to a new location without interruption to power while replacing the inverter PV control system.
1-22 Dec GA Villingili The purpose of this visit was to verify and address complaints from the school about water leakages from the roof where PV panels were installed. The following were done:
- Water leakages is Villingili School roof were repaired. - 2 projectors and 1 mercury light which was damaged due to water leakage was replace by the project. - A door was placed in the powerhouse.
Table 9. Monitoring visits to Haa Alif sites (Jul - Dec 2018)
Dates Islands Visited Findings Utheemu 15-21 July Commissioning of PV system was done.
8-14 Aug Haa Alif islands inspection Visited all the islands. Major works were completed. Some of the minor technical issues identified during the site visit are as follows:
1. Weather Monitoring System issue at Kela and Dhihdhoo. 2. EMS incomplete in all islands. 3. Genset and Panel installation issue at Molhadhoo 4. Gennerator installation issue at Dhihdhoo 5. Requested to relocate PV inverter at Hoarafushi and Baarah mounting structure Haa Alif commissioning 8-19 PV systems in 10 of the 14 islands were
September commissioned. The remaining 4 islands, Vashafaru (91%), Thakandhoo (79%), Uligamu (77%) and Maarandhoo (78%), are partially completed up to
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percentages indicated due to lack of availability of powerhouses. FENAKA would undertake the remaining completion and commission of these 4 islands.
Measurements of PV systems show that there is an average of 40% fuel saving in Type C islands and 20% in Type B islands.
Issues identified:
Several functionalities of the EMS needed to be improved or were not operative at the time. The EMS will be accepted after the contractor has rectified these issues.
Table 10. Monitoring visits to Sh and N (Jul - Dec 2018)
Dates Islands Visited Findings All islands in Sh 8-15 except Funadhoo No issues were identified in Goidhoo, Feydhoo, Foakaidhoo and Nov Maroshi. Other islands had some issues ranging from improper BESS foundations to several islands where the new powerhouses have not been built (Noomaraa, Bilehmafhi, Lhaimagu, Komandoo).
Some safety issues where the PV earthing plate was not properly clipped were found in Komandoo and Milandhoo.
Other issues involved the need for extension of control rooms in 3 islands and some miscommuncation on sizes of gensets in 2 islands.
In Feevah, roofing sheets in the school were replaced as they were not suitable for PV installation. And in Bilehfahi a route needs to be cleared for laying cables. All islands in Noonu No issues were identified in Kendhikulhudhoo, Maafaru and Miladhoo.
New powerhouses have not been built in Maalhendhoo, Kudafari and Landhoo. The other major issues identified were problems with the
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BESS foundation in Lhohi, Magoodhoo, Holhudhoo, Fodhdhoo and Velidhoo and improper storage of equipment in Maalhendhoo and Lhohi. Some gensets, air-conditioners, battery and inverter got wet from the rain.
Velidhoo has some water leakage issues from the school room and also the cables were found to be too short. Two of the gensets from Landhoo and Manadhoo were damaged during uploading and in addition, one genset for Velidhoo was found in Manadhoo due to an error in transfer.
4. Social safeguards compliance
Utmost attention is given while conducting the performance monitoring as to achieve the objectives of ADB's SPS 2009 with regard to social safeguards and involuntary resettlement. Hence, monitoring is made to observe the subprojects compliance with legal and policy requirements, social safeguard covenants, and resettlement plan requirements.
4.1. Compliance with Legal and Policy Requirements
The Social Safeguard parameters including Resettlement Framework (RF), land acquisition, eligibility and entitlements and compensations are set corresponding ADB’s SPS 2009 and Maldives laws and regulations. The purpose of regular performance monitoring is to assess potential environmental, health, safety and social impacts of the subproject activities and any interventions undertaken under the POISED project. This enables to enforce all elements of Social Safeguard parameters set in the project documents and ensures that they are conducted in compliance with the ADB’s SPS 2009 and Maldives laws and regulations. It was observed that no stakeholders or anyone from any of these subproject islands have formally lodged any complaint relating to any activity or any component implemented under the project being against or breached any law or regulation of the Maldives.
However, some very minor bushes and ground covering were cleared from the site allocated for PV installation in B. Goidhoo and Lh. Kurendhoo (see Error! Reference source not found.). This PV installation was on council land and as such any vegetation on the land belonged to the council. These are mainly species that grow abundantly in coastal areas. According to the councils of both islands and from the site observation, there was no tree or other productive vegetation within the boundaries of the site which required a compensation.
