28 June 2001 -1-
REPORT OF THE
EXTERNAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING GROUP (ECMG)
SECOND SITE VISIT MAY-JUNE 2001
Chad Export Project
Cameroon Petroleum Environment Capacity Enhancement Project
Chad Petroleum Sector Management Capacity Building Project 28 June 2001 -2-
Prepared by
D'Appolonia S.p.A. ECMG team members:
Roberto Carpaneto - Project Manager, Pipeline Engineering, HSE specialist Paolo Lombardo - Project Coordinator, Environmental Engineering specialist Frédéric Giovannetti - Socio-Economic specialist Jean Le Bloas - Environmental specialist William Johnson - Earth Science specialist Jorge Ossanai – Public Health specialist
SUBJECT: SECOND VISIT OF THE D’APPOLONIA ECMG TEAM TO CHAD AND CAMEROON, MAY 29 THROUGH JUNE 10, 2001
SCOPE
1. Under contract by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), D’Appolonia S.p.A. (D’Appolonia) of Genoa, Italy, as the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) External Compliance Monitoring Consultant for the Chad/Cameroon Oil Development and Transportation Project (referred to as the External Compliance Monitoring Group – ECMG), is responsible for providing an independent assessment of the compliance of the development Consortium [Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Petronas Carigali (Chad EP) Inc., and Chevron Petroleum Chad Company Ltd.], the Tchad Oil Transportation Company S.A. (TOTCO) and the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company S.A. (COTCO) with obligations under the EMP and the relevant Environmental Commitments in the Finance Documents and the World Bank Project documents.
2. D’Appolonia is also responsible for monitoring performance on two World Bank Technical Assistance/Capacity Building (WBTA) projects. This monitoring is being conducted under a parallel contract between the World Bank and D’Appolonia. Under this contract D’Appolonia will monitor:
§ Chad: Petroleum Sector Management Capacity-Building Project; § Cameroon: Petroleum Environment Capacity Enhancement Project (CAPECE project).
3. This report summarizes observations related to both contracts.
4. The Lender Group and the World Bank will use the information provided by D’Appolonia, as well as other available relevant information, to determine, subject to provision of the Finance Documents and the World Bank Project Documents, whether it 28 June 2001 -3-
finds the Consortium, TOTCO and COTCO are in compliance with the EMP and the relevant the Environmental Commitments. The World Bank, subject to provisions of the World Bank Project Documents, will similarly determine if the capacity building programs are being implemented in a timely manner and, in particular, if the specific EMP obligations of the respective Governments are being met. D’Appolonia’s engagement as the ECMG does not affect the continuation of the current practices of the World Bank Group and the Lender Group for consultation with NGOs, both local and international, universities, governmental agencies and other resources.
5. The Chad/Cameroon Oil Development and Transportation Project (referred to as the Chad Export Project) is still conducting infrastructure development prior to the placement of pipeline. Both of the capacity-building projects are in their initial stages of implementation. Because of the nature of this activity, this second visit has focused on those aspects of infrastructure development identified from the initial visit in February – March 2001 as having the greatest potential environmental and human impact, as well as the status of the capacity-building projects and the ecological offsets in Cameroon. Specific activities conducted during this second trip have included:
§ Visit Project and Oilfield Development work sites and associated infrastructure upgrades in Chad and Cameroon; § Visit representative ecological areas and representative impacted communities; § Meet with representative NGOs in both Chad and Cameroon; § Meet with representatives of the Chad and Cameroon governments who have responsibility for the capacity-building projects; § Meet with parties responsible for EMP compliance monitoring and review relevant monitoring records; § Conclude a closeout meeting with representatives of the development Consortium, TOTCO, COTCO and Lender Group, the World Bank and Chad government representatives focusing on key findings, correction of any factual inaccuracies and discussing possible corrective actions.
6. The closeout meeting was conducted on June 9 and the information presented in that meeting has formed the basis for this report as related to the Chad Export Project. The information and opinions presented in this report are those of D’Appolonia and are independent of those of the development Consortium, the Lender Group and the World Bank Group. 28 June 2001 -4-
Highlights
· The ECMG team did not identify any critical non-compliance situations such that damage was observed to a specifically protected sensitive resource or there was a reasonable expectation of impending damage. However, several Level 1 and 2 non-compliance situations have been identified by the Project EMP monitors. All of them were or are being addressed by the Project and/or EPC Contractors.
· Significant progress has been done on several of the issues that had been mentioned during the 1st ECMG mission. (See Table 1 at the end of text)
· In spite of TOTCO/COTCO’s and the contractors’ efforts to hire locally, a significant proportion of the workforce is non-local nationals. As a result, in-migration into the work area is taking place and is likely to increase in the next few months. The potential environmental and social impacts of these new communities, comprised mainly of Project workers and their families, need to be addressed more pro-actively, especially in Komé.
· No significant progress has been made to address the concerns about the possible erosion at M’bere Bridge. A detailed erosion study is still needed so that the design can either be validated as is, or changed.
· EMP monitors need to maintain a high level of vigilance for compliance with lower-level requirements such as PPE usage, road speed, road controls, etc.
· Both Capacity-Building projects, in Chad and Cameroon, have started.
· The ECMG noted that both Governments are interested in participating more actively in ECMG’s missions, and specifically in the close-out meetings.
· Management of communications and relevant records should be improved between the Project and the civil society to avoid complaints and misunderstandings.
· The Foundation is still not operational and this may have significant adverse impact to the IPP and the two Offsets in Cameroon. 28 June 2001 -5-
DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY
7. Between May 29 and June 10, 2001, the D’Appolonia ECMG team conducted the second site visit and audit of the Chad Export Project in Chad and Cameroon and the assessment of capacity building programs in Chad and Cameroon. Specific activities were (see location map):
§ May 29 — ECMG group arrives in Douala. § May 30 — safety briefing, review of logistics, and project overview with COTCO in Douala, Cameroon; fly to Yaoundé where the group splits: one to visit construction operations at the Ngoumou storage yard and the other to interview COTCO medical staff; § May 31 — entire group reunites and attends meeting with Cameroonian government officials on capacity building issues (CAPECE, WBTA project) at the offices of the Cameroonian Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH); the group then splits in three, with one part attending a meeting of NGOs at the World Bank resident mission in Yaoundé, another flying to Dompla Camp in Cameroon to review public health issues at and around the Dompla Camp and the remaining team members flying to Bélel Camp in Cameroon to review the progress of infrastructure development and socioeconomic issues south of the Camp, as well as to attend presentations on road safety and borrow pit management; § June 1 — the portion of group remaining in Yaoundé attends a meeting at the World Bank resident mission with the members of the provisional Foundation (FEDEC) board and then travels to Kribi; the Dompla team reviews the contractor health 28 June 2001 -6-
program and visits a typical local health facility; the remaining team members drive from Bélel Camp to Dompla Camp, join with the Dompla team and continue driving to the Mbéré River to review infrastructure development activities and socioeconomic issues. § June 2 — the portion of the team in Kribi visits the Campo Ma’an Unité Technique Operationelle (UTO) with representatives from the World Bank, MINEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests), a military delegation, COTCO and TROPENBOS; the portion of the team at Dompla Camp attends a presentation on the status of EMP monitoring by COTCO and infrastructure contractor Sogea-Satom and the ECMG team leader presents preliminary findings; after tour of Dompla Camp, the group departs by plane to Yaoundé; § June 3 — the portion of the team in Kribi attends a meeting with the participants of the previous day’s visit to the Campo Ma’an UTO at the Campo Ma’an Project office in Kribi; the remainder of the team drives to the Lolodorf storage yard and separates to visit local medical facilities and the infrastructure development around Lolodorf; this team then reunites to visit the sous-Prefect of Lolodorf and again separates with one portion visiting the Bipindi and Kribi storage yards and the other to interview Bakola Pygmies at several locations; the entire ECMG team reunites in Kribi; § June 4 — the entire team drives to COTCO’s offices in Douala, with a portion stopping at the Campo Ma’an Project office in Kribi for a meeting with TROPENBOS; at COTCO, the entire team attends meetings with contractors SDV- Doba Logistics, Willbros-Spie Capag (pipeline construction) and Tchad Cameroon Contractors (TCC), formerly Sub Sahara Services Inc (SSI); portion of team visits P2 storage yard; § June 5 — hold meeting with TOTCO construction manager visiting Douala from Chad; according to World Bank instructions the group delays departure to Chad until next day; § June 6 — one part of the group flies to N’Djaména, Chad for meetings with government and World Bank officials and holds an initial meeting with World Bank representatives at the World Bank resident mission; the remainder of the group flies to Komé Camp in Chad and then splits into public health/medical, socioeconomic and infrastructure review groups and tours the Camp and surroundings; § June 7 — the N’Djaména team holds meetings with government officials at the World Bank resident mission and at the Ministry of Water and the Environment; after a presentation by TOTCO regarding EMP activities, the remainder of the team tours the Komé Camp and drives to the Bam Camp with a stop at the Kagopal temporary Camp to review infrastructure development activities and health and socioeconomic issues; at Bam Camp the team receives a briefing by contractor David Terrassement (DT) and TOTCO personnel. § June 8 — the N’Djaména team attends meetings with various NGO groups at the World Bank resident mission; the remainder of the team drives from Bam to Mbéré at the Chad/Cameroon border to visit the Mbéré Camp and future pipe storage yard; review activities at Mbéré River (new bridge); review local road construction activities; review socioeconomic issues at various villages along the route and drive to Baibokoum airfield and fly to N’Djaména. § June 9 — reunite entire ECMG team in N’Djaména and attend wrap-up and review meeting with TOTCO/EEPCI EMP and management personnel and World Bank Group representative; a second meeting is conducted with Chad government representatives, IFC and World Bank representative. 28 June 2001 -7-
§ June 10 — fly from N’Djaména to Douala and informally review project findings with COTCO personnel; depart Cameroon in evening.
