UWSSSP Semi-Annual Safeguards Monitoring Report Jan-Jun20 Final

Environmental and Social Monitoring Report

January 2021

SOL: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Prepared by Solomon Islands Water Authority, trading as Solomon Water, for the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

This environmental and social monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the 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 any 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. Semi-Annual Safeguards Monitoring Report January - June 2020

Solomon Islands: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Semi-Annual Safeguards Monitoring Report

January – June 2020

Project Management Unit Solomon Water Honiara Solomon Islands

January 2021

Prepared by Solomon Water for the Asian Development Bank and World Bank

This Semi-annual Safeguards 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. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.

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.

Loan No: 3826-SOL: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project ADB Grant 0662-SOL Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project ADB Grant No. 0663-Sol: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project European Union Loan World Bank: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Project No: 51271-00

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank CCP Communication and consultation plan (for the project) CESMP Construction environmental and social management plan (prepared by the contractor) DBO Design Build Operate DCA Development Consent Agreement EARF Environmental and Review Framework ECD Environment Conservation Department (within MECDM) EHSG Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines (of the World Bank Group) EMP Environmental management plan EUB European Union Bank FGD Focus group discussion GRM Grievance redress mechanism HAEP Hygiene awareness and education program

IEE Initial environmental examination IES International environment specialist (of the DSC) LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan MECDM Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MMERE Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification MID Ministry of Infrastructure Development MOFT Ministry of Finance and Treasury PER Public environment report PMU Project Management Unit (in SW) PSC Project Steering Committee PPA Project Preparation Assistance PRF Project Readiness Financing ROW Right of Way RF Resettlement Framework RP Resettlement Plan SBD Solomon Islands Dollar SW Solomon Islands Water Authority trading as Solomon Water SPS Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (of ADB) TOR Terms of Reference USD United States Dollar WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WB World Bank WS Water Supply UWSSSP Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project WTP Water Treatment Plant WBSP World Bank Safeguard Policies

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 7 1.1 Background ...... 7 1.2 Project description ...... 7 1.3 Purpose ...... 8 2 PROJECT PROGRESS ...... 8 2.1 Project overview ...... 8 2.2 Safeguards plans: implementation arrangements ...... 10 2.3 Safeguard Documentation and Instruments ...... 12 2.4 Updated EMPs and LARPs ...... 13 3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING ...... 14 3.1 Status of EMP implementation (mitigation measures) ...... 14 3.2 Environmental effect monitoring ...... 14 4 INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING ...... 14 4.1 Status of implementation of LARPs ...... 14 4.2 Outstanding resettlement activities ...... 19 5 COMPLIANCE WITH SAFEGUARDS RELATED PROJECT COVENANTS ...... 19 6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CAPACITY BUILDING ...... 20 6.1 Public consultation activities ...... 20 6.2 Planned consultation activities for July-Dec 2020 ...... 25 6.3 Capacity building ...... 25 7 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM) ...... 25 8 CONCLUSION ...... 28 8.1 Conclusions ...... 28 8.2 Recommendations for implementation and corrective actions ...... 28 APPENDICES ...... 29 Appendix 1: Approval process time line ...... 29 Appendix 2: Status of Resettlement Plans ...... 30 Appendix 3: Photographs ...... 31 Appendix 4: Sample Resettlement Agreement ...... 34 Appendix 5: GRM Register ...... 37

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

List of Tables

Table 1: Project progress (as at 30th June, 2020) ...... 9 Table 2: Engagement of International Safeguard Specialists ...... 10 Table 3: SW PMU Safeguard Staff ...... 10 Table 4 : Status of IEE/PERs for UWSSSP Subprojects ...... 12 Table 5 : Development Consent Application and Status ...... 13 Table 6: Summary of land activities for UWSSP subprojects ...... 16 Table 7: Compliance with safeguard related project covenants ...... 19 Table 8: Consultation activities for the Kongulai Water Treatment Project ...... 21 Table 9: Summary of consultation issues raised in initial stakeholder workshop ...... 22 Table 10: Provincial Focus Group Discussions ...... 23 Table 11: Environmental safeguard deliverables as of 1st July 2020 ...... 29

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the first semi-annual Social and Environmental Safeguards monitoring report for the period January to July, 2020. This report was compiled by the Solomon Islands Water Authority.

The outputs of the loan project are to improve access to safe water and improved sanitation across the Solomon Islands focusing on (i) Output 1: secure and safe urban water supplies; (ii) Output 2: effective, efficient and safe urban sanitation services; (iii) Output 3: enhanced awareness of hygiene and water issues and sustained improved hygiene behaviour; and (iv) Output 4: SW is financially and technically sustainable.

The geographical locations for this report are Honiara Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS), Kongulai Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on Guadalcanal, and Provincial Water Supply (WS) (Auki, Gizo, Noro, Munda and Tulagi).

This initial report contains the Social and Environmental Safeguards activities undertaken to date with a focus on planning, approvals and pre-construction. The overall Land and Resettlement Plan (LARP) for the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSS) program was submitted and approved by ADB/WB in June 2019. This covered a total of six Honiara subprojects, which had been selected for feasibility assessments. This LARP did not include provincial water supplies.

For the Honiara subprojects it was estimated that a total of 20,648 m2 of land would be impacted by the project. Of this, 15,706m2 will require negotiation of land agreements with five individual private land owners, including a land portion with three joint owners, two companies, and another land owning entity for the septage treatment site, which was yet to be determined. The remaining 4,942 m2 is government land such as road reserves, the Solomon Island Port Authority land, and land where the National Referral Hospital is sited. The LARP also identified impacts on non-land assets: some Affected Persons and associated gardens, structures and trees were affected. The initial plan mentions nine households which may be impacted through the temporary loss of structures or gardens, which includes the Titinge Ridge reservoir site and upgraded Kongulai Water Treatment Plant. SW will endeavour to secure the land through outright purchase, but where this is not possible, lease agreements will be signed, and to date, there is good support for the project. The total budget for the resettlement plan was estimated to be USD $795,315; however indicative costs for land acquisition, relocations, minor reconstructions, damages to crops/trees, and implementation costs are estimated at USD $1,171,845. The PPTA team consulted with major stakeholders through three workshops held between July 2018 and February 2019. There were also individual meetings with Affected Persons and land owners.

The Kongulai Water Treatment Plan detailed LARP was drafted in March 2020, and revised over the following months. After submission to ABD/WB, comments were incorporated into the final draft, which will be reported on in the July-September monitoring report. The Kongulai WTP IEE and LARP have both been extensively reviewed and final approval by ADB/WB will be completed in the second half of 2020.

The Provincial WS projects are in various stages of planning and approval by ADB/WB. Draft LARPs and IEEs are in progress for the five sites. The draft LARP for the Honiara Water Supply Trunk Mains has been completed and is currently being reviewed. Construction at Auki had commenced prior to the funding proposal from ADB/WB. The project is following the IEE and LARP requirements. No compensation payments have been required and no grievances have been received by the contractor or the PMU at SW. Safeguards audit documentation from Q3 and Q4, 2020 is available for reporting in the next semi-annual report.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Three grievances raised were for the Kongulai Water Treatment project, two of which were resolved, and the other has been through the SW GRM process, but the decision that the grievance is not justified, has not been accepted by the complainant, who has written through their lawyer, to say that they intend to take the case to the SI courts.

Extensive community consultation has been undertaken at all sites and stakeholder management plans covering all aspects of the projects from planning to implementation are being developed and finalised in Q3 and Q4 of 2020. The project management unit (PMU) at SW has provided support in relation to all of these activities. Training for PMU staff has included separate training/seminars, technical and financial support to empower and upgrade the capabilities of its staff and other project stakeholders.

