SFG1886 V2 REV Public Disclosure Authorized

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE

Public Disclosure Authorized KANUMA - AMDALAI FARAFENNI - KERR ALI FARAFENNI - ILLIASA DIABUGU BATAPA - TABANDING WOLLOF

TRANSMISSION LINES INCLUDED IN Public Disclosure Authorized THE GAMBIA ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROJECT BY NAWEC

Public Disclosure Authorized REVISED OCTOBER 2017

0 Table of Contents ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 3 LIST OF TABLES ...... 4 LIST OF FIGURES ...... 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 6 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 11 1.1 Introduction and background ...... 11 1.2 Objectives of the ESMP ...... 11 1.3 Scope and structure of this ESMP ...... 12 1.4 Methodology ...... 12 CHAPTER 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 13 2.1 INITIAL project components ...... 13 2.2 Additional Project component ...... 13 CHAPTER 3: BASELINE CONDITIONS ...... 14 3.1 General Baseline Environmental Conditions ...... 14 3.1.1 The Physical Environment ...... 14 3.1.2: The Biological Environment ...... 16 3.1.3 The Socio-economic Environment ...... 18 3.2 Specific Baseline Environmental Conditions ...... 20 3.2.1 Description of the Amdalai / Kanuma T&D Corridor ...... 20 3.2.2 Description of the Kerr Ali / Farafenni T&D Corridor...... 24 3.2.3 Description of the Farafenni / Illiasa T&D Corridor ...... 26 3.2.4 Description of the Tabanding Wollof / Diabugu Batapa T&D Corridor ...... 32 CHAPTER 4: POLICY, LEGAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK...... 37 4.1 National instruments ...... 37 4.2 Regional Policies ...... 38 4.3 World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards...... 38 4.4 institutional framework ...... 38 CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATIONS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...... 40 5.1 Objectives of the Stakeholder Consultations ...... 40 5.2 Summary of issues during the Stakeholder Consultations ...... 40 CHAPTER 6: ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 43 6.1 Evaluation of Environmental and Social Impacts ...... 43 6.2 Description of Significant Environmental and Social Impacts with Corresponding Mitigation Measures ...... 45 6.2.1 Potential Positive Impacts ...... 45 6.2.2 Potential Negative Impacts ...... 45 1

CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 50 7.1 Matrix on Mitigation of Impacts related to the cross-border Transmission and Distribution Networks ...... 50 CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CROSS BORDER ESMP ...... 54 8.1 Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders ...... 54 8.2 Institutional Training and Sensitization ...... 54 8.3 Monitoring of the ESMP ...... 55 8.4 Reporting...... 55 8.5 Environmental Auditing...... 55 8.6 additonal budget for Implementation of this ESMP ...... 56 CHAPTER 9: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 57 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 58 ANNEXES ...... 59 Annex 1: Map illustrating the t&d routes of the new component...... 59 Annex 2: Some photos outside the project areas yet important for nawec to learn from ...... 60 Annex 3: Health and Safety Guidelines during Works at Heights …………………………...61

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services DPPH Department of Physical Planning and Housing ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ERERA ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority ESF Environmental and Social Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan GAF Gambia Armed Forces GBOS Gambia Bureau of Statistics GEAP Gambia Environment Action Plan GESP Gambia Electricity Support Project GRA Gambia Revenue Authority MoECCNAR Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources MoPE Ministry of Petroleum and Energy NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NAWEC National Water and Electricity Company NBR North Bank Region NEA National Environment Agency NEMA National Environment Management Act PCU Project Coordination Unit PURA Public Utilities Regulatory Authority ROW Right-of-Way SEO Senior Environmental Officer T&D Transmission and Distribution TAC Technical Advisory Committee URR Upper River Region WAPP West African Power Pool WB World Bank

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Annual and Monthly Mean Rainfall (mm) in Kerewan, NBR (2010-2014) ...... 15 Table 2: Annual and Monthly Mean Rainfall (mm) in Basse, URR (2010-2014) ...... 15 Table 3: Monthly Mean Temperature (oC) in Kerewan, NBR (2010-2014) ...... 15 Table 4: Monthly Mean Temperature (oC) in Basse, URR (2010-2014) ...... 15 Table 5: Farming calendar of activities along the proposed corridors ...... 19 Table 6: Demography of villages and communities along the Amdalai / Kanuma corridor ...... 20 Table 7: Description of site specific conditions along the Amdalai / Kanuma corridor ... 23 Table 8: Demography of Kerr Ali on the Kerr Ali / Farafenni corridor ...... 25 Table 9: Description of site specific conditions along the Kerr Ali / Farafenni Corridor . 25 Table 10: Demography of villages and communities along the Farafenni/ Illiasa corridor ...... 26 Table 11: Description of site specific conditions along the Farafenni-Illiasa corridor ..... 28 Table 12: Demography of villages and communities along Sinchu Wailubeh/Diabugu corridor ...... 33 Table 13: Description of site specific conditions along the Sinchu Wailubeh/Sinchu Musa/Diabugu Corridor ...... 34 Table 14: Main Regulatory framework relevant to the Project component ...... 37 Table 15: Institutional arrangement ...... 38 Table 16: Comments received from some of the people consulted ...... 41 Table 17: Evaluation of Significance of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts ... 44 Table 18: Potential Impacts and Corresponding Mitigation Measures for the Transmission and Distribution Facilities ...... 50 Table 19: GESP Component 1.5 ESMP Monitoring Programme including Budget ...... 55 Table 20: Additional ESMP Implementation Budget ...... 56

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of Amdalai to Kanuma Corridor ...... 21 Figure 2: Senegalese and Gambian women mango traders with waiting donkey carts and taxis ...... 22 Figure 3: Map of Kerr Ali (Ally) to Farafenni Corridor ...... 24 Figure 4: Map of Farafenni to Illiassa Corridor ...... 27 Figure 5: Gully in Farafenni during the dry season ...... 28 Figure 6 Gully during the rainy season illustrating same T&D pole ...... 28 Figure 7: Illiasa junction illustrating poles where the T&D line shall terminate ...... 30 Figure 8: Illustration of the mango tree outside DWR in Farafenni and the existing low voltage T&D line ...... 31 Figure 9: Illustration of farm boundary away from the road ...... 32 Figure 10: Melon plantation (outside Project area) illustrating existing pole and farm clearance from the road ...... 32 Figure 11: Map of Sinchu Wailube to Diabugu Corridor ...... 33 Figure 12: Preparing for consultation with Village Alkali and community members of Sinchu Wailubeh, URR ...... 35 Figure 13: Locally made insulated box for carrying ice blocks ...... 36 Figure 14: Part of the gully along the corridor in Kuraw Village, URR ...... 36 Figure 15: Map of The Gambia illustrating the four proposed T&D routes ...... 59 Figure 16: Disused poles next to the gates of the Muslim cemetery at Old Jeshwang .. 60 Figures 17-16: Rusty poles causing lines to fall (Tanbi Wetland Complex) at Mile 5 .... 60