FOOTPRINTS
8. Field activities with potential direct environmental impact at the time of this visit were confined primarily to infrastructure development prior to the placement of pipeline. The following footprints as represented by infrastructure completed since the last visit or currently under construction were identified during the mission:
Cameroon § The Dompla airstrip is completed and the Belabo airfield upgrade is complete. § The construction of the P2 storage yard in Douala is now complete with the installation of fencing, completed during this trip. § The construction of the Kribi pipeline storage yard is complete and contains the prescribed amount of pipe.
Pipeline Storage Yard in Kribi
§ The Belabo pipeline storage yard has begun to accept pipe transported by rail. § Lolodorf, N’Gaoundal and Ngoumou storage yards are completed. § Construction of storage yards at Meidougou and Dompla has been initiated. § TCC has started a temporary camp adjacent to the permanent Dompla Camp and has initiated construction activities for a permanent construction camp for Pump Station 2. Meanwhile the spontaneous settlement next to the Dompla Camp has grown to a population of about 2,000 (visual estimate). § Road construction/upgrade operations are underway as follows: Segment 1 –Mbéré bridge to Dompla (74.5 km) - road preparation about 16%; earthworks not started; four bridges started; one box culvert started; five pipe culverts installed; six borrow pits for laterite developed or planned; gravel pit with 28 June 2001 -8-
an area dedicated to storage and sorting of the aggregate has been constructed; Mbéré truck park started; Segment 2 – Dompla to Kayta Bridge (67.3 km) – road preparation about 60 % complete; earthworks about 50 % complete, subgrade placed over about 44%; laterite capping placed on about 38%; three box culverts under construction; four pipe culverts constructed; eight borrow pits for laterite developed or planned; eight borrow pits for fill developed or planned; Segment 3 – Kayta Bridge to Bélel (49.6 km) - road preparation about 37 % complete; earthworks about 20 % complete, subgrade placed over about 13%; laterite capping placed on about 13%; five bridges under construction; three box culverts under construction; 24 borrow pits for laterite developed or planned; Segment 4 – Bélel to Babongo (58.9 km) - road preparation about 58 % complete; earthworks about 50 % complete; subgrade placed over about 46%; laterite capping placed on about 46%; two box culverts complete; two bridges under construction; 18 borrow pits for laterite developed or planned.
Culvert Construction Along Upgraded Road
Chad § The permanent camps at Bam and Mbéré are nearly complete and the clearing for a permanent camp at Kagopal have been started. § The Komé base camp has continued to be upgraded and expanded. The spontaneous settlement (Quartier Satan) near Komé base camp has expanded since ECMG trip in February. § Site preparation activities have continued at the location of the Komé Operations Center and now include clearing and grubbing at several well pads, as well as preparation for access roads. Some of the early site preparation activities at the Komé Operations Center and, in particular at the location of the new airfield, have not progressed and the land is starting to re-vegetate. § Five borrow pits have operated in the Komé area; one has been closed and is being reclaimed with excess fill taken from earthmoving within the Komé Operations Center. 28 June 2001 -9-
§ Mbéré River bridge construction has been initiated at pier P3 and abutment C4 and a cofferdam constructed to prevent flooding where the foundations for the piers are being excavated. Concrete has not been poured at the bridge. The earthwork for the truck park has been completed and a drainage system constructed. The temporary bridge design has been selected, but construction not started yet. § Except for the major road upgrades completed near the proposed Mbéré bridge at the time of our February 2001 visit, little roadwork has been conducted, except for some minor road maintenance. § A gravel pit with an area dedicated to storage and sorting of the aggregate has been constructed near Baibokoum. 28 June 2001 -10-
EMP OBSERVATIONS
Socioeconomic Issues
9. Individual Compensation
Project Strategy: Detailed procedures have been developed in both Chad and Cameroon to identify stakeholders and provide them an appropriate compensation for their losses associated with the Project. The Project has also developed grievance management processes consistent with applicable legal procedures.
Observations: The following observations and recommendations apply to Cameroon only. In Chad, the individual compensation exercise is ongoing in the Oil Field Development Area (OFDA), as the precise location of required land is not fully defined yet, and is in the course of being completed for the road construction.
In Cameroon, the payment of the cash compensation and the delivery of the in-kind compensation were completed in May 2001. Out of 4,000 compensation files, less than 100 cases are pending where compensation could not be paid because of various legal problems (successions, mortgages, absentees, etc.). There are also various misunderstandings that should easily be managed.
Random checks in villages show that people are happy with both cash and in-kind compensation. We have seen examples of new buildings and cultivations made possible by compensation payments. Baseline socioeconomic studies continue. Future studies are planned to be put in place to attempt to gauge the impact and use of the compensation.
One family in Bipindi has not been compensated because of a mortgage dispute. As they are eligible for compensation, even if the Government retains its compensation to offset the mortgage, COTCO should consider paying at least the other part of the compensation.
Recommendations: 9.1 Expedite the treatment of the pending cases. 9.2 Complete the development of the social closure process (see point 15 below)
10. Community Compensation (Chad)/Regional Compensation (Cameroon)
Project Strategy: This element of the compensation package is mainly intended to offset community losses such as natural resources and various inconveniences.