Key activities for the forthcoming period include due diligence activities for the completion of the LARPs and IEEs for the five provincial water supply subprojects, and for the sanitation works in Honiara. This includes relevant surveys and extensive community consultation. The implementation of a WASH survey and the awareness raising program for hygiene and water management will also begin. Construction activities at the Auki site are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background

1. Solomon Islands has around 19.8% (or 102,030) of its estimated present total population of 600,000 (World Bank 2016)1 living in urban and peri-urban areas. The country is divided into nine provinces: Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Makira-Ulawa, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona, Temotu, and Western. The country’s capital, Honiara City, is situated on the north western coast of Guadalcanal. Malaita has the largest population of 137,596 people, followed by Guadalcanal (93,614), Western (76,649), Honiara city (62,609) and Central (26,051) based on the 2009 census. The population growth rate is the highest in Guadalcanal (4.4%) followed by Honiara (2.7%), Western (2%), Central (1.9%) and Malaita (1.2%). According to the last available Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), 12.7 per cent of the population lived under the national basic needs poverty line in 2013 (9.1 percent in urban areas).

2. It is known that temporary and informal settlers are often not captured in the Census and at any one time the population of Guadalcanal can be closer to 150,000. Informal residential areas are characterized by uncertain or illegal land tenured, minimal or no access to public services (such as water supply, sanitation, electricity and roads) and a high presence of informal employment in the low income population. This presents challenges in providing potable water supply and sanitation services to the urban and peri- urban areas. To address the challenges the Solomon Islands Water Act of 1992 created the Solomon Islands Water Authority, trading as Solomon Water (SW), a state-owned enterprise, and mandated to provide for the proper management and development of urban water resources and wastewater services in Solomon Islands. SW has been guided by its Five-year Action Plan and 30-Year Strategic Plan since 2017. These plans outline the strategy to meet the demand for water and wastewater services up to 2047 for Honiara, including peri-urban areas, as well as meeting the needs of other major urban centres in Solomon Islands.

1.2 Project description

3. The program: In line with SW’s plans, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with co-financers the World Bank (WB), European Development Fund (EDF) and the Solomon Islands government, have initiated the Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (the Project) to help improve access to safe water and improved sanitation. The Project outputs include: (i) Output 1: secure and safe urban water supplies; (ii) Output 2: effective, efficient and safe urban sanitation services; (iii) Output 3: enhanced awareness of hygiene and water issues and sustained improved hygiene behaviour; and (iv) Output 4: SW is financially and technically sustainable.

4. Output 1 is intends to secure reliable and safe freshwater supplies by (i) increasing the number of urban households in Honiara with access to climate and disaster resilient water supplies; (ii) reducing non-revenue water from its current level of 62 percent to 30 percent or less by 2027; and (iii) increasing SW water production capacity in Honiara by up to 5 million litres per day (ML/d) and improving SW water treatment capacity through the rehabilitation, replacement, or expansion of current sources and water treatment facilities, to meet water demand and ensure full compliance with drinking guidelines across the city and until 2027.

5. Investments will include: (a) in Honiara, (i) rehabilitation of existing water supply sources, and expansion of production and treatment systems, (ii) installation of water supply mains to expand and rehabilitate the water supply system, (iv) additional water storage capacity, (v) leak detection and pipeline repairs, (vi) installing bulk supply metering and expansion of SW’s customer meter replacement program to install pre-payment meters, and (vii) expanding SW’s

1 World Bank, Project Information Document/Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet (PID/SDS) May 2018. 7

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020 water supply networks to an additional 5,700 connections in unserved areas, including in informal settlements; (b) in Auki, Gizo, Noro and Tulagi, rehabilitation and expansion of the existing water supply systems; and (c) in Munda, development of a new water supply system.

6. Output 2 is intended for effective and efficient sewerage services by: (i) preparing septage management regulations, (ii) constructing a septage treatment facility under a five- year design-build-operate (DBO) contract to service the greater Honiara area, (iii) replacing existing wastewater outfalls in a state disrepair with new ones, (iv) installing sewers mains to expand and rehabilitate the Honiara trunk sewer system, and (v) construction of new sewage pumping stations and rehabilitation of existing ones.

7. Output 3 is intended to develop enhanced awareness of hygiene and water issues and sustained improved hygiene behaviour. This includes a hygiene awareness and promotion program to complement other ongoing hygiene awareness and promotion activities in urban areas.

8. Output 4 involves implementing a program to assist SW strengthen its financial, technical, and operational sustainability. This includes developing policies, asset planning, data management, financial and technical systems monitoring, and reporting.

1.3 Purpose

9. The semi-annual Social and Environment safeguards monitoring report is a requirement under the ADB SPS, WB OP/BP 4.01, 4.04, 4.0, and 4.12 and the project/loan agreements. The safeguards categories for this project are B for environment and B for involuntary resettlement.

10. This single report covering the period from January to June 2020, presents the undertakings to date, of both the Social and Environmental Safeguards program to support the UWSSSP outputs as outlined above. As the delivery of the UWSSSP outputs increases, particularly during construction, the Social and Environmental Safeguards semi-annual reports will increase in complexity and number.

2 PROJECT PROGRESS

2.1 Project overview

11. There have been delays in progress due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, both in design and safeguards work. Working remotely due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, consultants (both design and safeguards - as well as PMU staff) have been severely constrained in making essential site visits, conducting consultations, performing surveys, and integrating various previously-obtained data into a holistic and systematic picture of project activities vis-à-vis overall project objectives. Uncertainties over land ownership as well as delays on the final selection of engineering design alternatives, (which are essential to ascertain the Affected Persons) have meant that safeguards staff often could not initiate community consultations over land tenure until designs were finalised. Resettlement arrangements have proven to be challenging in Kongulai and are only now being fully addressed in other parts of Greater Honiara and the provinces. It is likely that an extension of the Suez contract will be required to enable all outstanding works to be completed.

12. Estimated progress on project components are shown in Table 1 below:

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Table 1: Project progress (as at 30th June, 2020)

Kongulai WTP progress % complete Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 90% Social safeguards reports: LARP completed 90% Environmental safeguards report: IEE completed 90% Honiara Network Water Supply - Trunk Mains progress Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 80% Social safeguards: first draft of LARP being reviewed by specialists 70% Environmental safeguards documentation: in progress 70% Honiara Water Supply - Reservoirs’ progress Detailed engineering design complete; bidding documents being 90% reviewed Social safeguards documentation pending 70% Environmental safeguards pending 70% Auki Water Supply Upgrade progress Implementation almost complete - delayed by Covid-19. 85% Completion date early November All safeguards work complete 100% Tulagi Water Supply Upgrade progress Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 75% Updated social safeguards reports 25% Updated environmental safeguards report 95% Noro Water Supply Rehabilitation & Upgrade progress Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 50% Social safeguards reports: LARP completed 85% Environmental safeguards report: IEE completed 85% Munda Water Supply Establishment progress Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 25% Updated social safeguards reports 85% Updated environmental safeguards report 85% Gizo Water Supply Establishment Detailed engineering design and bidding documents 50% Updated social safeguards reports 85% Updated environmental safeguards report 85% Honiara Network Wastewater rehabilitation (3 subprojects) Design and bidding documents undergoing external review 85% Social and environmental safeguards documentation pending 85%

13. Suez Consulting (SAFEGE) was contracted to carry out the detailed engineering design for Honiara Water Supply and the provincial water supplies. The Project Readiness Financing (PRF) is approximately 85% complete at the end of June 2020. This includes all the detailed design work and surveys (mainly related to social safeguards). Reeves Envico won the contract for the Auki Water Supply Improvement Project, having responsibility for the EMP and RP implementation, and have reported no environmental, health and safety, or social safeguards complaints during the reporting period. PMU has been responsible for monitoring and reporting on progress.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

2.2 Safeguards plans: implementation arrangements

14. The Project Readiness Financing (PRF) grant provided for three international safeguard and related specialists in the fields of: • Head of PMU (full time until end of March, 2020 - Mark Waite) • Environment • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) • Communications

In addition, in April, 2020 an International Social Safeguards and Gender specialist and a Monitoring and an Evaluation specialist were appointed direct to UWSSP. After Mark Waite’s assigned finished, David Boggs was appointed Head of PMU to replace him, under UWSSSP from April to June. The PRF contracted specialists are providing intermittent input mainly from their home base (because of Covid-19 restrictions), to ensure compliance with donor safeguards requirements in the formulation of project documentation, and to support PMU staff. Table 2 below provides an overview on the engagement of the International Safeguard Specialists.