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction The aim of the World Bank supported Gambia Electricity Support Project (GESP) is to enhance electricity availability and reliability in The Gambia through various activities, from engine replacement and rehabilitation of facilities, to building of transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. The latest proposed addition to the Project is the construction and operation of T&D lines in the North Bank of the country to transport electricity, to be purchased from Senegal, to customers. Environmental and social analysis for GESP components were covered by respective studies in July 2015 and February 2016, with an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and an addendum to that ESMP. These documents were developed to ensure environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of the Project and its changes. Recently, the GESP has been restructured to include additional activities relating to cross-border lines to be added to the Project. Therefore, a separate and independent ESMP is required by the Gambia environmental laws and the World Bank safeguards. Even though the assessment of similar T&D activities have already been evaluated for the Project, site specific analysis is vital in ensuring that project activities do not have negative impacts on the local communities and the surrounding site-specific environment. Furthermore, the need for an ESMP will be addressed in this document that essentially considers the additional activities and new sites with the objective of preventing negative impacts. Where prevention is not possible, the best alternatives and measures to reduce the impacts will be identified and where possible, making positive improvements.

Project Components The new component of the GESP covers approximately 46km medium voltage, single pole-mounted transmission network in the North Bank of The Gambia to accommodate the proposed cross-border power supply from Senegal. The routes are:  Kanuma - Amdalai (~15 km) in the North Bank Region, NBR,  Farafenni - Kerr Ali (~0.5 km) in the NBR,  Farafenni - Illiasa (~16 km) in the NBR,  Diabugu Batapa - Tabanding Wollof (~15km) in the Upper River Region, URR.

Methodology Specifically, the study involved desk review, reconnaissance field visits and consultations.

Field vists were made along the four routes to describe the baseline conditions and evaltuate the potential environmental and social impacts from the Project activities.

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Consultations were made with affected persons residing, working or doing business in the villages where the lines will run. NEA and specific NAWEC officials were consulted for information related to the new Project component or any issues experienced from implemetation of the earlier approved Project components.

Baseline Conditions The general baseline environmental conditions were identified including physical (climate, rainfall, temperature, and landscape); biological (forests, fruit trees and other vegetation; mammals and avifauna); and socioeconomic (agriculture, harvesting of produce, firewood collection, petty trading and access to electricity).

Specific environments along the various corridors with recommendations on how to address any issues that would potentially arise in the course of the project implementation were discussed with most of the sites having trees that would, however, only require trimming, apart from one. The lines will be installed parallel to roads and footpaths on open land usually used for farming; mitigation measures have been identified to adequately address these and other potential impacts. Businesses along the routes, particularly the weekly market, should not be disturbed with appropriate timing of work activities.

Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework National Acts and Regulations Some of the national Acts and regulations that will guide the implementation of this project include:  The National Environment Management Act (NEMA), 1994  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014  Environmental Quality Standards Regulations, 1999  Environmental Discharge (Permitting) Regulations, 2001  The Anti-littering Regulations, 2007  The Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides Control and Management Act, 1994  The Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, 2001  Public Health Act, 1990  The Gambia Roads and Technical Services Authority Act, 2003  Local Government Act, 2002  State Lands Act, 1990 (amended 2008)  Land Acquisition and Compensation Act, 1990  Physical Planning and Development Control Act, 1991  Development Control Regulations, 1995

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Relevant National Policies for consideration include:  The Program for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE)  The National Development Plan 2017  The National Energy Policy (2014 - 2018)  The Gambia Environmental Action Plan, GEAP, (2009-2018)  The National Health Policy (2012-2020)

Relevant International Conventions and Treaties The Gambia is Party to the following international Conventions and Protocols, all of which have some bearing on this project:  The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)  ECOWAS Energy Protocol

World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies The new World Bank Environmental and Social Framework has been considered. The World Bank Operational Policy 4.01 on Environmental Assessment was triggered as the proposed Project has some potential negative socio-environmental impacts. This Policy requires that environmental assessment is carried out to predict the potential socio- environmental impacts so that appropriate safeguard plans can be prepared to avoid or mitigate the adverse impacts during T & D construction and operation phases.

Relevant Institutions for the Project ESMP implementation include:  The Ministry of Environment, currently known as the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MOECCNAR)  National Environment Agency (NEA)  Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MOPE)  National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)  Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA)  Ministry of Lands and Local Governments  Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)

Potential Positive Impacts  Increased quantity, quality and efficiency in electricity supply.  Creation of employment during the Project works and operation.  Improved economic activities and public sector development as a result of better electricity supply.  Improved trans-border cooperation between the Gambia and Senegal.

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Potential Negative Impacts  Impacts from noise and dust nuisance.  Improper waste management.  Illegal mining for sand or gravel.  Short-term and limited area of farmland and businesses may be disturbed along the routes during works.  Traffic interruption.  Public and work related accidents such as road traffic, falls and electrocution.

Mitigation Measures  Training and provision of safety information.  Trimming of trees rather than felling.  Assess timing of works to avoid impact on communities.  Provision and use of personal protective gear.  Effective management of construction and maintenance waste.  Adequate supervision and monitoring of Project works, and during operation.  Public information and consultation to seek support.  Contractors to use certified supplies of sand or gravel.

Consultations Main issues discussed during the stakeholder consultations include:  The Project is welcomed to promote development  There are concerns about potential high cost of electricity  The population is ready to support the work as necessary Based on the consultations and site-specific analyses, the potential impacts and corresponding mitigation measures were identified and presented in an ESMP, including responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders NAWEC, through the GESP Project Coordination Unit (PCU) is responsible for the overall implementation of the Project and its ESMP. A special safeguards unit shall be established within this PCU to focus on environmental and social issues relating to the Project. This unit will be strengthened with the recruitment of a social safeguards specialist to support the Project’s Senior Environment Officer in ensuring that respective roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, with regards the ESMP, is carried out on time. NAWEC must also ensure contractors are aware of their safeguard responsibilities through the contracts. According to Section 31 of the EIA Regulations (2014), the NEA shall monitor routinely to guide and audit the progress of the ESMP implementation to ensure compliance. In this component, it is important to highlight the participation of the Regional Technical Advisory committees (TACs), chaired by the Governors, in monitoring at the local levels.

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The West African Power Pool and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority also have an important role in ensuring and regulating fair trade in energy amongst its members. Thus, the Gambia-Senegal electricity interconnection agreement shall also be guided by ECOWAS.

Institutional Training and Sensitization Implementation of the new Project component requires training of NAWEC staff in the Regions on environmental and social safeguards.

Existing sensitization programmes of the Project will now include relevant cross-border issues.