Observations: The initial principles of community/regional compensation were derived from the individual in-kind compensation approach: each eligible village would choose one community benefit from within a catalogue (school, community health center, water well, etc.). This approach is now in the process of being amended. COTCO appears willing to replace the “catalogue” approach by a village-by-village adaptation of the package, and consult with development organizations so that productive investments can be taken into consideration in a more developmental approach. TOTCO has developed 28 June 2001 -11-
Terms of Reference for specialized development organizations, including many Chadian NGOs, to take care of the community compensation. The approaches being taken in both Chad and Cameroon appear to be a substantial improvement over what was planned at the time of our first visit.
Recommendations: To optimize COTCO’s and TOTCO’s efforts, the following is also recommended:
10.1 Identify in the communities/regions of interest existing governmental and non- governmental development actions and organizations in the fields of education, health, water, and rural infrastructure and determine if it is practical to cooperate with these organizations. This could be done through the CPSP (Cameroon) and CTNSC (Chad). 10.2 In the event where cooperation appears feasible, check what could be the financial channel between COTCO/TOTCO and the development organizations and what control COTCO/TOTCO could have over the use of funds. 10.3 Based on these consultations, identify additional actions that could be included within the program of the regional/community compensation and the responsible parties for these actions and associated budgets. This could include actions conducted in association with several neighboring villages. 10.4 Present the proposed actions to villagers during dedicated village meetings, and collect their alternative suggestions, if any. Finalize the program taking into account the realistic and sustainable proposals from the villages.
11. Resettlement Habitat and Construction Strategy
Project Strategy: Following consultations with resettlers, host villages and local NGOs, the Project strategy is to construct resettlement housing that is slightly improved over traditional construction, but avoiding disparities between resettlers and host villagers.
Observations: In Chad, the cracks that had been noticed in some resettlement houses during the first ECMG visit have been repaired. In Cameroon, for the eight houses identified as needing relocation, construction incorporates the following strategy:
§ The design of the buildings incorporates quality improvement to a reasonable extent (concrete pillars, tin roof), whatever the quality of the demolished building. § Reconstruction is taken as an opportunity for training for local masons and villagers. § Local NGOs are involved.
Recommendation: 11.1 It is recommended that a similar strategy be followed in Chad for Phase II resettlement. 28 June 2001 -12-
12. Migration to the Project Area
Project Strategy: The EMP contains provisions in Volume 1 (both countries) under “Socioeconomic topic #1”. For Chad, Appendix H to Volume 4 (Regional Development Plan) assesses the potential impact of migration to the project area and proposes mitigation measures. According to the EMP1, mitigation of any problems associated with direct Project employment is the responsibility of the Project sponsors and the specific measures are defined in the EMP. Mitigating the impact of the spontaneous relocation of itinerants to the Project area in response to the perceived opportunity of finding employment is the responsibility of the Government.
The Project strategy to minimize in-migration of workers includes the following:
§ Unskilled workers are hired locally, in the very villages where works take place; § Non-local workers are never hired at the gate; they have to apply through the national employment agencies.
Observations:
Bemboyo, Cameroon2
The population of Bemboyo, about two kilometers from the Sogea-Satom base camp of Dompla, is estimated to be 3,000 persons. In February, when the total population was much less, 55% of the population was found to be workers and their direct dependents. One worker living in Bemboyo has about 2 to 3 dependents.
At present, Sogea-Satom employs about 600 persons in Dompla with about 80 housed in the base camp, leaving another 520 persons having to find local housing. Assuming a number of dependents similar to that previously found, at least 50% of the Bemboyo population is represented by workers and their dependents.
The chieftaincy of the village is vacant. Following the population increase, the “Lamido” (Sultan) of Rey Bouba has sent in a special representative (called a Dogari) to administer the village. Among other responsibilities, this Dogari takes care of the distribution of land, for both cultivation and housing. The agricultural land situation may have some potential for future conflict, as land use pressures will increase as workers’ dependents and unemployed people want to practice some subsistence agriculture.
COTCO and Sogea-Satom have taken actions to improve the environmental and social situation in Bemboyo:
§ Discussions on the land use and chieftaincy issues with the administrative and traditional authorities; § Construction of a water system (6 stand taps in the village);
1 EMP, Chad Portion, Regional Development Plan, Appendix H 2 Observations made by the ECMG mission. A detailed socioeconomic survey has been carried out in this village by consultants for COTCO and is in the process of being evaluated. 28 June 2001 -13-
§ Provision of health care to the workers’ dependents; § Construction of pits for latrines and garbage collection; § Loans to workers willing to build their own houses.
Komé Satan, Chad
This locality is a settlement opposite the main gate of the Komé camp.
The current village chief was the first settler in 1994, when he came seeking a job at the beginning of the exploration phase of the Project, together with a few other people. He does not know the exact current population and provides an estimate between 100 and 200 families. People from various regions of the country have come but southerners are at majority. The chief says that newcomers keep arriving at a slow but steady pace. Since the ECMG mission in February 2001, another 10 to 20 houses may have been added to the village.
About 10 retail shops are located along the road. Other activities have developed, including two bars, a tailor, a baker, and cycle mechanics. Thatch houses were recently built for rental. Before being able to settle, newcomers have to visit the Chef de Canton in Komé and once authorized they build their house at locations suitable to their needs.
A water tap was installed in Komé Satan some months ago. It provides drinking water from the camp water supply system free of charge to the local population. There is no organization or caretaker in place to manage the water point and at the time of our visit the water could not be turned off. As the service is free of charge, the residents are not motivated to conserve water and there is much spillage. A swampy area has formed in the vicinity of the tap.
The total work force in Komé will be about 2,500 workers when the construction peak is reached after the next rainy season. Approximately half of those still to be hired will be unskilled workers, recruited from the neighboring villages. Still, about 1,000 may have to find accommodation. Based upon the results of a survey in Bemboyo, Cameroon (see above), it is estimated that the final number of settlers (workers + workers’ dependents + other migrants) could be about 6 times the number of workers. This is consistent with the different estimates provided in the EMP3.
Recommendations: The Project should take a more proactive approach in the future, through coordination with government activities. This concerns Komé in Chad where the potential for in- migration is probably the biggest, and other sites that are starting operation. The following is recommended:
12.1 In the perspective of the development of a in-migration management plan, consult in advance with the existing neighboring village authorities (village chief and elders who traditionally hold land where the in-migration will take place) and the relevant administrative authorities with objectives as follows:
3 See EMP, Chad Portion, Volume I, Chapter 2, Socioeconomic Topic 1 and EMP, Chad Portion, Volume 4, Regional Development Plan, Appendix H. 28 June 2001 -14-
§ Inform them on the potential in-migration of workers, job-seekers, and their families, § Identify potential areas of conflict in advance (plots for housing, agricultural land, security, management of water, cultural issues, cattle); § Identify land where they would prefer the newcomers to settle (for both housing and cultivation); 12.2 Develop a management plan addressing the following: § How and where are the native residents going to allocate land to newcomers for both land and housing with the aim of the involvement of the Government and of COTCO/TOTCO in this process; § Designation of areas to be allocated to retailers, markets, recreational activities; § Verification that the land to be occupied is suitable in environmental terms (inundation, drainage, surface available, impact to sensitive natural resources) and suitable for agriculture and cattle-raising purposes; § Security; § Basic infrastructure to be put in place (roads, water, sanitation, garbage collection); § Health care services and health education; § Management authority to be implemented; 12.3 Clearly allocate responsibilities between COTCO/TOTCO, the contractors, the Government and the local traditional authorities, under the general framework provided by the EMP. 12.4 Consult with locals and administrative authorities on the draft management plan and amend it accordingly. 12.5 Implement the management plan whenever significant in-migration is starting to take place. 12.6 Use monitoring procedures developed for Dompla elsewhere, and assess evolution and impacts of in-migration using the results of monitoring.