Table 2: Engagement of International Safeguard Specialists

Role Mobilization % of Time /On Site Used to date International Safeguard Specialists international Environmental Specialist Q4 2019 ~20% International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Q4 2019 ~20% International Communication Specialist Q4 2019 ~20% International Social Safeguards and Gender Specialist Q2 2020 ~10% International Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Q2 2020 ~10%

15. The PMU safeguards staff consist of: • Ray Andresen - land and resettlement • Agnes Atkin - land and resettlement • Jack Mono – land and resettlement • Joshua Kera - environmental safeguards • Michelle Maelaua - communications • Relinta Manaka - project liaison and community consultation

Table 3 below outline the commencement date of PMU safeguard staff members.

Table 3: SW PMU Safeguard Staff

PMU Staff Commencement Date with SW Ray Andresen – Land and Resettlement May 2003 Agnes Atkin- Land and Resettlement January 2019 Jack Mono – Land and Resettlement December 2019 Joshua Kera – Environmental Safeguards August 2020 Michelle Maelaua - Communications March 2018 Relinta Manaka – Project Liaison and Community September 2019 Consultation

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

16. The roles and responsibilities for the EMP and LARP implementation, monitoring and reporting have been outlined in the Q2 Progress report for UWSSP. The in-house PMU staffs do most of the day-to-day implementation and monitoring, and are responsible for initial draft documentation and data collection. They also work closely with contractors to ensure compliance with the EMPs, LARPs and any training requirements. The PMU staff are then assisted by the international specialists, who support them from remote locations, through survey design, virtual meetings, discussions, written reviews, analysis and editing of documents. The responsibilities of specialists as provided in the Q2 Progress Report are:

Head of PMU Duties include the day-to-day oversight of the SW PMU; support to the detailed design process; support to UWSSSP design and implementation. This role was undertaken by Mark Waite, who finished his assignment at the end of March 2020, (but continued to provide support). His role was filled by Mr. David Boggs who is currently working remotely from the United States due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Adam Searancke is acting in a caretaker’s capacity within the Solomon Islands.

International WaSH Specialist Development of the Urban WaSH program under the UWSSSP; liaising with stakeholders to ensure effective design, integration and roll out of the Urban WaSH program; the WaSH Specialist also supports and develops a National WaSH Specialist who is yet to be recruited. The International WaSH Specialist has produced three plans with respect to WaSH: (i) WASH Baseline Survey Instrument (Questionnaire;). (ii) WaSH in Schools and WaSH informal settlement areas of Honiara TOR; and (iii) QCBS contract document for WaSH field implementation.

International Environment Specialist The Environment specialist is supporting the environment screening of the Kongulai WTP; ensuring contractors compliance with environment management best practice, supporting and developing a National Environmental Officer who commenced work in early August, 2020. The International Environment Specialist is supporting the review and production of environmental safeguards documents (in particular for Kongulai WTP, and review of Suez IEEs, PERs, and DCAs for HNWS, HNWW, and Provincial WSs).

International Communication Specialist The International Communication specialist has supported the SW Communication team in the development of the SW Communications Plan and program, including communication of the UWSSSP rationale, benefits, impacts, etc. This Plan was accepted by SW on 9 June 2020.

International Social Safeguards and Gender Specialist The International Social Safeguards and Gender Specialist will oversee the finalization of the resettlement report (RP) production for Kongulai WTP (initially prepared in-house by SW staff) and ensure that gender issues are adequately address in both the resettlement and WaSH activities. Their role additionally includes the review and oversight of RPs and social safeguards (especially gender-related issues) within the construction bid document (CSEMPs) produced by the design engineers (Suez.)

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist The M&E Specialist has overseen the production of the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (PMEF), which is a donor requirement. Working together with the Communications Specialist and other Safeguards specialists, the M&E Specialist has produced a draft PMEF, which is being finalized to (i) incorporate existing procedures specific to SW staffing and reporting; (ii) ensure congruence between donor M&E requirements and SW data-collection efforts; (iii) identify and exploit synergies in M&E and existing SW data collection while minimizing duplication of efforts; and (v) develop an understanding amongst SW staff for the need for collecting, analysing, and systematically reporting M&E data.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

2.3 Safeguards Documentation and Instruments

17. IEE and Social Safeguards documents are being produced for each sub-project and most are ongoing; each of the projects—Auki WS, Kongulai WTP (2 phases,) HNWS (2 subprojects,) HNWW (2 sub-projects,) and each of the Provincial Town WSs (Tulagi, Noro, Munda and Gizo) have IEE and PER documents in preparation in various stages of completion. The PERs are accompanied by a DCA (Development Consent Agreement,) which is reviewed by PMU then endorsed by the Ministry of Meteorology, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECCDMM.) After MECCDMM approval of the DCA, PERs are submitted to donors for review and comment, followed by revision and acceptance. Once engineering designs are advanced enough to ascertain infrastructure footprints and pipeline routes, property ownership consultations are conducted to locate and discuss with Affected Persons the use of their land for public use to accommodate water and/or sewerage infrastructure. The SPS Resettlement Policy and Procedures of ADB is used to guide a consultative process to reach agreements with individual Affected Persons on fair and mutually-agreeable compensation for any land taken, crops/trees destroyed, or livelihoods affected. Table 4 and Table 5 provide an updated status of IEE/PERs and DC applications for the UWSSSP subprojects.

Table 4 : Status of IEE/PERs for UWSSSP Subprojects

UWSSP Subprojects Safeguard Status as of Remarks Documents October 2020 Honiara Water Supply Kongulai Water IEE & PER Completed & Submitted and approved by Treatment Plant Approved MECCDMM. Development consent agreement (DCA) granted on the 1st of May 2020. Submitted to ADB and WB for review and clearance. Honiara Network Water IEE & PER Under review Resubmitted on 31st July 2020. Supply - Trunk Mains Presented in August 2020 to and Service Reservoirs MECCDMM. Undergoing review based on MECCDMM comments. Provincial Water Supply Schemes Auki IEE & PER Complete and Approved Noro IEE & PER Under review Re-submitted on 3/9/20. PER & proposal application presented to MECDM on 8/10/20 for review. Tulagi IEE & PER Under review Presented to MECDM on 8/10/20. Awaiting ECD Director approval and issuance of notice for public consultation/meeting.

Munda IEE & PER Under review PER and Proposal Application presented to MECDM on 15/10/20.