Monitoring of the ESMP and Environmental Auditing Monitoring and reporting arrangements remain the same as proposed in the initial Project ESMP, and NEA, in executing its responsibilities, shall use its existing officers in the Regions, with support from the specific Technical Advisory Committee in the Regions for monitoring purposes. Monitoring expenses have also increased to cover for monitoring at the regional level. Auditing will be carried out together with the other Project components as planned.

Additonal Budget The additional costs for implementation of this ESMP (specifically for monitoring and training of regional NAWEC staff), is budgeted at $9,000.00 (nine thousand dollars).

Conclusion This study has identified the main potential significant impacts from the proposed installation and operation of the T&D network along the four corridors, and appropriate mitigation measures recommended in addressing them. As there are no likely major or irreversible negative impacts, the additional cross-border component of the Project can be implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner on full implementation of this ESMP.

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

In 2015, the Gambia Electricity Support Project (GESP) was approved by the World Bank to assist the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) in improving power generation and supply capacities in The Gambia. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was developed to that effect to ensure environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of the Project. However, before the Project implementation commenced in 2016, certain activities were modified resulting to the first addendum to the ESMP that specifically addressed potential environmental impacts of the changes. Although the GESP implementation is currently underway, new activities were yet again proposed in 2017 to include additional transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure, specifically in the North Bank of The Gambia for the proposed cross-border electricity supply from Senegal. Now another activity has been added to the GESP, again relating to the development of T&D infrastructure for evacuation of electricity between Farafenni and Illiasa, which is the subject of this revised version of the latest ESMP. Considering a different site for the new activities, a new ESMP is necessary.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ESMP

The aim of developing this Project ESMP is essentially to evaluate the Project’s potential environmental and social impacts at the new sites to prevent, control and minimize their effects. It is also in line with Section 3 (1) (b) of the EIA Regulations (2014), which requires that “extensions and alterations” of any existing project already approved must be considered for environmental sustainability. Even though the assessment of similar T&D activities have already been evaluated for the Project, site specific analysis is vital in ensuring that affected environments and communities, with varied characteristics, are considered. The ESMP is not an environmental audit report, however, its scope will allow for consideration of any major issues relating to the implementation of the initial ESMP and accompanying first addendum. This shall ensure impacts not contemplated at that time, and any changes necessitated by the experience from implementation to date, are considered.

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1.3 SCOPE AND STRUCTURE OF THIS ESMP

This report includes description of the additional Project component, baseline description of the sites for the new activities, consideration of any relevant new or amended legislation, and evaluation of stakeholder consultations.

Based on site-specific analysis of the significant potential impacts, the ESMP proper was developed to cover both construction and operation phases of the new T&D activities. Mitigation measures and any applicable costs have been suggested for the identified potential significant impacts. The ESMP will guide NAWEC and related stakeholders in carrying out their implementation and monitoring responsibilities.

1.4 METHODOLOGY

The approach used in the development of this ESMP is a combination of literature review, interviews and field visits to proposed sites. Literature reviewed includes background study to this Project, relevant laws and similar projects. This has provided much insight into the potential positive and negative impacts of such projects to enable predictions with reasonable accuracy of the potential impacts of this project.

Sites for the Project were visited paying particular attention to the socio-economic, physical and environmental characteristics of the various areas, including their respective development-environment situation and relationships. The process was participatory, drawing on the local knowledge and involving the local people, also recognizing the relationship among resources, resource users, institutions, socio- economic and cultural setting. Relevant stakeholders met at local settings included village heads known as “Alkalulo”.

Other institutions and stakeholders who are expected to play a major role in the project were also consulted to determine their roles and status of preparedness in implementing the ESMP from this study. They included the National Environment Agency (NEA) and NAWEC. A summary of persons met and issues discussed is shown in Table 16.

The consultations with the stakeholders were carried out to specifically achieve the following objectives:

 To provide information about the project and to tap stakeholder information on key environmental and social baseline information in the project area

 To provide opportunities to stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns.

 To inform the process of developing appropriate management measures as well as institutional arrangements for effective implementation of the project.

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CHAPTER 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 INITIAL PROJECT COMPONENTS

The initial GESP components from Project inception include the following activities:  rehabilitation and maintenance of selected power generation machinery at the Kotu and Brikama Power Stations  purchase and installation of second-hand engines both for Kotu and Brikama power stations (implementation already commenced for this component)  upgrade of the transmission and distribution infrastructure on selected T&D grids and substations between Banjul and Brikama  installation of a new Information Technology Integration System for financial and stock management.  provision of technical assistance to improve cost-effectiveness and sustainable management of electricity generation in The Gambia.

2.2 ADDITIONAL PROJECT COMPONENT

The new component of the GESP covers approximately 46 km medium voltage, single pole-mounted transmission network in the North Bank of The Gambia to accommodate the proposed cross-border power supply from Senegal. The routes, as illustrated in the Annex 1, are:  Kanuma - Amdalai (~15 km) in the North Bank Region, NBR  Farafenni - Kerr Ali (~0.5 km) in the NBR  Farafenni – Illiasa (~16 km) in the NBR which is the subject for this revised ESMP  Diabugu Batapa - Tabanding Wollof (~15 km) in the Upper River Region, URR

The description of the sites/right of way (ROW) along the routes is given in Chapter 3, section 3.2, under specific baseline conditions.

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CHAPTER 3: BASELINE CONDITIONS

3.1 GENERAL BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This section describes the general baseline environmental and social conditions of the country even though the proposed activities are localised within the North Bank of the Country. This is because of the small size of the country where most environmental and social conditions do not vary much.

3.1.1 The Physical Environment i. Climatic Conditions The climatic condition of the Gambia is of the Sudano-Sahelian type, and is characterised by the occurrence of two distinct seasons: a hot rainy season from June to October, and a dry season from November to May with rare occurrence of rainfall. During the rainy season, south-westerly monsoon winds combined with heat from the continent, and because of the northward movement of the wind give rise to the formation of thundery activities, usually accompanied by strong winds, heavy downpours and severe lightning flashes between July and September. October is the hottest month in the year. In the dry season (during the months of December to April), north-easterly winds (the Harmattan) blow from the Sahara towards the western coast of Africa resulting in the presence of dust particles in the air, and general cloudless skies and dry air. Much sunshine is received all year round throughout the Country. ii. Rainfall

Tables 1 and 2 present rainfall data recorded in Kerewan (nearest meteorological station to the corridors in the NBR, and Basse (nearest meteorological station to the Tabanding Wollof / Sinchu Wailubeh / Diabugu corridor in the URR). Both tables indicate that rainfalls are typically heavy, with July, August and September being the highest rainfall months. During this period, much of the rainfall comes as severe storms, causing localized flooding and erosion of drainage channels. This is of vital importance along those corridors prone to erosion as poles can be affected by this phenomenon if not properly sited.