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PV panels were installed on the roof top of government owned or FENAKA owned buildings in all other three islands with the permission of relevant agencies. In Phases 2B (HA) only two islands (Hoarafushi and Baarah) were identified for ground mounting. The ground mounting installation was inside the premises of powerhouses in both Hoarafushi and Baarah. However, during the project construction period small amount of PVs were installed in HA. Utheemu on the street of front gate of its school on a request from council and School PTA. In Phase 3A (Sh & N atolls), four islands were identified for ground mounting (Sh. Noomaraa, N. Manadhoo, N. Holhudhoo and N. Fodhdhoo). The land identified are government or FENAKA owned in all of these islands.
4.2. Compliance with Social Safeguard Covenants
The project activities were carried out as they align with social safeguard covenants and complying with ADB’s Social and Environmental Safeguards policy and the country’s laws and regulations. Meaningful consultations, pre and during project implementation, were conducted with subproject communities including women and Women Development Committees (WDCs), NGOs and individuals or youth from women and Women Development Committees and NGOs as appropriate. They were provided with opportunities to participate in information dissemination sessions. Particular attention was given to the needs of vulnerable groups and they will be provided with just and lawful compensation if they are affected from any of the project activities. Required information and documents are disclosed and additional consultations are conducted when needed. Table 10. Social Compliance Requirements as per Grant Agreement
Covenant Social compliance requirements Compliance status Sched. 4, The Recipient, shall ensure or cause STELCO and Have been complied Para. 17 FENAKA to ensure that all land and all rights-of-way required for the Project, each Subproject and all Project facilities are made available to the Works contractor in accordance with the schedule agreed under the related Works contract and all land acquisition and resettlement activities are implemented in compliance with (a) all applicable laws and regulations of the Recipient relating to land acquisition and involuntary resettlement; (b) the Involuntary Resettlement Safeguards; (c) the RF; and (d) all measures and requirements set forth in the respective RP, and any corrective or preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report. Sched. Without limiting the application of the Involuntary Have been complied 4, Para Resettlement Safeguards, the RF or the RP, the 18 Recipient shall ensure or cause STELCO and FENAKA
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to ensure that no physical or economic displacement takes place in connection with the Subprojects until: (a) compensation and other entitlements have been provided to affected people in accordance with the RP; and (b) a comprehensive income and livelihood restoration program has been established in accordance with the RP. Sched. The Recipient shall ensure that the Project does not N/A 4, Para have any indigenous people impact, within the meaning 19 of ADB’s SPS. In the event that the Project does have any such impact, the Recipient shall take all steps required to ensure that the Project complies with the applicable laws and regulations of the Recipient and with ADB’s SPS.; and (iii) the developed EMP with adequate budget is implemented for each subproject Sched. (a) submit semi-annual Safeguards Monitoring Reports Have been complied (all 4, Para to ADB and disclose relevant information from such past monitoring reports 22 reports to affected persons promptly upon submission; have been submitted to ADB)
4.3. Compliance with Resettlement Plan Requirements
State owned land and buildings are utilised for solar panel installation, hence, not required voluntary or involuntary resettlement process to be undertaken in any of the subproject sites. All Island Councils (ICs) and City Councils (CCs) and government agencies agreed to provide necessary land and building structures for the project. Pre-approvals were sought and obtained for utilisation of roofs and the land allocation was made in early consultation process. Therefore, no land acquisition dispute aroused in any of these five islands other than in Kurendhoo. It was not a dispute in Kurendhoo per se but it was a development priority issue as in their Island Development Plan due to the long time elapsed for the implementation of the project and materialisation of the project outcome. The allocated site has been occupied for other ongoing development project, therefore, a new land was allocated by the council. There are no indigenous people or communities identified in Maldives. However, the Resettlement Framework (RF) prepared for the project will guide the preparation of other phases of the project.
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5. Implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism
5.1. Grievance Redress Mechanism
As per the project document, a grievance redresses mechanism was established and all complaints and concerns raised by different stakeholders and members from communities of all five islands were attended in a timely manner. There were no concerns raised relating to resettlement and other social issues, however, during this reporting period complaints were only lodged regarding water leakages from roofs of two Addu schools where PV installations were made. This was the final rectification for all the remaining and unresolved water leakage issues and other civil works. Based on the experiences of the pilot phase, structural designs of the PV mounting are being changed in the upcoming phases. The new contractors have been advised to change the method for roof mounting.