Gizo IEE & PER Under review Resubmitted 4/9/20 version based on latest BOD. PER & Proposal application presented to MECDM 15/10/20. Honiara sewer rehabilitation and expansion program 12

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Honiara Network Waste IEE & PER Ongoing To be updated on basis of final Water( Pump Stations modelling results and Collector Mains & Outfalls)

Table 5 : Development Consent Application and Status

UWSSP Subprojects Safeguard Status as of Remarks Documents October 2020 Honiara Water Supply Kongulai Water Development Completed & Development consent agreement Treatment Plant Consent Approved (DCA) granted on the 1st of May 2020. Honiara Network Water Development Under review Development proposal application Supply- Trunk Mains Consent presented in August 2020 to and Service MECDM. Undergoing review based Reservoirs on MECDM comments. Provincial Water Supply Schemes Auki Development Complete and DCA granted on 24th September Consent Approved 2018. Noro Development Under review Development proposal application Consent presented to MECDM on 8/10/20 for review. Tulagi Development Under review Development proposal application Consent presented to MECDM on 8/10/20. Awaiting ECD Director approval and issuance of notice for public consultation/meeting. Munda Development Under review Development proposal Application Consent presented to MECDM on 15/10/20.

Gizo Development Under review Development proposal application Consent presented to MECDM on 15/10/20. Honiara sewer rehabilitation and expansion program

Honiara Network Development Ongoing Development application yet to be Waste Water( Pump Consent submitted to MECDM. MECDM Stations and Collector requires an EIS instead of a PER. Mains & Outfalls) SUEZ is working on the EIS for the HNWW project.

2.4 Updated EMPs and LARPs

18. An Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) has been completed and approved for all the projects. The list of IEEs/PERs and their approval status are shown in Appendix 1.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING

3.1 Status of EMP implementation (mitigation measures)

19. Auki subproject. The Auki CESMP was prepared on 25th of June 2019. The final version of the CESMP was submitted to Solomon Water on 3rd of July 2019 for review and clearance. Solomon Water approved and cleared the CESMP prior to the contractor mobilization on the 23rd of July 2019. Monitoring has been undertaken by Site Manager/Supervisor in accordance with the approved CESMP and information obtained was reported in the contractor monthly progress reports. Borehole 1 station fence works were completed in accordance with the CESMP requirements and no non-conformances were identified nor reported during monthly inspections (Figure 1). Environmental and health safeguards audits will be undertaken in Q3 and Q4 2020, during stages of construction and demobilization.

Approvals for works including review of CESMP’s by ADB/WB prior to approval will be undertaken prior to commencement of the other subprojects. During implementation, monitoring and auditing of the CESMP will be undertaken, reported and where required corrective actions will be noted.

3.2 Health and safety

20. Detailed procedures to address potential COVID-19 impacts will be provided by the contractor during the construction phase e.g. the COVID-19 focal point, hand hygiene, checking and recording of worker temperatures, awareness raising with workers, COVD- 19 posters (e.g. symptoms, methods of transmission, hand hygiene etc), cleaning and waste disposal practices, reducing contact between workers etc.

3.3 Environmental effect monitoring

21. A ground water hydrocarbon monitoring investigation to investigate leakage from local tank hydrocarbon storage was undertaken in Q2, 2020 and no residual hydrocarbons were detected in groundwater.

22. Detailed monitoring of the CESMP was undertaken during Q 3 and will be reported in the following Semi-Annual report.

4 INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

4.1 Status of implementation of LARPs

23. An overall resettlement framework (RF/LARF) for the project was submitted to donors on 3rd October 2018, which laid out the approaches and objectives of land acquisition, which is to avoid involuntary settlement wherever possible, and minimize resettlement impacts, or at least restore the livelihoods of displaced persons, and to improve the living standards of poor displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. The RF provides a process of resettlement impact assessment, preparation of resettlement plans (LARP/RPs) and implementation of compensation and income restoration measures for Affected Persons and Displaced Persons. The status of RP reviews and approvals are shown in Appendix 2.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

24. Based on this Resettlement Framework, a Resettlement Plan was finalised on 8th March 2019 which includes six subprojects based in Honiara, but excludes work in the provinces. It covers:

i. Water reservoirs at (a) Tasahe, (b) Titinge Ridge, and (c) Panatina ii. Rehabilitation and building the new water treatment plant at Kongulai iii. Augmenting the trunk mains from a) Kongulai to White River and Rove Trunk Main; East Kola to Naha Trunk Main, and (c) Panatina SR to Burns Creek Trunk Main - to expand the existing network iv. Upgrades of sewer outfalls v. Construction of additional sewage pump stations and refurbishment of King George VI and Point Cruz wastewater pump stations vi. Construction of a septage treatment facility to service the Greater Honiara area

25. Work on the water supply at Gizo and other provincial centres is not included in the project RP/LARP. It was estimated that a total of 20,648 m2 of land will be impacted by the project. Of this land, 15,706 m2 will require negotiation of land agreements with private land owners. SW’s priority in all land negotiations is to pursue outright purchase of land, and only resort to lease arrangements when outright purchase negotiations are unsuccessful. The Kongulai WTP will require purchase of land for resettlement of affected people.

26. A more detailed and updated LARP/RP has been developed for the Kongulai WTP during the reporting period. The August-October 2020 feedback from ADB and WB on the first draft, the revisions and the final plan will be reported in the next reporting period (July-December 2020).

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Table 6: Summary of land activities for UWSSP subprojects

UWSSSP sub- Land tenure status Consultations made Lease & Purchase Payments Implementation timeline projects and planned Agreements Honiara Water Supply Subprojects Kongulai Water WTP being constructed Consultations: SW and Landowner 50- Purchase of Verification of land Treatment on leased land; Kongulai residents - year lease agreement resettlement land 10th ownership (2019) Plant Resettlement land 30 April 2019, signed for WTP (17th June 2020) Consultations with APs purchased outright for 6 May 2019, April 2020) for SBD 1.5m SBD paid to (2019 Q2 - 2020 Q2) SBD 1,560,000, and 13 June 2019, 62,674.27 plus annual Alice Luaseuta. being leased as FTE to 23 June, 2019 lease payment of SBD Land purchase and lease resettled residents. 7 August 2019, 1,880.23; Payment of leased agreements 2020 4 Sept 2019, SW has purchased land land Quarters 2-4 10 Oct 2019, outright for resettlement; (May 2020) 8 March 2020 8 resettlement Payment for land Stakeholder agreements signed with purchase th Workshops - Kongulai residents on 9 Payment for leased land 3x between July 2018 April 2020 - FTE title for and Feb 2019 family pending. Construction of Resettlement housing started 15th June 2020

Honiara No land acquisition Feasibility consultation Agreement/ SBD 600,000 (to be Verification of land Network Water needed for Panatina - between July 2018 contract with John Tupe paid 4 August 2020 to ownership Quarter 1-2 Supply - and Tasahe water and Feb 2019. 3x will be signed for land John Tupe.) 2020; reservoirs reservoirs (owned by workshops held. purchase 27 July 2020 Consultations with APs SW). Titinge requires Payment of SBD Quarters 2-4 2020; Land acquisition of 2,500 m2 Detailed Design Deed of settlement to be 150,000 to be paid 13 purchase Quarters 3-4 of PE (freehold) land consultations: a series signed with Kakau July to Kakau 2020 from owner (John of individual Valimauvo sub-tribe (13 Valimauvo sub-tribe Signing of Deed of Tupe) for new tank. consultations with July 2020) Settlement - Quarters 3-4 Kakua sub-tribe also private landowners and Identification of 2020 have interest in PE, land users during Q 2- Mr Menesa willing to replacement house Payment to land owner, and agreed to remove 4 2020 vacate property in for land occupier are sub-tribe, and land claim by signing deed exchange for on-going. occupier Quarters 3-4 of settlement. compensation of assets, 2020.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Land occupier (Teddy and assistance to secure Commencement of civil Menesa) must be a house and land to be works - Quarter 2, 2021 compensated for paid for by SW. assets - structures, and Negotiations are on- crops and trees. going. Honiara 1. East Kola (SW / Feasibility consultation: No land acquisition Payment for Losses Verification of land Network Water Govt) between July 2018 and required for Panatina, Quarters 3-4 2020 ownership Quarters 1-2 Supply - Trunk 2. Panatina (SW / Feb 2019 there were 3 East Kola and White 2020; Community Mains Govt) workshops River (which will use Consultations Quarters 3- 3. White River Detailed Design existing pipeline lease 4 2020; (SW/CoL) - Govt & consultations: 4x and FTE grant Inventory of Losses - FTE consultations with APs instrument requiring March-Sept 2020; along four sites leaseholders to provide Commencement of civil planned between July access.) works: Quarter 1 2021 2020 and Oct 2020. Agreements signed for affected non-land assets Provincial Water Supply Schemes Auki No land acquisition nor 19-21 June 2019 No land lease nor Payment for losses Consultations with resettlement required purchase agreement Quarter 2, 2019. community and for Auki Water Supply made. The Project land Estimated stakeholders. Finalisation Projectl is designated as water compensation and signing of MoU catchment area under payment for trees and agreement Quarters 1-2 the Auki Land Planning crops and APs 2019; Inventory of losses Scheme and perpetually amounts to a total of Quarter 1-2 2019; owned by the SBD $29,765.00 Commencement of Commissioner of Lands. construction work Quarter 3 2019. Gizo All land on Gizo island 13-14 May 2020 Yet to be developed None yet is owned by Western Provincial Govt, but some critical sites have settlers. Land acquisition & Resettlement plan in progress. UXO may be a problem. Noro No land acquisition and 12 May 2020 Yet to be developed None yet