13. Road safety/ Relocation of houses
Project Strategy: Roads are upgraded for Project needs. Following discussions with both Governments, the scope of the works has been revised; in some cases the road width has been modified during design development. In Chad, the relocation needs for the road works can be addressed through the Resettlement and Compensation Action Plan which is in place in this country. In Cameroon, the initial estimate was of 10 houses to be relocated; this had been considered not to trigger the WBG policy on involuntary resettlement, and no Resettlement Action Plan was prepared. However, COTCO’s commitment, as per the EMP, is to treat the few relocation instances in compliance with WBG policies. A road safety plan is being developed in Cameroon and will be in Chad. This includes awareness meetings in villages, and physical measures (as improved signaling, speed bumps, etc.).
Observations: In Cameroon, the following two objectives, in some locations, appear to be conflicting: - minimizing relocation; 28 June 2001 -15-
- ensuring safety and minimizing impacts for villagers.
By-passes were proposed in situations where the potential impact was the most severe. In other cases, the width of ditches or shoulders has been reduced to avoid house relocation. As a result, there is a number of location along the road with no buffer zone.
Recommendations: 13.1 Assess the most critical situations in terms of safety on a case-by-case basis and include possible house relocation in the proposed mitigation measures; 13.2 If required as a result from the above recommendation, address the needs for more resettlement in Cameroon through the Change Management Process; 13.3 Take steps for a similar conflict of objectives not to occur in Chad, especially at the crossing of the small town of Baibokoum.
14. Social Aspects of the Rehabilitation of Borrow Pits
Project Strategy: A selection process has been developed and used for borrow pits in Cameroon and is also going to be applied in Chad with minor modifications. The siting criteria set forth by Sogea-Satom include consideration of the socioeconomic aspects and consultation with neighboring communities. It is an improvement over the former practice. The general concept followed for borrow pit rehabilitation is to reclaim the property to its former condition.
Rehabilitated Borrow Pit for Farming
Observations: As far as the rehabilitation of borrow pits is concerned, some random checks in the Bélel-Dompla-Mbéré area show that the villagers appreciate the restoration of the borrow pit properties carried out by Sogea-Satom. This is because the land has been reclaimed to a favorable condition in terms of agricultural potential, and in most instances has already been re-occupied by villagers and planted. In Cameroon, COTCO is considering whether the villagers should be given more options about the rehabilitation 28 June 2001 -16-
of the borrowing areas. Recreational uses or watering ponds for cattle could be considered.
Recommendations: 14.1 Involving the communities is positive in essence. However, in general, we recommend that the primary objective of the borrow pit rehabilitation remain to restore the land to its previous condition. Otherwise, new issues could be raised that will be beyond the Project’s responsibilities and possibilities to solve. For instance, transforming a borrow pit into a watering pond for cattle could cause adverse impacts (overgrazing, disease vectors breeding zones).
15. Social Closure
Project Strategy: To be defined.
Observations: A mechanism is being developed.
Recommendations: 15.1 Social closure should take the form of a general meeting in each affected village, with sufficient notice given for all concerned individuals to attend. The involvement of COTCO/TOTCO and the Government representative is required. The participation of an independent 3rd party is desirable to witness the process. The purpose of this meeting is to check publicly whether all EMP commitments to the community have been met. The following list could be used to check whether any issues remain unresolved: § Resettlement, § Individual cash compensation, § Individual in-kind compensation, § Regional compensation, § Community compensation where applicable: same as above, § Road safety, § Borrow-pit reclamation, § Pipe-line easement reclamation, § In-migration management where applicable.
16. Socioeconomic monitoring
Project Strategy: Comprehensive monitoring is being carried out in Cameroon on all socioeconomic issues identified in the EMP.
Observations: The same level of monitoring effort does not seem to be applied in Chad yet.
Recommendations: 16.1 Use the same strategy in both countries. 28 June 2001 -17-
17. Archaeology and Cultural Properties:
Project Strategy: The Project focuses worker awareness on cultural property issues and archaeologists have conducted surveys in advance of current activities. A guideline entitled Handbook on Archaeological Sites in the Chad Development Project Area has been developed for use by the Project’s environmental monitoring staff.
Observations: Gravesites have been isolated from potential damage at the Bipindi Camp in Cameroon and other burials have been mapped to be either avoided or mitigated. In Cameroon, a few graves have been relocated consistent with Cameroonian law. An old religious site on the Cameroonian side of the Mbéré River near where the international bridge is being constructed has been isolated and will be mitigated in consultation with local religious leaders. Archaeological studies along the pipeline route are now underway and additional staff has been contracted for this task.
Health and Safety
18. Worker’s Health
Project Strategy: Each contractor is responsible for delivering routine health care, first aid and emergency services to improve the quality of life and productivity of their employees, as well as preventing and treating communicable diseases to avoid the spread of disease outbreaks to other workers. An effective health service would prevent the transmission of diseases to workers’ families and, consequently, to the interacting communities.
Observations: In Cameroon, Sogea-Satom has established an excellent health care delivery unit for its employees. TCC has subcontracted health services to SOS at Dompla Camp. This facility, temporarily serving bush cutters, is neither adequately constructed and equipped nor properly staffed. We understand that the TCC health services will be expanded and improved when they move to the permanent camp under construction.
In Chad, TCC at the Komé Camp has contracted SOS to provide workers’ health services. Medical services are well equipped and staffed. Services are to be moved to a new building in a few weeks, and new complementary equipment has already been acquired and is in country. David Terrassement also has contracted SOS and has established a field clinic in Kagopal staffed with a nurse; a complete, well-equipped and staffed clinic in Bam; and a basic clinic in Mbéré, staffed with a national doctor and a nurse. This clinic will be transferred to a new building already in place.
A few situations which could lead to non compliance if not appropriately addressed were encountered and are summarized in the following: 28 June 2001 -18-
- when road improvement works will be carried out, it will be very difficult to provide timely and safe emergency care to all 200 km extension of the road; - there are no practical and operational medical protocols in any of the clinics in both Chad and Cameroon; - insects and rodents that may transmit diseases to workers are well controlled within the camps, however, sanitation of surrounding areas is neglected by the Project and flying insects may breed outside the fences and infect camp residents. For example, the unsupervised community water tap provided by the Project at Quartier Satan immediately outside of Komé camp mentioned within point 13 could become a breeding ground for vectors that could adversely affect the health of the workers in the camp, as well as the local community.
Recommendations: 18.1 All contractors: § Implement general and specific medical protocols for the most frequent occupational and communicable diseases, and health risks, adapted to local conditions. § Geographically extend environmental health programs, especially vector control activities, to a buffer area around camps and work areas to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases, as part of workers’ health care. 18.2 Sogea-Satom: § The Dompla clinic could benefit from a basic simple laboratory with microscopy to expedite diagnosis and reduce the need for sending patients to Bélel. Otherwise, establish a system for collecting and sending biological samples to a laboratory at another location for testing according to the Health Plan. § Make sure that canned and bottled foods are stored on shelves. 18.3 TCC in Dompla: § Establish an adequate health care unit for the camp according to the EMP requirements and the proposal prepared by SOS, and approved by COTCO. § Hire a Senior Physician experienced in major emergency situations, communicable diseases, and occupational health care. 18.4 TCC in Komé: § Ensure immediate safe first aid and emergency resources availability to all working areas and camps. 18.5 DT: § Consider a Mobile Clinic to cover the most intensive work fronts, fully equipped to manage general medical care, emergency situations, and vector control. § Train workers to properly prevent accidents and to perform selected first-aid procedures for trauma, drowning, snake, spider, and scorpion bites, choking, and CPR.