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Table 1: Annual and Monthly Mean Rainfall (mm) in Kerewan, NBR (2010-2014)

YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ANNUAL TOTAL 2010 0 0 0 0 0 110.1 198.8 153.3 593.8 78.5 0 0 1,134.5 2011 0 0 0 0 4.3 12.1 80.5 216.8 190.3 29.8 0 0 533.8 2012 0 0 0 0 4.3 538 335.7 244.1 309.7 83.4 0 0 1,515.2 2013 0 0 0 0 0 5.9 143.4 383 177.1 78.8 0 0 788.2 2014 0 0 0 0 0 25.2 32.3 337.2 161.1 60.1 0 0 615.9 MEAN 1.72 138.26 158.14 266.88 286.4 66.12 917.5 Source: DWR, 2015

Table 2: Annual and Monthly Mean Rainfall (mm) in Basse, URR (2010-2014)

YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ANNUAL TOTAL 2010 0 0 0 0 0 83.9 397.7 285.2 255.7 93.9 0 0 1,116.4 2011 0 0 0 0 4.9 73 95.7 337.7 330.2 48 0 0 889.5 2012 0 0 0 0 52.9 95.5 101 261.1 240.2 57.3 0 0 808.0 2013 Trace 0 0 0 16.1 85.9 169.5 352.8 243.9 65.5 10.1 0 943.8 2014 0 0 0 0 25.9 121.4 229.7 214.9 190.6 40.2 0 0 822.7 MEAN 19.9 91.9 198.7 290.3 252.1 60.9 2.0 0 915.8 Source: DWR, 2015

iii. Temperature Complete temperature records for three consecutive years are unavailable for the NBR, nonetheless, with the available data, monthly mean temperature ranges between 24.8oC and 29oC with the lowest temperatures experienced in December and January (Table 3).

Table 3: Monthly Mean Temperature (oC) in Kerewan, NBR (2010-2014)

YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ANNUAL MEAN 2010 25.5 26.9 28.9 29.4 29.2 29.9 27.4 28.0 26.9 27.8 26.8 26.1 27.7 2011 24.1 25.2 27.0 28.6 28.0 27.6 27.1 26.3 26.9 27.9 27.1 24.5 26.7 2012 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2013 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2014 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 27.7 N/A N/A 26.1 24.4 26.1 MEAN 24.8 26.1 28.0 29.0 28.6 28.8 27.3 27.3 26.9 27.9 26.6 25.0 26.8 Source: DWR, 2015

Table 4: Monthly Mean Temperature (oC) in Basse, URR (2010-2014)

Year Jan Feb. Mar. Apr May June July Aug Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2010 24.7 28.8 31.4 33.4 33.4 30.9 28.4 27.9 27.9 28.4 27.3 25.9 2011 24.8 26.7 30.4 32.3 32.7 30.7 28.9 28.0 27.5 28.7 27.6 23.7 2012 24.6 26.7 30.0 32.3 31.8 31.0 28.1 27.5 27.6 29.3 29.2 25.1 2013 25.1 28.7 31.5 32.2 33 31.9 28.9 27.6 28.1 28.9 28.3 25.7 2014 26 30 27 33 33 31.5 29.9 27.9 27.2 29.1 28.1 25 Mean 25.0 28.2 30.1 32.6 32.8 31.2 28.8 27.8 27.7 28.9 28.1 25.1 Source: DWR, 2015

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At Basse, temperatures in the rainy season vary between 28oC and 31oC. The lowest monthly mean temperature is 25oC (in December and January) and the month of May is the hottest month in the year as indicated in Table 4.

iv. Topography and Land Use Gambia’s topography is generally flat and low-lying with nearly 50 per cent of its total land area under 20 metres above mean sea level, one-third at or below 10 metres above sea level, and 10 to 20 per cent seasonally or diurnally flooded.

Due to the generally low heights of the country, certain areas are prone to receiving heavy storm water and run-off during the rainy season, which leads to severe erosion, and this could affect stability and durability of poles.

3.1.2: The Biological Environment i. Forest and Vegetation Forests play multiple functions including the provision of domestic energy for cooking, building materials in the form of poles and timber, medicinal products, wild fruits and nuts, honey and other services.

The environmental functions include soil erosion control, regulation of water quality and flow in watersheds, thereby moderating floods from heavy rain. Forests also have a unique potential to contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sinks; depending on the extent of deforestation, reduced tree cover may result in reduced cloud cover and rainfall.

In view of the importance of forests, the government decided to conserve and manage approximately 32,729ha (7 per cent of the total forest area) in the form of 66 gazetted forest parks, under the purview of the Department of Forestry, located in different parts of the country. Seven protected national Parks (covering approximately 45,200ha total land area) were also created to preserve the in-situ wildlife under the purview of the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.

The protected parks nearest to the new Project sites, particularly the Karang / Amdalai / Kanuma corridor, are the Lohen Forest Park and the Nuimi National Park. The Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is the nearest to Illiasa. Negative impacts on these protected areas are not anticipated as the routes of the transmission lines do not encroach onto the parks, nor is there the need to cross the parks during construction. Thus, the World Bank Operational Procedure 4.36 on Forests will not be triggered.

16 ii. Fruit Trees and other Vegetation

Fruit trees are very common around the villages located along the proposed routing of the transmission lines, and play important roles in the economic wellbeing of local communities. They are either planted as orchards, fenced and well protected from stray animals, or only planted by farmers during farming, and left to grow unattended over the years. These types of fruit trees are mainly mango and cashew. Other fruit trees include the baobab (Adansonia digitata), which is planted for its shade as well as for food, its fruits are eaten and have certain uses as medicine; its leaves are used as vegetables and in sauces; its bark can be used as rope for tethering cattle. The ‘Kapok’, or white flowered silk cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) is also common around the villages lining the proposed route. Its use is especially in stuffing pillows with the fluffy white seed-floss. The wild cola tree locally known as “tabo” or “taba” (Cola cordifolia) is often planted for its shade, and the fruit is edible and tasty, and it is a food source for animals. Elaeis guineense, oil palm trees are also found mostly planted in gardens and are the traditional source of palm wine and palm oil used in cooking certain Gambian cuisines. The fruit is also an important source of food for monkeys, squirrels, and many species of birds. The Neem tree is found around the villages close to the road side, usually for providing shade. The tree can be useful as medicine, claimed to cure several illnesses including malaria, and used as herbicides in vegetable gardens. The Eucalyptus is commonly found, used as live fences. Its trunk and branches are useful for timber and as fence posts. This tree can grow up to 14 meters, and the branches can be in the way of transmission lines in general, and thus create some obstruction to lines. Many of these trees along existing transmission line corridors are affected by NAWEC transmission lines. They are usually pruned by NAWEC (especially before the rains) when the branches grow too close to the lines, rather than felling the whole tree. This practice is repeated periodically as the trees regenerate new branches that threaten the lines. It will be emphasized that indeed owners of these trees have accepted that NAWEC can trim the trees as and when necessary as long as it is for the development of the energy sector, and overall, the development of the Country. No compensation or resettlement is required under the circumstances.