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

resettlement is envisaged. RP in progress. Munda No land acquisition and 11 May 2020 Yet to be developed None yet resettlement is envisaged. RP in progress Tulagi Land proposed for 25 Feb 2020 Yet to be developed None yet reservoirs & WTP owned by Provincial Govt and CoL. Need approx. 0.3 ha to build new facilities. No land acquisition from private owners will be required. MoA needed with Prov Govt and/or CoL. RP in progress Honiara sewer rehabilitation and expansion program Honiara Consultations with Yet to begin. N/A N/A N/A Network Waste Trustees of the Water Honiara seafront (Pump where two long Stations, outfalls are proposed Collector yet to begin (at Mains, and National Referral Outfalls) Hospital and Renadi landfill site).

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

27. Activities for the Kongulai WTP LARP are under way. Following consultations and negotiations, a landowners’ agreement has been reached to secure the land required for the WTP through a 50-year lease agreement. The payment mechanism in the lease agreements is for an upfront lease premium payment, followed by annual rental payment.

28. Land acquisition for an area neighbouring the water treatment plant, to be used for the resettlement of 41 residents from eight households, is being finalised, following extensive consultations and negotiations. Resettlement agreements between these people and SW have been signed, (which include individual MOUs and inventories of losses) and compensation for affected assets and crops has been paid. The displaced family of eight households (41 people) had formerly no legal land rights, but with resettlement to SW acquired land (in Perpetual Estate) they will be issued with a Fixed Term Estate title to the land, improving their status. The relocated households will be settled within 100m of the existing houses to maintain proximity to existing unaffected garden land and hunting grounds. Work on building the seven new replacement houses started on 15th June 2020 by a local contractor. One householder elected to move elsewhere and has been paid for her house at current market value to enable her to move.

4.2 Outstanding resettlement activities

29. There are a number of outstanding resettlement activities for the Kongulai WTP. These include:

• SW is in the process of obtaining the FTE titles for the relocated family • Existing houses have to be dismantled and materials moved by the owners (with assistance from SW) • Guadalcanal Planning and Development Board approval for the resettlement is pending • New Kongulai relocation houses have yet to be completed. (On 15th June work began on building platforms, septic tanks, drainage, and the access track.) • The Resettlement Framework has not been updated. • Detailed LARPs for all the provincial water supply system projects (except Honiara which is in progress) have yet to be written. Progress will be reported in the next monitoring report.

5 COMPLIANCE WITH SAFEGUARDS RELATED PROJECT COVENANTS

30. The project is addressing project related covenants of both ADB and WB as per summary listed in Table 4.

Table 7: Compliance with safeguard related project covenants

Covenant Reference Due Date Compliance status as of 30 June 2020 Environment: IEE, CEMP During Being complied with. Assess temporary implementation - 6 Audit for projects to and longer term monthly be undertaken Q3/Q4 impacts; communities 2020. to be consulted; formal GRM established; environmental specialist employed; 19

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Land acquisition LARF, LARP During Kongulai WTP land and Resettlement: implementation - 6 acquisition and Impacts assessed; monthly resettlement being communities to be finalised consulted; compensation for lost assets and damage; formal GRM established; safeguard specialists employed; Indigenous peoples: IPP issues integrated Separate IP Separate IP All beneficiaries are into IEE, LARF, instruments and instruments and indigenous; LARP, CEMP reporting not required reporting not consultations with required. IEE ensures local government and free, prior and communities to informed consent. ensure broad support for project. Labour standards, CEMP, LARP During To be undertaken in health and safety: implementation audit Q3/Q4 Promote safety and health at work. Gender and GAP 6 monthly monitoring Report overdue. development report Expected Q3-4 2020 the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls Safeguards CEMP, LARP During Safeguards provisions in implementation provisions are being bidding docs and included in bidding contracts docs and contracts Safeguard IEE, LARP, GAP 6 monthly during First report prepared. monitoring and implementation reporting: to monitor and report on safeguards as to avoid, mitigate, or minimize adverse environmental and social impacts of projects

6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CAPACITY BUILDING

31. Public consultations have complied with the plans as defined in the IEE and the LARP. Refer to Appendix 2 (Figures 2 – 6) for selected photographs of consultations undertaken within the reporting period.

6.1 Public consultation activities

Kongulai Water Treatment Plant

32. Consultations with the affected families at Kongulai and for the Tasahe pipeline began in the previous year, before the current reporting period, in April 2019 and continued

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020 into the reporting period. In general there is a high level of support for the project and affected people are happy with the resettlement agreements. A summary of the consultations can be found in Table 8 below.

Table 8: Consultation activities for the Kongulai Water Treatment Project

Date Venue Participants Discussion/Topic 30 April 2019 Kongulai Village - 1st Logino and Brian Discussion of meeting Vatohi proposed WTP SW PMU team (Ray project. Resolution of Andressen & Agnes grievances between Atkin family and title holder 6 May 2019 Kongulai Village All members of Presentation of Logino plus wider chupu ($2000 as part extended family customary payment) SW PMU team (Ray MoU signed by & Rex) Tebolo and Kutu on behalf of community 13 June 2019 Kongulai Village - All Logino family Reconfirm 2nd meeting members resettlement plan; SW PMU team (Ray confirm site and Agnes) relocation plans; land issues and date for meeting with land title holder 23 June 2019 Kurara Village, Michael Hanikouna Face to face meeting Kongulai (land title holder); with land owning Kongulai community; group and Kongulai Logino family; SW community; PMU officiers agreements discussed regarding (i) purchase of land from landowner, and (ii) relocation of family 7 August 2019 Kongulai Village - 3rd Members of affected Disclosure of detailed meeting family and SW PMU plans for (Ray and Agnes) development of WTP; environmental issues around water turbidity, impacts of surroundings etc; issues around resettlement land site. 4 September 2019 Kongulai Village All members of Presentation of and 10 October Logino family chupu (goods worth 2019 extended family SBD $2,500) to SW PMU officers enable SW to do (Agnes, Noel, Rex, Geotech testing on Colson, Justine) site. MoU signed by Tebolo and Kutu on behalf of community 8 March 2020 Tasahe (Lower Pipeline affected Aims of the new Tajelu) people; SW PMU WTP & pipeline officers explained; pipeline construction on SIG leased land - why 21

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

and how; results of initial survey of affected people; plans for UXO survey; notice of date for further consultation

33. Notes from the meetings can be found in Annex 4(b) and 4(c), and resettlement agreements in Annex 7 of the LARP. SW will continue holding consultations with the Kongulai Community and the land title holder for the purposes of formally securing the land for the proposed water treatment project.