19. Community Health Project Strategy: COTCO and EEPCI are responsible for planning and executing Community Health Outreach Programs (CHOP), as an additional environmental tool to mitigate adverse health impact on communities close to the permanent Project facilities. CHOP will address limited public health issues through cost-effective actions with 28 June 2001 -19-
emphasis in information, communication, and education, to be delivered mainly by existing PVOs and NGOs. Public Health programs and actions are basic Government responsibilities.
Observations: In Cameroon, because of lack of adequate public medical infrastructure in the area of influence of the Dompla camp, the Sogea-Satom clinic has extended its medical services to the employees’ families and the general population of Bemboyo village, and is conducting some preventive health educational activities. If adequate health care is not available to a village adjacent to a camp, it becomes subject to a higher risk of being infected with communicable diseases from project workers and in-migrants, some from regions where different diseases may be prevalent. This, in turn, could adversely affect worker health. Sogea-Satom’s proactive approach should have a direct benefit to both worker and community health. COTCO has hired three NGOs to provide educational services to general health care, HIV/AIDS/STD prevention, and contribute to the Roll Back Malaria program. However the Sogea-Satom medical team was not informed on these activities.
In Chad, EEPCI has prepared a Community Outreach Program with a focus on permanent facility sites in the OFDA. However, Bam and Mbéré are not included in the plan and are evaluated on a program by program basis.
Recommendations: 19.1 The Ministries of Health in both Chad and Cameroon should be formally requested to establish dispensaries or health centers in communities potentially impacted by permanent Project facilities, and gradually take over the EIS and SSS monitoring. 19.2 The proactive approach taken by Sogea-Satom in providing community health care should be evaluated for use by other contractors, as it is likely that extending health care at least to dependents will be a cost benefit to the Project by reducing the risk of infectious disease to workers. 19.3 COTCO and EEPCI should coordinate the health and sanitation activities of the NGOs they hired to execute the CHOP with the respective contractor clinic teams in the camps. 19.4 EEPCI should consider the extension of some CHOP activities to Bam and Mbéré villages to reduce the recurrence of workers’ communicable diseases and to minimize potential of adverse health impact of communicable diseases on the local population during the construction phase. 28 June 2001 -20-
20. Safety during the Construction Phase
Project Strategy: The Project is placing a considerable emphasis on the issue of safety, not just from the standpoint of worker safety, but also safety to the surrounding community, especially with respect to the control of Project related traffic. Traffic control devices, such as signs, barricades, etc., are being implemented during construction. Project driver training has been a priority and the Project is attempting to enforce that their contractors employ a similar degree of training and control for their activities. Incident reporting for safety has been initiated following US-based OSHA procedures.
Safety Tool Box for Drivers in Dompla
Observations: Although much effort has been placed on enforcing safety measures during the construction phase, more effort is needed, and we recognize that this is essentially a permanent issue with this type of project. Nevertheless, some significant improvements were noted, specifically with respect to training, increased dust control measures as observed in Cameroon, and fencing around the storage yards either in place or under construction. Community awareness programs have been initiated and in Chad a component is being planned to make villagers aware of special procedures to be followed for incidents associated with vehicles transporting hazardous materials, in particular fuel. Also in Chad, project construction vehicles are being modified with governors to prevent speeding. 28 June 2001 -21-
Tank Truck for Fuel Transportation
In spite of these efforts, a few cases of unsafe driving and a lack of appropriate PPE were observed in the workforce. Although some initial steps have been taken, fuel management and transportation for the Project construction phase are not fully addressed in the Spill Response Plans and a specific Fuel Safety and Management Plan has not been developed as yet.
Recommendations: 20.1 The EMP monitors need to constantly place emphasis on identifying safety violations, especially with regard to the use of PPE, observance of safe driving and workers rotation schedule. 20.2 The safety analysis of hydrocarbon handling and transportation still needs to be developed and put in place as a Fuel Safety and Management Plan. The plan should address the risk related to the transportation of the fuel identifying safety and mitigation measures to reduce associated risk levels according to an ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Possible) approach.
21. Road and Traffic Safety
Project Strategy: Roads are designed to be consistent with national standards for each respective country. Project policy is to address road safety in terms of driver safety, vehicle safety, construction assessment and community awareness.
Observations: In both Cameroon and Chad, road design is consistent with respective government standards and the design details have been approved by the respective governments. In Cameroon, COTCO has developed a Road Safety Action Plan that is tied to a Phase I Community Awareness Program. Mitigation measures are being developed at the village level based on a study of specific building locations and activities within each community. A similar program is being developed in Chad. 28 June 2001 -22-
Existing Road Condition
Recommendations: 21.1 Finalize the development of village-specific mitigation packages, including concepts such as temporary parking areas to avoid congestion from vehicles parked in the road, paving to avoid dust within villages, speed bumps, pedestrian barriers and training programs. 21.2 Develop a strategy with both Governments, with the goal of traffic safety training and increasing the monitoring and enforcement capacity of the Police bodies in charge of traffic speed control.
Upgraded Road
Waste Management
22. Temporary Waste Storage
Project Strategy: Waste management as defined in the EMP includes education and training, recycling, transport, treatment, disposal, and media monitoring of solid and 28 June 2001 -23-
hazardous waste (hazardous waste landfill, solid waste landfill, hazardous waste incinerator); groundwater monitoring; sewage collection, treatment and effluent monitoring.
Observations: Permanent landfill/incinerator facilities have not been developed and hazardous waste is beginning to accumulate at the camps and other work sites. Test equipment and laboratories are now generally in place and waste management procedures are generally acceptable.
Recommendations: 22.1 An interim solution will need to be identified for the management of hazardous wastes such that excessive stockpiles do not accumulate. As most of the waste is spent oil and oil contaminated rags, recycling solutions such as using these materials as fuel in a cement plant kiln could be considered. 28 June 2001 -24- Water Management
23. Water Monitoring
Project Strategy: The EMP contains requirements for the installation of monitoring wells around the waste management facilities, as well as the monitoring of community water wells to be assured that Project water supply wells do not adversely affect local water quantity or quality. Monitoring requirements and limits to surface water usage are also defined in the EMP documents.
Observations: A Water Monitoring Plan has been developed by the Project and its implementation is underway. It will still be necessary to review monitoring data yet to be gathered before any conclusions can be reached as to EMP compliance. None of the community water supplies provided by the Project appear to have maintenance systems in place. As noted in points 13 and 17, the lack of maintenance of the community water supply at Quartier Satan outside of the Komé camp has created potential for unsanitary conditions.
Recommendations: 23.1 In the cases where the Project supplies potable water to the local community, there needs to be some follow-up in terms of maintenance, as well as development of community water committees as previously recommended.
Infrastructure
24. Infrastructure Development
Project Strategy: The Project needs to complete significant infrastructure development before the construction of the Operation Center in Komé field and of the pipeline can begin. Work includes the construction of temporary and subsequently permanent work camps, road upgrades, airfield construction and upgrades, the Mbéré River bridge and other stream crossing structures, and pipeline storage yards. In Chad DT is the main infrastructure EPC contractor and in Cameroon the EPC Contractor is Sogea-Satom. Since the first field visit, additional infrastructure in terms of field facilities and pump stations have been initiated by EPC contractor TCC. EMP procedures require that each contractor submit their own EMP plans specific to their infrastructure development activities. These plans have been presented and most of them approved and EMP monitoring of the ongoing activities has started. 28 June 2001 -25-
Slope Vegetation at Ngoumou
Observations: The Project has made considerable progress to minimize environmental impacts associated with infrastructure development. Plans are now in place and are functioning in Cameroon to minimize environmental and human impacts stemming from the exploitation of borrow pits, as well as assuring that the existing pits are properly closed and reclaimed. Chad is adopting the Cameroonian plans and has initiated a borrow pit siting plan. Activities in Chad have not yet developed to the point that large amounts of borrow have been required and initial pits are being closed with excess fill generating from the earthwork activity at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) and well pads. The project in Cameroon has also demonstrated a greater degree of dust control than was previously observed during the ECMG initial trip.