17 iii. Mammalian Fauna

The mammalian fauna in the NBR is generally influenced by the open forests, protected areas and gazetted Forest Parks which are home to various invertebrates, reptiles and mammalian species. Among the primates is the green Vervet monkey, Western Red Colobus monkey, Senegal Bush Babies (Gulagos), Callithrix monkey, Campbell's Mona monkey and Patas monkey. Other mammal species include the sun squirrel, African civet, genets, mongoose, brush tailed porcupine and some rodents. Among the reptiles are the royal python, agama, red skink, rainbow and monitor lizards. However, the transmission lines should not pose potential threat to these fauna if well maintained. iv. Avifauna

The Gambia is popular for bird watching and the greatest variation in biodiversity is found within the avifauna, which is composed of both resident and inter-African and Palearctic migratory species. The avifauna along the corridors within this new Project component essentially reside within the nearby open forests, and national protected areas. They include various hornbills, pheasants, cuckoos, sunbirds, starlings, weavers, waxbills, eagles and hawks. Some other recorded species include the black-necked weaver, red-billed hornbill, greater honeyguide, red-necked falcon, black-billed wood-dove, and many other avian. In view of the above, the avifauna is at risk of collision with the transmission lines during flight between roosting/nesting and the feeding grounds, however, the potential impact is of low significance as rarely are birds killed from striking lines due to the improved quality of materials and distance between lines/cables.

3.1.3 The Socio-economic Environment i. Agriculture Gambian agriculture is characterized by little diversification, and is mainly subsistence rain-fed agriculture producing food crops comprising cereals (early millet, late millet, maize, sorghum, rice and “findo”), and semi-intensive cash crop production (groundnuts, cotton, sesame and horticulture produce). Farmers generally practice mixed farming, although crops account for a greater portion of the production. In some cases these crops are cultivated very close to the highway (along the ROW of transmission lines), and depending on the timing of the works, the fields may be affected, especially when the works are carried out during the rainy season, when crops are in the fields.

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The cultivation of horticultural crops, vegetables and fruits, is also widely practiced where women grow mainly onions, tomatoes, small and large pepper, cabbage, lettuce, garden egg, bitter tomatoes, okra and sorrel amongst others. Livestock production is also practiced, including rearing of cattle, small ruminants such as sheep and goats, poultry and draft animals (donkeys, horses and mules). The agricultural fields are usually grazed by livestock after the crops have been harvested. Table 5 shows the general agricultural calendar of activities common within the study area, which could be used as guide in the implementation of the planned T&D construction works.

Table 5: Farming calendar of activities along the proposed corridors

Activities Carried Out Month Men Women May Clearing of farm land Prepare rice fields, groundnut fields June Clearing farm land Prepare rice fields, groundnut fields July Planting late millet, maize, groundnut, cassava Planting rice, groundnut Aug. Weeding and guarding crops Weeding and guarding rice/groundnut crops Sept. Weeding and guarding crops Weeding and guarding rice/groundnut crops Oct. Harvesting millet, maize, and groundnut Guarding rice, harvesting groundnut Nov. Harvesting millet Guarding rice, threshing groundnut Dec. Threshing groundnut Harvesting rice, threshing groundnut Jan. No works in the fields Harvesting rice Feb. No Works in the fields Dry season gardening Mar. No works in the fields Dry season gardening Apr. No works in the fields Dry season gardening

From Table 5, it is clear that in order to minimize damage to crops within the corridor of the transmission lines, construction work should be carried out after the crops have been harvested and there is less activity in the fields. Notwithstanding, only limited areas will be affected during construction and maintenance as the lines will not cross farmlands but built parallel to the roads. ii. Harvesting of Wood and Non-wood Forest Produce The communities along the routes collect medicinal plants, herbs and the bark of trees, wild fruits and honey. Logs are also harvested within the forests for construction purposes, an activity which could have severe effects on the vegetation and forest. iii. Firewood Collection Many of the communities are dependent on the vegetation and forest resources for the provision of firewood. The high prevalence of dry season fires in the woodland areas often results in the death of many trees, which maintains a supply of dead timber. The firewood collected is for both home use and for selling to provide additional income for the family.

19 iv. Petty Trading There are a number of shops in the communities in which one could acquire small food items such as rice, cooking oil, sugar; household items and other consumables like candle and soap.

Vending various other items such as second hand clothing, groundnuts, cigarettes, and fish are common in the study area. There is also a brisk informal trade in locally produced fruits and vegetables mostly by women. Some of these are located close by the road along the proposed line corridors.

3.2 SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE CONDITIONS

From the field visits, this section describes the specific environmental baseline conditions of the various corridors for the new transmission lines; these refer to conditions as they relate to physical, biological and the socio-economic environment.

Specific environments along the various corridors with recommendations on how to address the issues that would potentially arise in the course of the project implementation have also been identified.

3.2.1 Description of the Amdalai / Kanuma T&D Corridor

This corridor is fairly populated, made up of relatively large communities such as Amdalai, Fass Njaga Choi, Mbollet Ba and Kanuma, the termination point of the line (Table 6). A total of approximately 10,400 people in over 1,200 households would potentially have access to electricity with the installation of the line.

Table 6: Demography of villages and communities along the Amdalai / Kanuma corridor

Population No: of Village/Community Total Households Male Female Amdalai 1,626 811 815 202 Fass Njaga Choi 3,284 1,610 1,674 408 Kerr Jatta 788 395 393 70 Wellingara 309 162 147 51 Lewna 337 171 166 37 Njongon 785 371 414 81 Mbollet Ba 1,527 729 798 160 Kanuma 1,784 830 954 195 Total potential beneficiaries 10,440 5,079 5,361 1,204 Source: Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS), 2013

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The proposed route (immediately the line enters Gambia from Senegal) will make a detour behind the village, passing close to the Amdalai Taxi Park and turning right towards the main highway. To the south of the Taxi Park is the village’s cemetery measuring approximately 100m x 100m, and will not be impacted by the line. The proposed line route runs parallel to the Amdalai/Barra highway to terminate at Kanuma (Figure 1), and is lined with numerous trees (including mango, cashew, eucalyptus, neem, etc. as listed in Table 7).