Honiara Water Supply

34. During the feasibility study stage, stakeholders were consulted between July 2018 and February 2019. A total of three stakeholder workshops to disclose plans and discuss issues, were held, attended by NGO representatives, government officials, community members and potential affected people. Minutes of the meetings are available in the draft LARP - Appendix 7 and 8 and IEE - Appendix 5. These consultations indicated a high level of support for the project from the community to improve water supply and sanitation services within and around Honiara. Another round of public consultations was carried out by SW prior to completion of the detailed design stage. 35. Consultations were also undertaken with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the responsible government agency for the road and easement which SW uses to lay pipes. Other relevant government agencies were also consulted to communicate the detailed project design.

Table 9: Summary of consultation issues raised in initial stakeholder workshop

Group Represented Issues and Concerns Raised Project’s Response Solomon Islands If the proposed pipelines are laid, Any new pipeline to be laid will be alongside Chamber of will it mean laying pipes across the the road and for crossings, the pipeline will Commerce and newly built road? be laid underneath the road Industry SW’s strategic plan identified the construction of a wastewater treatment plant for the sewerage system later in the planning years, but not in first 5 years of the HCC expressed its desire for SW plan to construct a wastewater Honiara City Council treatment plant for the sewerage (HCC) since the coastal area is already SW will extend the length of the sewerage polluted marine outfalls to improve the dilution of the waste discharges. In addition, screens will be installed in the outfalls pumping stations to screen out the plastic and large solids to reduce the amount of pollution to the sea. Honiara’s Mayor expressed his desire for SW to give priority on At present SW’s sewerage system only constructing a sewage treatment covers a small area of the city and with its Honiara City plant since the coastal area and limited resources, it is trying hard to address other parts of the city are already the issue of sewage pollution. polluted.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Ministry of SW plans to cover some 30% of the city, Environment, while the rest will be the responsibility of the Climate Change, Will SW increase its sewerage city council. However, this will be supported Disaster coverage to a large part of the by a proposed subproject for a septage Management and city? treatment plant to address the septage Meteorology generated by the septic tanks. (MECDM) MID expressed its desire for better coordination between MID and SW regarding construction of the SW does not want to excavate newly paved Ministry of proposed pipelines since more roads. Whenever feasible, it will use pipeline Infrastructure road improvements are being tunnelling construction methods to avoid Development (MID) planned for the future. excavating the newly paved roads.

SW will close down the Kongulai water How will SW address the issue of source when the proposed subproject for Kongulai water source – its quality Lungga Water Treatment Plant becomes National Council of and the shutting down sometimes operational. For the moment, there is a Women due to problems with the need to shut down the Kongulai water landowners? source during heavy rain due to poor water quality. ECD points to the need for the Environment Environmental assessment is being project to have environmental Conservation undertaken and the legal requirements for assessment and address the issue Division (ECD) land acquisition will also be complied with. of land acquisition

36. During the detailed design period between July 2020 and October 2020, SW plan to conduct four more consultations with communities along the four pipeline areas, as well as undertaking a detailed inventory of losses along the sites. SW will continue consulting with the community and Affected Persons to address any questions and concerns identified during surveys. These activities will be reported on during the next reporting period.

Provincial Water Supplies Upgrade

37. Between January and June 2020, a series of consultations and discussions were held in the provinces where water supplies are to be upgraded or expanded under the UWSSSP. These were funded under the project readiness financing facility, and conducted by two consultants from SUEZ and two SW staff members. A detailed report on the activities, was prepared: “Community Engagement Report, QPR2”, a summary of the activities is presented below in Table 5.

Table 10: Provincial Focus Group Discussions

Province Venue Participants Purpose Comments & Date Gizo Gizo 2 SUEZ Update on project & Presentations on: Women’s 2 SW follow up of May 2019 - gender and social 13-14 May Resource 44 community household survey. inclusion 2020 Centre members (25 Information sharing and - design & locations of men, 19 strengthening partner infrastructure women) relations. - water charges & Investigating willingness payment options to pay and affordability - land issues. FGDs: Many Seeking recommendations recommendations for including new site for 23

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

improving services to tank & acceptance of customers. cash meters (see Community Engagement Report QPR2)

Munda Agnes 2 SUEZ Update on project & Presentations on: Gateway 2 SW follow up of May 2019 - overview of project 11th May Hotel 44 community household survey. - design and location of 2020 members (25 Information sharing and proposed tank men and 19 strengthening partner - water charges women) relations. - land issues Investigating willingness FGDs: to pay and affordability Queries about water issues. quality & chlorine, Seeking location of tanks, recommendations for payment options, improving services to different fee rates for customers. schools and churches. (see Comm. Engagement Report QPR2) Landowners meeting: to discuss issue of disputes Noro Venue 2 SUEZ Update on project and Presentations: overlooking 2 SW feedback on May 2019 - overview of project 12th May Noro 41 community survey. Awareness - design and location of market members (25 raising on land, tank and facilities men and 19 customer service and - water charges and women) design payment options Information and gauging - land issues expectations around cost FGDs: of water, and willingness - buffer zones around to pay. Seeking catchment areas recommendations for - house connections improving services to - water meters customers. - illegal connections - land issues with Ziata people who own water source (royalties) - migrant rights vs local people - Soltuna fish factory and whether local demand can be met with proposed two new boreholes Tulagi Tulagi 2 SUEZ Update on project & Presentations on: Women’s 2 SW follow up of May 2019 - project b/gd 25 Feb Resource 53 community household survey. - design and location of 2020 Centre members (33 Information sharing and tanks, water sources etc. men, 20 strengthening partner - land & landowner women) relations. issues Investigating willingness - water charges and to pay and affordability payment options issues. FGDs: Many Seeking recommendations (see recommendations for Com Engagement improving services to Report QPR2). customers. Discussed billing issues and catchment 24

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

restrictions. There was a gender divide between men who thought water costs were expensive, and women who thought costs were reasonable.

Auki

38. All new staff employed for the Auki water supply upgrade, were provided with training during induction to the site. HIV/AIDS awareness training for the contractor’s staff was conducted in September 2019 by the SI Planned Parenthood Association.

6.2 Planned consultation activities for July-Dec 2020

39. Improving hygiene practice was not a part of SW’s core functions, but following the UWSSSP PPA report by EGIS in October 2018, a hygiene awareness and education program (HAEP) was included as the third component in the Project. In the next quarter a HAEP survey will be conducted in Honiara, as preparation for a separately funded WASH and Behavioural Change program.

40. There will be on-going discussions with provincial communities, and particularly with landowners where land issues are likely to be obstacles to implementation of Honiara and provincial water supply plans.

6.3 Capacity building

41. There were no safeguards training activities in the reporting period, partly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused travel restrictions and delays. Planned training activities for the next quarters include: • Safeguards training by ADB /WB for SW staff • Further communicable diseases (including COVID-19, STI, HIV/AIDS) awareness and prevention raising for contractor’s staff and the surrounding community in provincial centres will be undertaken when contracts are finalised.