Road design documents were made available to the ECMG such that we can confirm the design of the roads will be consistent with their final use, both in Cameroon and Chad, and that an effort has been made to minimize the use of borrow materials. The other adverse environmental aspects of the roads are being addressed, as previously noted in points 20 and 21. Nevertheless, although we were provided the design basis for the Mbéré bridge, we were not able to ascertain if its basic design fully accounts for potential adverse environmental impact, specifically significant changes of local sedimentation and erosion patterns, as well as impairment of river water quality due to increased turbidity during high water. We understand that the bridge design is under review and that an erosion and sediment control plan for the structure is being developed. The temporary bridge has not been constructed and this activity will now have to wait until after the rainy season.
The construction camps in general are well managed. Nevertheless the layout of camps should be improved taking into account simple segregation concepts (avoid the proximity of flammable liquids and possible ignition sources at the TCC temporary camp in Dompla; avoid the proximity of the hazardous waste storage facility and the camp restaurant at the future TCC camp in Dompla).
Furthermore the storage area for the old exploration equipment at Komé is relatively poorly managed awaiting for the contractor which should remove the old equipment. 28 June 2001 -26-
Construction Activities at Mbéré Bridge
Recommendations: 24.1 Review the potential disturbance to riverbed and natural riverbanks from the permanent Mbéré River bridge and implement specific erosion and sediment controls consistent with EMP requirements and again considering that the Mbéré River is an international boundary and waterway. Design the permanent structures at the crossing in such a manner that pre-construction flow regimes are maintained and only limited disturbances are created. 24.2 Review camp layouts to verify proper segregation of fuels and hazardous materials; 24.3 Clean up the storage area for old exploration equipment at Komé camp.
EMP Organization
25. Implementation and Staffing
Project Strategy: Each EPC Contractor has the requirement for dedicating staff to verify implementation of their EMPs. These contractor staff members are, in turn, monitored by the EEPCI/TOTCO/COTCO EMP staffs who receive support from EMP staff from Exxon-Mobil headquarters in Houston, Texas.
Observations: EMP monitoring organization and activities have significantly improved since the ECMG initial visit. The TOTCO/COTCO, DT and Sogea-Satom contractor teams are now fully in place and functioning. A system of communication has been developed through TOTCO/COTCO such that experiences among the different EMP groups can be shared and lessons learned. TCC is beginning to initiate significant field operations and is in the process of building up its EMP monitoring staff.
Recommendations: 25.1 TCC should develop staffing and field practices to take advantage of the experience gained by Sogea-Satom and DT. 28 June 2001 -27-
Capacity Building Projects
26. Chad
Government Requirements: The World Bank project for capacity-building of the petroleum sector of the government of Chad has three specific goals:
§ Manage the development of its petroleum resources in an environmentally and socially sound manner, beginning with the Doba Petroleum Project in southern Chad; § Minimize and mitigate the potential negative environmental and social impacts of the Doba Petroleum Project on the producing region, strengthen local capacity in the region, and provide opportunities for the region's residents to improve their living conditions; and § Establish an effective framework for further sound private sector investment in the petroleum sector, and engage effectively with such investors.
To achieve these goals the Government of Chad has an important role to play, primarily in helping to mitigate induced impacts in the producing region and in supervising the private sector operators. In the short term, anticipated efforts include the mitigation of the impact of in-migration at the petroleum Project work sites in the form of social investments in health facilities, water supply, management of woodfuel resources, and STD/AIDS prevention.
Observations: The inter-ministerial committee "Comité Technique National de Suivi et de Contrôle" (CTNSC), responsible for the monitoring and control of the environmental and social impacts of the Project, has made significant progress during the past three months. The CTNSC Executive Secretariat now has offices that are being rehabilitated. The work team includes the Executive Secretary, an accountant and the chief of CTNSC Doba branch. CTNSC issued their first quarterly report January-March 2001. The current status of the Chad Capacity-Building Project was reviewed during several meetings of the ECMG team with the Chadian National Coordination and CTNSC staff and the following observations were made:
§ Rehabilitation of office space for CTNSC and the Doba Project National Coordination is ongoing. Construction is to be complete by the end of July 2001 and office equipment and vehicles are being procured. § The field office for CTNSC Doba branch, based in the Komé Camp, including five offices and a meeting room will be available in July. § The World Bank credit is now effective. The Capacity-Building Project Implementation Manual is finalized and has been accepted by IDA. Four contracts were signed recently for office rehabilitation and equipment, support to sustainable forest management in the Doba zone, and an STD/AIDS prevention campaign called PPL-Sida. § The Capacity-Building project has started. A long-term World Bank procurement officer based in the resident mission is providing support to CTNSC where an “ad hoc 28 June 2001 -28-
group” for tendering has been officially nominated. The CTNSC senior team has regular relations with Esso/TOTCO. § The National Coordination staff is in place (5 members) and is working with a budget of $300,000 over 3 years funded through the Capacity-Building Project. The first quarterly report has been issued. § Regular meetings are organized by Esso/TOTCO in the project zone with local NGOs. § The FACIL project, a component of the Capacity-Building Project with a field office in Bebedjia, is being staffed. A Procedures Manual is now available and accepted by the World Bank and an action program has been initiated. A tendering process has been started for developing urban plans for Doba, Moundou and Bebedjia, water supply, drainage and sanitation for Doba, and the construction of markets and slaughterhouses. The Government of Chad issued in April a ministerial Arrêté appointing the members of FACIL Comité de Pilotage. § CTNSC stated that a contract has been granted to a local NGO to prepare a framework for the Regional Development Plan (RDP) and harmonize its content with the government’s regional planning and new decentralization policy (public health, education, etc.). § The International Consultant Panel has been recruited and has carried out a first visit to Chad.
In spite of this progress, some problems still remain.
§ Delays have occurred in recruiting field monitors and other executive secretariat personnel. Effective recruitment is impeded by the fact that most candidates are state employers to whom salaries cannot be paid according to World Bank rules. Discussions are ongoing between the World Bank and the Government of Chad to work out an agreement. The World Bank has suggested that the selected civil servants resign from their administrations, while the individuals involved and CTNSC have proposed a "détachement" (a solution that would allow them to return to their administrations by the end of the project construction phase). This is serious issue that needs to be resolved as soon as practical. § Delays have occurred in recruiting a senior Technical Assistant for CTNSC headquarters. This has caused a delay in the selection and recruitment of a consulting firm for training the field monitors and providing support to other project activities. § A Communication Plan is not yet available. A framework for regular contacts among CTNSC, TOTCO and NGOs needs to be established. Communication towards NGOs and other organized communities in the project zone, including progress reports should be available in French at specific public places in the project zone and in N’Djamena.