LOWER NIUMI DISTRICT

SENEGAL ® Amdalai

ATLANTIC OCEAN Fass Njaga Choi Medina Sotokoi Kerr Jatta Lewna Wellingara Lewna Njongon

Mbollet Ba LOWER NIUMI Kanuma Barra Essau RIVER GAMBIA

Legend Banjul VILLAGES ALONG AMDALAI-KANUMA CORRIDOR SECONDARY ROADS PRIMARY ROADS RIVER GAMBIA river gambia Kilometers LOWER NIUMI 0 1 2 4 6 8 Amdalai - Kanuma Corridor

Figure 1: Map of Amdalai to Kanuma Corridor

Less than a hundred meters from the entry point of the transmission line is a daily open fruit market, (Figure 2) and women traders from Kaolack in Senegal buy produce at wholesale prices for the Kaolack market as well as other intermediate village markets. Senegalese taxi drivers (sitting under a neem tree and drinking the local brew, “ataya”) wait to transport the Senegalese women buying mangoes and other fruits, and they claim to be very happy with the trans-border trade within this area as it creates employment. The Senegalese women traders indicate that they come to this open market each day of the week, especially now that all the mangos in their region have been harvested whilst Gambia still has mangoes and other fruits to sell.

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Figure 2: Senegalese and Gambian women mango traders with waiting donkey carts and taxis

Gambian women traders, from the surrounding communities such as Barra and Essau, take their mangos and other produce on donkey carts to this market in Amdalai daily. They are also happy that their loads of fruits always sellout to their Senegalese counterparts at this market despite many markets in this region.

Other socio economic activities along this corridor include farming and other horticultural activities, petty trading, and a “loumo” (weekly market) at Fass Njaga Choi, where all the surrounding communities take their wares, from farm implements, fruits, vegetables, and other food items to herbs and other forms of traditional medicine.

A shop owner in this village commented that the community looks forward to benefiting soon from the electricity connection; however, it is believed that the cross border power supply cost to local consumers in Gambia will be as high as it is in Senegal. The NAWEC Technician on the team, however, highlighted that there will be no price difference for electricity in the Gambia, irrespective of source.

Several depressions are along the proposed route, and culverts have been built within them as it appears that these areas are prone to receiving heavy storm water and run- off during the rainy season, which may lead to severe erosion affecting poles.

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Table 7: Description of site specific conditions along the Amdalai / Kanuma corridor

Distance Location Features Approx. Action Remarks from Height/Area Propos Amdalai (m) ed by cross the border Project substation (km) 0.0 Amdalai High Tension Pole and Cross- - None The cross-border Border Substation / transformer / transmission line meter will run left side of the street from the Senegal border. 0.2 Amdalai A free grove of trees – Approx. 8m Tall Trim 1 Cashew, 1 Mango, 1 Baobab 0.3 Amdalai Street junction - None Line turns right towards Barra- Amdalai highway 0.4 Amdalai Mango Tree Approx. 8m Tall Trim 0.45 Amdalai 2 Rhun palms Approx.12m Tall Trim Line turns Left along Barra- Amdalai highway towards Kanuma and runs left side of the road 0.7 Amdalai Mango tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim 0.8 Amdalai Mango tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim 1.5 Amdalai Culvert adjacent to a Cashew Low lying Valley Plantation liable to flooding 2.4 Fass Culvert Low lying Valley liable to flooding 2.7 Fass Neem Tree Approx. 18m Tall Trim 2.9 Fass Neem Tree Approx. 12m Tall Trim 3.1 Fass Loumo (market day) site Approx. 300m Loumo Day is long Wednesdays 3.8 Fass Fig Tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim 3.9 Fass Soto tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim 5.1 Kerr Jatta Grove of 4 mango trees Approx. 9m Tall Trim 5.2 Kerr Jatta Line of 10 Mango Trees Approx. 12m Tall Trim 5.6 Medina Line of 3 Mango Trees Approx. 12m Tall Trim 7.1 Wellingara Line of Eucalyptus Trees Approx. 15m Tall Trim 8.1 Wellingara Mango Tree Approx. 8m Tall Trim 8.5 Lewna Eucalyptus and mango Trees Approx. 12m Tall Trim 9.4 Lewna Talo Tree Approx. 12m Tall Trim 9.9 Lewna Tabo Tree Approx. 8m Tall Trim 10.0 Njongon Line of Soto and Talo Trees Approx. 12m Tall Trim 10.2 Njongon St Michael’s Basic Cycle School Football field opposite the School 11.1 Mbollet Ba Jalo Tree Approx. 15m Tall Trim Adjacent to the Army Barracks 11.3 Mbollet Ba Line of 2 Jalo Trees Approx. 12m Tall Trim Avoid by moving the Line a little to the left 14.7 Kanuma Line of Mango Trees Approx. 10m Tall Trim 14.8 Kanuma High Tension Pole - None Line terminates here

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3.2.2 Description of the Kerr Ali / Farafenni T&D Corridor

This is the shortest of the four corridors (about 0.5 km long), and originates from the Gambian border of Kerr Ali to terminate at about 0.5 km away in Farafenni (Figure 3).

UPPER BADDIBOU DISTRICT

SENEGAL ®

Baobolong Kerr Ally (Kerr Hally)

Yallal Farafenni

Illiassa Daru Barakatu Chamen

Alkali Kunda

Bamba Tenda

RIVER GAMBIA Legend Kerr Alley to Farafenni BADIBU TOWNS SECONDARY ROADS PRIMARY ROADS river gambia 0 1.5 3 6 9 12 Kilometers iLLIASSA

Figure 3: Map of Kerr Ali (Ally) to Farafenni Corridor

Table 8 indicates the population of the border village of Kerr Ali, and as in the other corridors, the population consists mainly of framers. There are however, the usual commercial activities associated with border communities; across the road, and away from the trajectory of the lines is a row of shops selling soft drinks and snacks, a small restaurant operated by a young woman (not in at the time of visit) and a carpentry workshop. One of the shopkeepers expressed similar views as those in Fass regarding the cost of electricity supplied from Senegal to small business owners. The apprentices at the carpentry workshop expressed delight and expectation that their application to NAWEC for installation of electricity should hopefully be approved soon and consequently improved work facilities with power supply.

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Once this line is installed, the community of Kerr Ali shall have access to electricity for economic and social development. In addition, major communities presently supplied by the Farafenni Power Plant, such as Mansakonko and Soma, shall also benefit from increased availability of power supply through this new transmission line.

Table 8: Demography of Kerr Ali on the Kerr Ali / Farafenni corridor

Population No: of Village/Community Total Households Male Female Kerr Ali 528 253 275 53 Total potential beneficiaries 528 253 275 53 Source: GBOS, 2013

The main potential physical encumbrances along the proposed trajectory of the transmission line are essentially the GRA and GAF posts, barely 2 m from the edge of the road. A neem tree directly at the door of the main office building (less than 2 m) provides shade for its GRA officers; under this tree they sit and keep watch on the goings-on along the main highway to Farafenni. A mosque is located about 3 m behind the GRA Customs Post.