5.2. Status of Implementation of the GRM
No complaints and concerns were raised during the implementation of the sub-projects in the reporting period. However, an issue of water leakage in N. Velidhoo was identified during inspection and the contractors have been asked to rectify this.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
6.1. Stakeholder Engagement Process
All key stakeholders are engaged during the feasibility studies that were carried out in all 5 islands and other phases. In order to engage and increase stakeholder participation, the following key activities were conducted in all sites of the subprojects:
Introduction of the POISED project to FENAKA branches, island councils, women and the community, students, teachers and parents; Awareness sessions for women, students and parents on economising the electricity and energy efficiency, and importance of renewable energy and career guidance for the students; Social Impact Assessment Survey: The household survey was carried out by a trained team from the respective island, including staff from FENAKA, Council, and staff from other government agencies covering two focus group discussions, including women and disadvantaged households.
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The consultation process has been maintained as an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders such as councils, women, line ministries and agencies, FENAKA and STELCO. Key stakeholders dialogue has been maintained through regular technical and steering committee meetings. However, the PMU, PIU and contractor should conduct issue based meetings when needed.
6.2. Consultations
The Table 4 gives consultations and meetings are conducted during the reporting period. No further consultations were held during the reporting period. It is planned to visit Sh and N where current work is ongoing for consultation.
Table 11. Stakeholder consultations held during July-December 2018 Consultations/ Date Attendees Outcomes meetings conducted 1 Meeting held with 10 PMU team, FENAKA Contractor agreed to N. Veldihoo school November branch team, School resolve the leakage regarding water 2018 management, and issue as soon as leakage in Contractor possible Velidhoo school hall
2 Meeting held with 13 PMU team, FENAKA PMU approved to Sh. Feevaku November branch team, School replace the old roof of school regarding 2018 management, and two classrooms condition of roofs Contractor in school
7. Conclusion
The monitoring report confirms that the PV hbyrid installation subprojects in 5 Pilot Islands, Haa Alif Atoll and Shaviyani and Noonu atolls, have so far caused no negative environmental and social impacts. Implementation of activities are undertaken considering all the ADB’s Environmental and Social Safeguard policies and in line with Maldives laws and regulations and attended accordingly whenever and wherever complaints and issues are raised. Hence, attention is given to the possible extent towards the implementation of socio-environmental safeguards and all subprojects’ activities are implemented in compliance with laws and regulations of the country and social covenants of Loan Agreement.
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Appendix 1: List of island codes
Table 12. POISED islands of Haa Alif, Shaviyani and Noonu with Island codes
Islands Haa Alif Islands Shaviyani Islands Noonu
A01 - Thuraakunu C01 - Kanditheemu D02-Henbadhoo
A02 - Uligam C02-Noomaraa D03-Kendhikulhudhoo
A05 - Molhadhoo C03-Goidhoo D05-Maalhendhoo
A06 - Hoarafushi C04-Feydhoo D06-Kudafari
A07 - Ihavandhoo C05-Feevah D07-Landhoo
A08 - Kelaa C06-Bilehfahi D08-Maafaru
A09 - Vashafaru C07-Foakaidhoo D09-Lhohi
A10 - Dhidhoo C08-Narudhoo D10-Miladhoo
A11 - Filladhoo C10-Maroshi D11-Magoodhoo
A12 - Maarandhoo C11-Lhaimagu D12-Manadhoo
A13 - Thakandhoo C13-Komandoo D13-Holhudhoo
A14 - Utheemu C14-Maaungoodhoo D14-Fodhudhoo
A15 - Muraidhoo C16-Milandhoo D 15-Velidhoo
A16 - Baarah
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Appendix 2: Noise level comparisons for Sound Meter
Table 13. Noise level comparisons from the Sound Meter
Noise level (db) Comparison
20 Leaves rustling
30 Whisper
40 Quiet library
50 Moderate rainfall
60 Normal conversations
70 Traffic, vacuums
80 Alarm clocks
90 Power tools
100 Snowmobiles
110 Concerts, car horns
120 Jet planes taking off
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