Consequently, the current situation prevents the Chadian government from being able to fully review EEPCI/TOCTO documents or the Contractor’s EMPs. No monitor is operational in the field and, even if monitors are appointed soon, training requirements will prevent effective monitoring for at least the next two or three months, a period during which important infrastructure development activities by the infrastructure EPC Contractor DT are to be carried out (for example road construction and upgrades and the Mbéré bridge). Furthermore the ECMG team confirms the need for environmental and social monitoring in the Doba basin. 28 June 2001 -29-
Recommendations: 26.1 Resolve the issue of recruitment for the project and remuneration of monitors and CNTSC experts coming from ministries, through an agreement between Chad Government and World Bank (it should be noted that required monitors and technicians will be found mostly in the public sector, and that the project scope is for “capacity-building”). The next step is to expedite the effective recruitment of project staff and place monitors in the field based in Komé, after training. 26.2 Expedite the selection, recruitment and mobilization of the senior Technical Assistant (TA) for CTNSC headquarters. As the support of this international TA is crucial for the rapid launching of major project components (including the subcontracting of technical services, training and assistance in preparing the Regional Development Plan), we recommend that the TA have proven project and program management skills, as well as experience in oil sector. 26.3 Recruit international technical assistance for the Doba branch for support to the field teams, including training; 26.4 Accelerate the elaboration of the detailed Regional Development Plan (RDP) in order to organize the FACIL activities, as well as those being prepared within the Community Compensation (the RDP is described in the Chad EMP with milestones and responsibilities). 26.5 Community Compensation should be given strong attention to make sure that the local population and NGOs are fully involved in the preparation of development programs that are sustainable and integrated into existing regional ongoing plans and government policies. 26.6 Communication towards NGOs and other organized communities in the project zone need to be improved, including progress reports that should be available in French at specific public places in the project zone and in N’Djamena.
27. Cameroon
Government Requirements: The World Bank Cameroon Petroleum Environment Capacity Enhancement Project (CAPECE) is to develop and establish a national capacity in Cameroon for the environmental management and monitoring of the Chad Export Project. CAPECE anticipates that the following will take place:
§ National environmental standards and norms in the petroleum sector are established, § The Petroleum Development Pipeline Project meets environmental standards and norms, § The Government of Cameroon develops its capacity to monitor and mitigate the environmental impacts of large infrastructure/energy projects, a condition for continued sound foreign investment in the country, and § Information on the environmental and social safeguards implementation is disseminated to all relevant stakeholders.
The Government of Cameroon established, by Decree 97-116 of July 7, 1997, the Comité de Pilotage et de Suivi du Pipeline (CPSP) under the trusteeship of SNH (Societé Nationale des Hydrocarbures) , the national oil company. The CPSP is an interministerial body mandated to oversee and monitor all environmental and social 28 June 2001 -30-
aspects of pipeline construction and operation. The CPSP has two arms: (a) the Comité de Suivi (CS) which is the steering, monitoring and administrative arm and (b) the Secretariat Permanent (SP), which is the operational arm of the CPSP.
In addition to monitoring the construction of the pipeline, with the associated requirements for protecting the public and the environment, the Cameroon government also has responsibility for developing a National Oil Spill Response Plan. It is also responsible for the implementation and monitoring of an Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) for the forest dwelling peoples living in the area crossed by the Atlantic Forest part of the pipeline route and the implementation and monitoring of two Offsite Environmental Enhancement Projects (OEEP) established to compensate for generalized biodiversity loss in the Atlantic Coastal Forest and the semi-deciduous forest zones, respectively in Campo-Ma’an and in Mbam and Djerem.
Observations: The ECMG team attended a meeting in Yaoundé at the SNH headquarters conference room on May 31, 2001 attended by Mr. Augustine Ndum, Permanent Secretary of CPSP and most of the CPSP senior staff, World Bank and COTCO and several positive developments can be reported.
§ The CAPECE Project started with World Bank approval on 28 March. The Project Implementation Manual was completed and approved by the World Bank. A workshop for the official launching of CAPECE was held in Yaoundé on May 3-4 (attendees included CPSP staff, members of ministries, and COTCO). § The Comité de Suivi (the approval board for the CPSP) started the Annual Work Plan. Project staff is in place at the SNH headquarters. A total of eight full-time field monitors were appointed, including five for bio-physical issues, two socioeconomists (one for the North and one for the South) and one health monitor. Their training has started with a first session scheduled for June 5 – 9. § To initiate the training program within CAPECE, CPSP has prepared tendering documents for the selection of an external consultant for training of CPSP staff members, as well as ministry employees involved in the pipeline project EMPs. § A Communication Plan is being prepared by CPSP with the collaboration of the World Bank and COTCO. Within this plan there is a special press day in Yaoundé scheduled for June 29, 2001.
In spite of this progress, some problems still remain.
§ It appears that the capacity required for the Government of Cameroon to fulfill its obligations is not yet entirely in place. CPSP is not yet in a position to fully monitor current project activities (review of EMP and environmental baseline documents; monitor the various types of field works which volume and extension are increasing rapidly). § Communications are still weak. We have heard several complaints from NGOs about the lack of basic information on the project and its current progress. An effective Communications Plan is lacking. § Delays have occurred in the training of CPSP staff and field monitors, as well as ministry officers. § As of June 2001, little has been accomplished or started among the major environmental and social activities to be implemented by the Government of 28 June 2001 -31-
Cameroon, specifically the CAPECE project goals: preparation of a National Oil Response Plan; oversight of the Indigenous People Plan IPP, and the two environmental offsets; and monitoring and prevention of health risks including HIV/AIDS.
Recommendations: 27.1 Expedite finalization of the Training Plan which is part of the Project Implementation Manual, including training of CPSP staff as well as of involved institutions of the Government of Cameroon. The training plan should be directed at making most of headquarters engineers and field teams operational before September 1. 27.2 Make procurement arrangements for consulting services and training. Services need to be focused on key project components, including the establishment of a regulatory framework; developing environmental and social management capacity; and preparing an Environmental Management Information System (EMIS). 27.3 Finalize a Communication Plan, which should be given a high priority. 27.4 Communication towards NGOs and other organized communities in the project zone need to be improved. We suggest that the quarterly and monthly reports (issued by CPSP and COTCO), as well as other key documents be issued simultaneously in French and English. More effort need to be made such that interested people can have better access to this information at specific places, such as, for example, the ten LCC offices. 27.5 Ensure availability or procurement of equipment and vehicles as needed for field monitoring, training and communications. 28 June 2001 -32- Environmental Foundation
28. Implementation Phase
Responsibility: This Foundation, formally designated the Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC), has the goal of providing defined long-term financial support for defined projects associated with the two new national parks and the Indigenous People Plan (IPP). The precise nature of activities is to be decided by its Management Board.
Observations: The Foundation has made some progress over the past three months. A provisional Management Board has been selected (five members including one member of MINEF, one from COTCO and three senior scientists) and has held two initial meetings. The Foundation is now formally registered and established in the Netherlands.
The dossier for registration in Cameroon was submitted to CPSP on April 10, but the Foundation is not yet formally registered in Cameroon, pending approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The $3.5 million payment has not been made by COTCO pending this action. The ECMG has strongly recommended that efforts be made by the Government of Cameroon to expedite the official registration FEDEC in Cameroon. This will allow the Foundation to be officially established and begin functioning within an established budget.
ECMG Members Meet Pygmies During Site Visit
As the Foundation is not operational, the IPP related projects could not be launched. As an interim measure, COTCO has distributed agricultural tools (machetes, axes, etc.) to Bakola Pygmies in the Project area. The ECMG acknowledges this effort.