A major physical obstacle is a huge silk cotton tree (over 15 m high with a girth of more than 3 m) that is directly in the way of the transmission line, about 100 m from the termination point of the line. This tree should be cut down as trimming will be of limited use considering its size and risk of quick regrowth. However, should the contractors find a way that will allow the line to traverse to the pole without felling the entire tree, and to make it hazard free to passersby, the tree can be saved.

Security Officers use the tree for shade; however, they stated that if its removal is necessary, they endorse it since the Project is for the good and prosperity of the whole region and nation. Table 9 outlines the description of the corridor.

Table 9: Description of site specific conditions along the Kerr Ali / Farafenni Corridor

Distance from Location Feature Approx. Height / Action Remarks Kerr Ali cross Area (m) Proposed border by the substation Project (km) 0.0 Kerr Ali High Tension Pole and - None The Cross-Border cross-border line here will run on Substation / left side of the Trans transformer / meter Gambia Highway from the Senegal Border. 0.1 Kerr Ali Neem Tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim In front of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) compound 0.12 Kerr Ali Neem tree Approx. 10m Tall Trim In front of Mosque 0.19 Kerr Ali Bantango (silk cotton) Approx. 15m Tall Most likely In front of Gambia tree be fell Armed Forces (GAF) compound 0.4 Kerr Ali High Tension Pole - None Line termination.

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3.2.3 Description of the Farafenni / Illiasa T&D Corridor

With the exception of Farafenni, this corridor is generally sparsely populated (Table 10), with most of the villages and settlements set far back from the main highway, the planned route for the 16 km T&D lines.

Farafenni is the biggest community along this corridor, and is essentially the main business center within the Region, sitting on the Trans Gambia Highway, connecting the north of Gambia to the south, as well as the north and south of Senegal. It is currently supplied with electricity by NAWEC operating from the town. The other communities along the corridor do not have access to electricity; the desire for electricity has been expressed by a number of the interviewees (see Table 16).

Table 10: Demography of villages and communities along the Farafenni/ Illiasa corridor

Population No: of Village/Community Total Households Male Female Farafenni 27,396 13,445 13,951 4,215 Chamen 306 134 172 26 Yallal Tankonjala 649 301 348 59 Daru Barakatu 282 135 147 23 Alkali Kunda 922 435 487 102 Illiasa 1,305 584 721 148 Total potential beneficiaries 30,860 15,034 15,826 4,573 Source: GBOS, 2013

The starting point of the connection from Farafenni to Illiasa is the high tension pole located in the outskirts of Farafenni, at the end of the perimeter fence, west of the AFPRC Hospital. The poles are on the right side of the main Farafenni-Kerewan highway towards Illiasa. Figure 4 illustrates the route from Farafenni to Illiasa including the villages along the route. The lines will however cross the road a few hundred meters away from the high tension pole to the left side of the road to Illiasa.

Along this corridor, several structures are located within distances ranging from about 5 to 15 meters from the edge of the main highway, and are indicated in Table 11.

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UPPER BADDIBOU DISTRICT

SENEGAL ®

Baobolong Kerr Ally (Kerr Hally)

Yallal Farafenni

Illiassa Daru Barakatu Chamen

Alkali Kunda

Bamba Tenda

RIVER GAMBIA Legend Farafenni to Illiassa Corridor BADIBU TOWNS SECONDARY ROADS PRIMARY ROADS river gambia 0 1.5 3 6 9 12 Kilometers iLLIASSA

Figure 4: Map of Farafenni to Illiassa Corridor

The area about two hundred meters of the AFPRC Hospital in Farafenni is prone to receiving heavy storm water and run-off during the rainy season. This run-off, which runs in a north-south direction (starting from around the Senegal border), has eroded adjacent areas along the western outskirts of Farafenni Town. The phenomenon does not only pose a hazard to people, but also to the Kerewan/Farafenni highway as well as a serious threat to adjacent properties.

A massive gully, about 0.7m wide and 1m deep at its beginning, has been created by the storm water that arises from the north of the highway through a culvert, emptying on the south of the highway.

Storm water poses a potential threat to the planned poles, and note the nearby NAWEC low voltage pole, (Figures 5 & 6) and if not addressed may eventually cause damage to the general environment including the proposed transmission line. NAWEC shall not locate the pole within the slope of the gully to prevent it from being washed away.

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Figure 5: Gully in Farafenni during the dry season

Figure 6 Gully during the rainy season illustrating same T&D pole

Table 11: Description of site specific conditions along the Farafenni-Illiasa corridor

Distance Location Feature Approx. Proposed Remarks From Ht/ (m2) Action Farafenni (km) 0 Farafenni High tension pole where this - - The transmission line shall run right adjacent to the line shall start from side of the Farafenni-Kerewan AFPRC Highway for few hundred metres Hospital then to the left up to Illiasa. 0.1 Department Of Adjacent to DWR fence are Approx. To fell Trees are outside DWR and it is not Water a Mango and a Gmelina tree 11m ht. practical to trim them. Therefore, Resources at the same site fell for safe operation. (DWR) Farafenni Existing low voltage line Switch off electricity supply during works for health and safety reasons 0.2 Farafenni Huge gully due to storm ~0.7m - Erecting poles inside or close to the water wide, and gully should be avoided. 1m deep 1.47 Africa Muslims Orphanage, Upper and - Inform the Health and safety concerns during Agency, State Lower Basic School, and Centre prior construction of Kuwait Imam Skills Training Centre to works to Shafie Centre, control staff Farafenni and student movement during works

Trees planted along fence ~2m No impact

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9.5 Chamen; Line of Gmelina Trees in Approx. Trim Inform the management and trim to Gambia front of the Centre 5m ht. allow for line running Songhai Initiative Agricultural Training Centre 9.7 Chamen Waiting Shed - Avoid using Health and safety concerns during shed during construction construction and maintain at least 2m clearance from poles 9.71 Chamen Mango Tree Approx. Trim To allow for line running 5m ht. 11.5 -11.6 Yallal Yallal Tankonjala Lower Health and safety concerns during Tankonjala Basic School construction School boundary with Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Approx. Trim These were planted by the school Neem, mango and 13m so they must be informed before Baobab trees along school average trimming. football field ht. 12.5 Daru Barakatu Waiting Shed - Avoid using Health and safety concerns during shed during construction construction and maintain at least 2m clearance from poles 12.51 Daru Barakatu Gmelina Approx. Trim To allow line running 5m ht. 13.2 Daru Barakatu Silk Cotton Tree Approx. Trim Wild tree belonging to no one shall 15m ht. be trimmed for line clearance 14.5 Alkali Kunda Waiting shed - Avoid using Health and safety concerns during Junction shed during construction construction and maintain at least 2m clearance from the pole 15.63 Illiasa Cashew Plantation covering 2-3m The span The plantation is young at present, 120m breadth along the average between the however, in years to come the Highway height poles may be branches may grow close to the increased to line, and NAWEC may have to avoid the prune plantation 16.45 Illiasa Block fenced compound The Trim The building structures shall not be with a mosque and dwelling umbrella affected. The compound owner houses. Outside are two tree is shall be informed before trimming young mango trees and a approx. during construction or future mature umbrella tree 8m high maintenance. 16.5 Illiasa Property fenced, with - No impact on Health and safety precautions wooden posts and scanty structures always applicable during pumpkin plantation within. construction 16.6 By the Highway 2 Mango Trees Approx. Trim Contractors shall inform the owners junction with 5m ht. and ensure that only necessary Illiasa trimming is done as usually practiced by NAWEC without constraint 16.6 By the Highway 2 Buildings Inform and Health and safety issues during junction with educate on constriction Illiasa health and safety 16.6 By the Highway Existing high tension pole – Transmission line terminates here junction with end point of this T&D line Illiasa