7 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM)

42. A GRM has been designed to deal with grievances from the general public and affected persons, in relation to all SW managed projects, covering all stages of the project cycle. The GRM covers both social and environmental grievances, and care has been taken to ensure confidentiality for those making complaints. It is a three-stage process, which allows for appeals at each stage: complaints are forwarded to the Project Manager who tries to solve the complaint; if a solution cannot be reached the complaint is referred upwards first to the General Manager of SW, and then, if no resolution is found, to a Grievance Tribunal of three people: (i) a member of the Board of SW; (ii) the Permanent Secretary (or designate) of the MMERE; (iii) an independent member jointly selected by CEO/GM SW and Board Chairman. Within five working days of the Tribunal meeting, a formal response is issued to the aggrieved party out lining the Tribunal’s decision on the grievance. The decision is final, as far as the SW grievance process is concerned, but if this is still not accepted, the complainant has the option of taking the complaint to the Solomon Islands judicial system. Disclosure of the GRM process and awareness of how it works has been delivered through the many community consultations.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

43. A full complaints register table is contained in Appendix 5, which will be updated in semi-annual reports throughout the implementation period. During the reporting period, there has been one grievance related to the resettlement process at Kongulai recorded. The case details of Grievance 001 are:

i. A woman who has informal, part family ownership of two of the houses at Kongulai, but who is not currently living at the site, (and therefore not required to relocate due to the WTP project), has made a claim for compensation or, failing that, for a new individual house to be built for her (complaint of 19th March 2020). By ADB’s definition, she cannot be considered a displaced person. ii. Her complaint also made a reference to loss of crops, but her family advised SW at a meeting on 10th July, that she had been compensated $7000 by family members for her share of the crops from SW’s compensation payment to the whole family. iii. A hearing was held on 13th May 2020, where the grievance was considered but not accepted, since SW determined that the complaint was an internal issue within the family. The family say that the woman complainant has about 30% ownership of two houses by virtue of her assistance in supplying building materials at the time of construction. The houses have an approximate value of $100,000 each. The family will have the opportunity to remove the old houses and recover the materials from them on completion of the new houses. The complainant can recover her materials at this stage. iv. The family say that the complainant will be part owner of any new houses, as she currently is with the old houses. The land being gifted to the family by SW is to be registered in the names of two senior male members on behalf of the entire family, including the complainant. By virtue of the land title being held on behalf of the entire family, the complainant’s interest in the land and houses is considered protected by the family and by SW. v. The complainant was informed of SW’s decision on 25th June. This case was not settled to the satisfaction of the complainant, whose lawyer has written to say they intend taking SW to court. The on-going issues regarding this will be reported in the July-December Safeguards Monitoring Report.

42. SW have undertaken full consultation, consulted with safeguards specialists, and believe they have acted in good faith according to the SW GRM, in compliance with ADB’s SPS and the laws of Solomon Islands. SW have stated that no further action is warranted.

43. However, this first grievance case illustrates the extremely difficult problems associated with land acquisition and resettlement in Melanesian states. Land issues are at the centre of debates around the complex interaction between customary and state legal systems in many Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands. This grievance shows, in particular, some of the problems that arise in peri-urban areas. People settled on the land at Kongulai WTP are not, in fact, legal owners of the land, but of course have resettlement rights under ADB and WB policies. However, especially in peri-urban situations, the land tenure issues are complicated, partly as a result of customary land ownership changing as a result of state systems of registering land. The Solomon Island state legal system requires that landholding groups be a small number of individuals, (which normally means male leasers who have customary authority to discuss land in the public arena) and whose customary “rights to speak” are then transformed into effective ownership.

44. Women sometimes dispute this right, especially in areas with a tradition of matrilineal inheritance of land. It is common for women to draw on informal systems based in kastom (and sometimes with reference to Christianity) to affirm their roles in relation to land,

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020 dispute resolution and the distribution of financial benefits. Research2 has found that a common argument around Honiara is, that many land dealings were illegitimate because they have been undertaken without women, who are the “real landowners” in Guadalcanal’s matrilineal systems. Many women report3 that they find out about the details of a land transaction or dispute only after male leaders have reached a decision.

45. While SW has followed the letter of the law exactly, and ADB/WB policy, shifting customary practices and perceptions such as these may fuel conflicts within the family and in the wider area. SW must be aware that male leaders, registered as trustees, may assume control of negotiations, with women not appearing to be adequately consulted in decision-making and distribution of resources within the clan or family. Thorough consultation and knowledge of local kastom are essential. It seems clear that in this case above, the woman was given adequate ‘voice’ in the negotiations and grievance process. It is hoped that the family will be able to use customary practice, knowledge of oral histories and tutungu (genealogies) to ensure all women retain their rights in land, even when they are not physically residing on the family land. SW have requested that the family provide a written guarantee stating that the woman complainant will retain her land and other rights in the two houses, as she had in the old houses.

46. The second grievance case was raised by Junior Savino Lauhana on 19th March 2020, and formally registered as a complaint on 24th April. Junior is the uncle of Lilian Vatohi, who owned one of the houses designated for resettlement. Rather than having SW build her a new house, she chose to receive cash compensation of SBD $375,000, (the estimated value of a new 2-bedroom house) for the house, plus the cost of transport to move elsewhere at Kakabona. She is also to receive SBD$56,000 cash to purchase land at her chosen relocation site. Junior’s complaint to SW was that as he was an occupant in the house, he should also receive a new 2-bedroom house, and that SW was forcing him out of the house without compensation.

47. Junior Savino and his family were living at Lilian’s house, and her agreement with SW stated that she would be responsible for assisting him, as a current occupant, in relocating. On 5th June, a meeting was held between SW, Lilian and Junior where it was agreed by all parties that she would (i) provide him with $2000 cash as cultural respect and for the inconvenience of moving; (ii) dismantle the current house and give the materials to Junior for him to rebuild elsewhere, and (iii) assist him with a further $50,000 to buy house materials, once her house was cleared and the relocation payment from SW was received. A witnessed agreement was signed to this effect.

48. On 9th July Lilian wrote to Junior to restate the agreement, and Junior signed it to say that he agreed with the assistance offered. The grievance case was therefore closed and payment made on 15th July 2020.

49. A further complaint was received in June 2020 from the Auki building site, where a neighbouring property owner near where a new water tank was being constructed, was unhappy with the location of the fencing. Residents threatened the contractor’s staff with machetes as they were working. The site management stopped work and referred the complaint to SW. Following discussions, SW made some concessions to the fencing alignment, which eased the neighbours’ concerns and resolved the problem.

2Monson, Rebecca, 2011, ‘Negotiating Land Tenure: Women Men and the Transformation of Land Tenure in Solomon Islands’, in Customary Justice: Perspectives on Legal Empowerment, Legal and Governance Reform: Lesson Learned, No.3/2011, pp169-185 ,International Development Law Organisation 3 Ibid, p.179 27

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

8 CONCLUSION

8.1 Conclusions

50. During the review period the following outcomes have been achieved:

i. The approval process for the Kongulai WTP IEE and LARP has been substantially completed, and will be finished during Q3/4 of 2020. ii. The approval process for the IEE and LARP for each subproject is ongoing and planned to be completed during Q3/4 of 2020. iii. Agreements and compensation arrangements for relocation of households at Kongulai have been completed. iv. Construction work for the Auki water supply upgrade is ongoing with no safeguards compliance issues.