Within the FEDEC work plan, particular attention should be given to the management of the Campo-Ma'an National Park and to the Forest Units (called UTOs) for biodiversity conservation, poaching control and preservation of logging activities. 28 June 2001 -33-
Recommendations: 28.1 A FEDEC action plan needs to be developed to define effective measures to improve the capacity of the Campo Ma’an UTO to manage poaching and logging, which is mainly a responsibility of the Government of Cameroon, through MINEF. This includes for the Campo-Ma’an MINEF unit urgent support in terms of staffing of the guard bases with motorbikes, equipment, supplies and utilities. This recommendation was already made in the first ECMG report. 28.2 The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for forest unit UFA 024 was reviewed and discussed at MINEF on May 30, by all concerned parties: World Bank, research organizations and bilateral donors. It was agreed that EIA should be improved in terms of looking at alternatives for transport of logs (other than the road across the park), location of saw mill and camp, poaching control and responsibility of the logging company. FEDEC should play a strong role in the protection of the Campo Ma’an National Park, which is an important component of the Cameroon EMP. 28.3 Based on our discussions with MINEF personnel and other involved parties, it appears probable that logging would eventually be permitted to start in UFA024. Consequently, to avoid jeopardizing the future of the national park, we believe that all involved parties should endeavor to initiate a dialogue that will foster a compromise to the current situation. 28 June 2001 -34-
Table 1 Follow-up Issues
N° Mission Opening Closing Description Status Comments date date EMP ISSUES 1 1 Mar 01 Demonstrate improved system Pending COTCO/TOTCO are making efforts not to for community/regional restrict themselves to a catalogue for compensation: revise the community/regional compensation and are “catalogue” concept trying to look for sustainable developments. 2 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Demonstrate that damaged Closed -- houses occupied by resettlers have been repaired 3 1 Mar 01 Demonstrate development and Pending COTCO is initiating a road safety plan, but implementation of mitigation and not all components will be in place until safety measures, particularly December 2001. COTCO needs to where roads pass through complete development of the village- villages specific road safety plan with the identification of specific physical and other mitigation measures and the criteria followed for making decisions. TOTCO is initiating a road safety plan, similar to that being developed in Cameroon by COTCO, but it is not as well advanced and a methodological framework needs to be developed. 4 1 Mar 01 Bakola Pygmies: include land Pending FEDEC still needs to be registered in management in the CDF’s Cameroon before IPP can be implemented. priorities 5 1 Mar 01 Social closure: develop and test Pending Development is in progress, but is not mechanism finalized. 6 1 Mar 01 Demonstrate development of Pending Progress is being made in both Cameroon community infrastructure in and Chad. Services have been provided, spontaneous settlements (joint but community management needs to be put Project and government in place for these services to ensure their responsibility) sustainability (e.g., help develop water committees). Experience developed at 28 June 2001 -35-
N° Mission Opening Closing Description Status Comments date date Dompla should be evaluated and the good points applied proactively at Komé and other future camps. 7 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Expand the sample of households Closed This has been done and results are surveyed for socioeconomic expected. indicators to non-compensated households 8 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Registration of land rights: Closed ExxonMobil lawyers state that the right of resolve issue of villagers having former users to resume their activities on access to the land they formerly the pipeline easement is clearly established occupied before construction by the legal documentation of the project. 9 1 Mar 01 Demonstrate that road safety Pending We have seen improvement with regard to during construction phase is dust control, signposts and village improved awareness programs, but have still seen speeding trucks and in a few cases there was a lack of traffic control. 10 1 Mar 01 Develop and implement a Fuel Pending Both COTCO and TOTCO are planning to Safety and Management Plan develop a program of village awareness where the subject of hazardous transport is addressed. A formal Fuel Safety and Management Plan has not yet been prepared. 11 1 Mar 01 Provide fencing at storage Pending Fencing under construction. facilities 12 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Provide documentation that Closed Project has demonstrated effort to develop minimal quantities of road optimal use of materials consistent with construction materials are used their adopted design. 13 1 Mar 01 Provide documentation that Pending Erosion and sediment control study for the Mbéré River crossing bridge has not been completed. construction activities will not have an adverse environmental impact 14 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Provide documentation that road Closed Project design criteria have been provided design is appropriate for final and justified in both Chad and Cameroon. usage 28 June 2001 -36-
N° Mission Opening Closing Description Status Comments date date 15 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Demonstrate development and Closed Plans have been prepared. The plan in implementation of borrow pit Cameroon is being implemented and is siting plan pending full implementation in Chad. 16 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Demonstrate improvements to Closed dust control, especially when passing through villages 17 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Demonstrate that local village Closed labor has appropriate PPE 18 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Demonstrate that EMP Closed monitoring system is fully staffed and functional, especially with respect to Chad 1 2 Jun 01 Evaluate the need of possible New house relocation to ensure safety along the upgraded roads at village crossings 2 2 Jun 01 Implement appropriate medical New Locally-specific protocols need to be protocols at the contractor defined for the most common medical facilities communicable and occupational diseases and first aid and emergency situations. 3 2 Jun 01 TCC in Dompla does not comply New We understand that they are in the initial with EMP requirements: stage where they are servicing bush cutters. qualifications of staff, physical space, equipment, and medical supplies. 4 2 Jun 01 Medical services are not yet in a New This situation will improve with the situation to provide first aid and development of infrastructure. emergency services in the field within the 20 minutes required by the EMP 5 2 Jun 01 Storage of old drilling-related New Old drilling materials need to be materials at the Komé camp does reorganized properly or removed. We have not meet EMP requirements been informed that Parker Brothers will take care of this situation. 28 June 2001 -37-
N° Mission Opening Closing Description Status Comments date date CAPACITY-BUILDING CHAD
19 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Complete initial project funding Closed WB credit effective since March 23, as (Government of Chad funds) Government of Chad funds have been transferred into accounts. Disbursements started with four contracts signed by CTNSC (rehabilitation of offices, equipment, etc.) 20 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Complete Implementation Closed Implementation manual completed and Manual accepted by WB - included financial and accounting procedures prepared by Ernst & Young 21 1 Mar 01 Appoint government field Pending CTNSC stated that some field monitors monitors have been appointed; they made visits to the field and started review of EMPs and baselines. However their recruitment is not yet formalized as most of them are civil servants who, under WB rules, are not entitled to receive fees. All field monitors and other HQ personnel yet to be formally recruited. 22 1 Mar 01 Train government field monitors Pending No significant training carried out as of June 2001. Training activities yet to be implemented through a consulting firm (training cost represents 16% of CTNSC budget). Selection of such a consulting firm will be done upon arrival of an international senior TA, under recruitment. 23 1 Mar 01 Start effective government field Pending This is not yet effective as no CTNSC field monitoring monitors in place. To our knowledge, the only monitoring is done by the Ministry of Public works (2 engineers based in Komé monitoring the road and M’béré bridge) 28 June 2001 -38-
N° Mission Opening Closing Description Status Comments date date CAPACITY-BUILDING CAMEROON
24 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Start CAPECE project as defined Closed Project was approved March 28 for IDA in WB project appraisal funds to be disbursed. A Workshop for the document official launching of CAPECE was conducted in Yaounde on May 3-4, 2001. The first CPSP monitoring committee meeting was held on May 29, 2001. 25 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Complete Implementation Closed Approved by WB and MINPAT Manual 26 1 Mar 01 Jun 01 Appoint government field Closed The heads of the various sections of the monitors Permanent Secretariat have been appointed. Eight field monitors have been selected and are available for the project. 27 1 Mar 01 Train government field monitors Pending Progress has been made as a COTCO and start effective government training session is underway and Tendering field monitoring Documents for training services for Cameroon government training have been prepared (under revision of the World Bank) ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION
28 1 Mar 01 Have Foundation registered and Pending Registration in Netherlands has been operations started completed, but not in Cameroon and the Foundation activities have not commenced. 29 1 Mar 01 Protect the National Park within Pending MINEF has yet to provide adequate means Campo Ma’an UTO from to the UTO in terms of staff and equipment. poaching and illegal logging 30 1 Mar 01 Expedite implementation of IPP Pending No progress, as this is the responsibility of (Indigenous People Plan) the Foundation and CAPECE together 31 1 Mar 01 Review EIA study for forest unit Pending The review of the EIA has been conducted UFA 024 such that WB through a meeting with all parties involved safeguard policies are met and and MINEF is considering requesting the stringent controls established completion of complementary studies to better define alternatives.