8.2 Recommendations for implementation and corrective actions

51. There are no recommendations or corrective actions required.

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Approval process time line

Table 11: Environmental safeguard deliverables as of 1st July 2020

Status Environmental Safeguards Comment/Remarks Latest Versions A. Field (including pre-mission Done preparation) B. Reports Required 1. Updated IEE Report To be submitted, Aug 2020 Will update if required by ADB/WB 2. HNWS PER and DC To be re-submitted, 31 July Updated based on EDC application Comments on DC application 3. HNWS ESMP/CESMPs (2) To be re-submitted, 7 Jul Updated based on ADB/WB 2020 comments 11June 4. HNWW PER and DC To re-submitted, 7 Jul 2020 Updated based on ADB/WB application comments 11June 5. HNWW ESMP/CESMPs (2) To be-submitted, 7 Jul 2020 Updated based on ADB/WB comments 6 Jul & 11June 6. Tulagi PER / DC application To be re-submitted, 22 Jun Updated based on ADB/WB 2020 comments 7. Tulagi ESMP/CESMP To be re-submitted, 22 Jun Updated based on ADB/WB 2020 comments 8. Gizo PER / DC application To be re-submitted 4 Sept Updated based on ADB/WB version based on latest BOD comments 9. Gizo ESMP/CESMP To be re-submitted 4 Sept Updated based on ADB/WB version based on latest BOD comments 10. Noro PER To be submitted 3 Updated based on ADB/WB September 2020 comments 11. Munda PER To be submitted 12 Updated based on ADB/WB September, 2020 comments

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Appendix 2: Status of Resettlement Plans

UWSSP Safeguard Status as of Remarks Subprojects Documents December 2020 Honiara Water Supply Kongulai Water Resettlement Completed and All Affected parties resettled Treatment Plant Plan(RP) approved and compensated. Action in 2021 will include monitoring of implementation of the RP.

Honiara Network Resettlement Approved by ADB RP under review by WB. Water Supply- Plan(RP) but still undergoing Cleared on 17th December by Trunk Mains and review by WB. ADB. SW Social safeguard service reservoirs. team currently liaising with affected parties and crop owners. Provincial Water Supply Schemes Noro Resettlement Ongoing RP still in progress Plan(RP) Tulagi Resettlement Ongoing RP still in progress Plan(RP) Munda Resettlement Ongoing RP still in progress Plan(RP) Auki Resettlement Completed and All affected parties resettled Plan(RP) approved and compensated.

Gizo Resettlement Ongoing RP still in progress Plan(RP) Honiara sewer rehabilitation and expansion program Honiara Network Resettlement Ongoing RP still in progress Waster Water( Plan(RP) Pump Stations and Collector Mains & Outfalls)

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Appendix 3: Photographs

The following photographs illustrate some of the activities related to safeguards during this quarter. Figure 1, shows the fence completed at Borehole Station 1 at Auki. Figure 2 shows SW staff discussing resettlement entitlements with residents at Kongulai. Figure 3 illustrates the type of houses which are being demolished on the WTP site, which will be replaced by higher standard 2 or 3 bedroomed new houses nearby. Figures 4,5, and 6 show a selection of photos taken during the provincial consultations for new water systems.

Figure 1: Fence completed at Borehole 1 site at Auki

Figure 2: Consultation at Kongulai

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Figure 3: Resettlement: Houses to be demolished and replaced at Kongulai WTP site

Figure 4: Women’s Focus Discussion Group at Tulagi

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Figure 5: Men’s Focus Group Discussion at Tulagi

Figure 6: Gizo community consultation participants

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Appendix 4: Sample Resettlement Agreement

RESETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made the ………………………… day of………….………… 2020

A. PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT

Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) trading as Solomon Water (SOLOMON WATER), of P. O. Box 1407, Honiara, represented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the one part

AND

ANTHONY TEBOLO, representing the affected household/family (H1&H2) currently settled in the Proposed Water Treatment Plant Vicinity, Kongulai, West Guadalcanal of the other part

B. WHEREAS:

1. Anthony Tebolo is one of the persons currently having one of the eight houses on the Proposed Water Treatment Plant development vicinity covered portion of the registered Portion of Perpetual Estate Title in Parcel Number 191-073-4 (hereinafter referred to as “the Settlement Land”) Plot B situated at Kongulai, West Guadalcanal

2. The Land intended for resettlement is a portion of parcel number 191-073-10 measured approximate 3,200 square meter as indicated on the Plans attached to this Agreement

3. Solomon Water has agreed to resettle ANTHONY TEBOLO and ANTHONY TEBOLO has agreed to be resettled subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set out

IT IS AGREED that in consideration of the premises, terms, covenants and stipulations herein contained, the Parties hereto hereby agree with each other as follows:

C. PURPOSE

4. The purpose of this AGREEMENT is to establish the terms and conditions governing the relocation of the affected persons currently living within the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) portion of the registered perpetual estate in parcel number 191-073-4 Known as PLOT B on the Plan Attached

5. In particular this AGREEMENT is intended to:

a. Allow the subject site (Plot B) vacated by the time required by Solomon Water to proceed with the Water Treatment Plant works

b. Allow access and approval for the authorized SIWA staff, vehicles, contractors and consultants to carry out works of the Water Treatment Plant

c. Maintain ongoing cordial relationship between the two parties

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

D. AGREEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT

6. On Site Agreement and Responsibilities

6.1 House Compensation

a) Solomon Water will replace ANTHONY TEBOLO’s current two (2) existing house valued at SBD$143.842-00 and SBD$131,760 dollars respectively with an approved standard 2 bed room house plan valued at SBD$375,000 dollars each

b) Solomon Water will manage the construction of approved and agreed Two bed room house plan

c) Solomon Water will be responsible for the cost of providing water and power connection lines to the relocation site and replaced houses. Payment of water and power bills will be the responsibility of the house owner

d) Solomon Water will be responsible for cost of moving and transporting movable items from current settlement site to new resettlement site

6.2 Land Compensation

a) Solomon Water will transfer Lease Title to the relocation land to Logino Vatohi and Anthony Tebolo whom will hold Lease Title on behalf of Anthony Tebolo and other Affected Persons to be resettled on site in the project sponsored resettlement site

6.3 Other Works

a) Solomon Water will meet other associated relocation site cost for works like Access track, Septic, Drainage and Building platforms

b) Solomon Water will relocate existing one (1) free stand Pipe as per Konguali lease agreement (191-064-1) off site before the handover of the resettlement site c) Anthony Tebolo will salvage any materials from his current houses within one week from the handover of the resettlement site

6.4 Loss of Crop Compensation and Loss of Income Assistance

a) Solomon Water will compensate ANTHONY TEBOLO, an amount of SBD$7,790-00 dollars being for Loss of Crops based on the final survey Crop listing calculated basing on the Ministry of Agriculture Crop Rates.

b) Solomon Water will further compensate ANTHONY TEBOLO, an amount of SBD$56,610-00 being for Loss of income assistance.

c) Solomon Water will in recognition of the cultural obligation “Chupu” for moving from the original settlement area to the new resettlement area will give an amount of SBD$100,000-00 dollars to Logino Vatohi and Anthony Tebolo who will receive on behalf of the Affected Persons

7.0 Payment

a) Solomon Water and Anthony Tebolo agreed that on signing of this Agreement Payment will be raised and paid to Anthony Tebolo on the first week of May 2020 35

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have executed this Contract on the day and year first hereinbefore written.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF SOLOMON ISLANDS WATER AUTHORITY )

………………………………….. IAN GOODEN General Manager

SIGNED BY: ANTHONY TEBOLO ) In the presence of:

Signature of Witness) (Name of Witness)

Semi-Annual Safeguards Report: Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project January - June 2020

Appendix 5: GRM Register

SW Complaint/Grievance Register

Grievance Plantiff Status Date Description Immediate Date of Stage Stage 1 Date of Stage Stage 2 Date of Outcome Number Raised action pending 1 Meeting Decision 2 Meeting Outcome tribunal Meeting Arrange Claim of meeting with ownership - Plantiff with Jae No grievance GC001 Active Kongulai CEO and 13/05/2020 Godelyn to answer Housing progress resettlement grievance to stage 2 Mr Lauhana was not included in the Pending upon list of families Junior affected. He Arrange stage 1 Junior Lauhana's GC002 Active 19/04/2020 inhabits one of meeting with Pending Lauhana arrival from the houses head of PMU Western that is Province. scheduled for resettlement (Lillian)