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As stated in Table 11, there are a number of waiting sheds built at some intersections or junctions of feeder roads opening into the Highway. The potential impacts will primarily be safety issues associated with the erection of the poles and stringing of lines. As pole locations and spans have a high degree of flexibility, the need for relocation of sheds is not necessary.

At the junction of Illiasa the congestion is unsightly and risky (Figure 7). This indicates poor communication and uncoordinated planning among the Department of Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH) and the utility companies (National Roads Authority, NAWEC, etc.). DPPH should coordinate sectoral standards which will serve as the basis for development of an integrated road reserve or right of way.

Figure 7: Illiasa junction illustrating poles where the T&D line shall terminate

The fruit trees that are along the proposed corridor are mainly mango, cashew and baobab, all important as food and income sources for the communities. The mango tree outside DWR in Farafenni has to be fell, as illustrated in Figure 8, as the necessary trimming will cover more than half the tree, and its removal shall also address potential impacts on the existing distribution line. Notwithstanding, this Project can avoid the tree by alternative design and location of poles.

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Figure 8: Illustration of the mango tree outside DWR in Farafenni and the existing low voltage T&D line The other types of trees found along the corridor are mainly for timber (eucalyptus, mahogany, gmelina etc.). For example, these are found as fence lines at the Yallal Tankonjala Lower Basic School and Chamen Agricultural Training Centre.

NAWEC, as usual practice, carries out periodic trimming of branches that grow close to the lines to protect the lines. Therefore, approval of the owners of these trees shall be sought before trimming. Apart from the fruit and woody trees, most of the proposed line route is composed of the shrub savannah type vegetation, which includes herbaceous and grassy vegetation with scattered shrubs and some tress. This corridor has few developed structures along the highway, and the population is principally subsistence farmers. Farms along the corridor include groundnuts, millet, sorghum, pumpkin, melon, and are set well back from the road apparently due to rocky soil from the road construction. Consequently, the farms will not be affected by the transmission lines as illustrated in Figures 9 & 10 as they will not be located near the line.

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Figure 9: Illustration of farm boundary away from the road

Figure 10: Melon plantation (outside Project area) illustrating existing pole and farm clearance from the road

3.2.4 Description of the Tabanding Wollof / Diabugu Batapa T&D Corridor

This corridor has the lowest level of property development, and relatively the lowest population than the other proposed routes (Table 12).

Like the other corridors the population is principally subsistence farmers. Apart from the few villages along the proposed line route, the entire corridor is composed of open forests, farmlands and a few mature mango trees in the village of Kuraw Kemo; Figure 11 illustrates the villages along the route and Table 13 outlines the site conditions.

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Table 12: Demography of villages and communities along Sinchu Wailubeh/Diabugu corridor

Population No: of Village/Community Total Households Male Female Sinchu Wailubeh 35 15 20 6 Sankabari 162 74 88 20 Sare Jallow 298 147 151 22 Sinchu Musa 225 100 125 17 Kuraw Kemo 343 143 200 20 Diabugu Batapa 4,693 2,315 2,378 219 Total potential beneficiaries 5, 756 2,794 2,962 304 Source: GBOS, 2013

SANDU DISTRICT ®

Sinch Wailube SENEGAL

Sankabarr Sinchu Musa Sare Jallow

Kuraw Arafang (Kuraw Kuta) Kuraw Kemo (Kuram Koto)

Diabugu Batapa Legend Sinch Wailube - Diabugu URR TOWNS selection SANDU ROADS SECONDARY ROADS river gambia

SANDU 0 1 2 4 6 8 Kilometers

Figure 11: Map of Sinchu Wailube to Diabugu Corridor

The village of Sinchu Wailubeh, is the first Gambian community through which the transmission line will pass from Tabanding Wollof in Senegal, and is inhabited mainly by Fulas. According to GBOS 2013, the village consisted 35 people at the time of the last census in 2013.

There are only two corrugated iron roofed buildings, (the Lower Basic School, and the village mosque); the entire community is made of thatched roofed houses and fences made from millet stalks and wooden poles.

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The main agricultural activities are livestock rearing and crop farming (groundnut, millet, sorghum, and beans); upland rice farming is practiced mainly by women although on a very small scale. In addition, the women are involved in pottery which they sell at the Sami “loumo”. The Alkali hopes that with electricity available, the development of the village will be assured and more social amenities will be provided by government.

Table 13: Description of site specific conditions along the Sinchu Wailubeh/Sinchu Musa/Diabugu Corridor

Distance Location Feature Approx’ Action Remarks from Sinchu Height / Proposed Wailubeh Area by the cross (m) Project border substation (km) 0.0 Gambia/Senegal High Tension Pole and - None The Cross-Border Border at Sinchu Cross-Border Transmission Line can Wailubeh Substation / run on any side of the transformer /meter Road from the Senegal border parallel to open farmland and outside all villages along the corridor. 3.1 Sankabari Sankabari Village - None Line shall run parallel to open farmland and outside the village 5.0 Sare Jallow Sare Jallow Village - None Line shall run parallel to open farmland and outside the village 6.7 Sinchu Musa Sinchu Musa Village - None Line shall run parallel to open farmland and outside the village 13.4 Kuraw Kuraw Village - None Line turns left and runs on the left side along the Laminkoto- Passimas Road at Sinchu Musa 13.8 Kuraw Mango Tree Approx. Trim In front of Mosque 10m Tall 16.0 Diabugu Gully due to heavy ~ 500m Avoid storm water run-off long Gully 16.7 Diabugu High Tension Pole - None Line terminates here

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Figure 12: Preparing for consultation with Village Alkali and community members of Sinchu Wailubeh, URR

The proposed line routing will make a detour running west of Sinchu Wailubeh village through farmlands and trees towards the main Sami-Diabugu laterite road, turning south towards the villages of Kuraw Kemo (directly on the main road) and Kuraw Arfang, further back away from the main road. Along this entire stretch, there is no significant physical obstacle that will prevent the line from being run smoothly; only trimming of tree branches will be necessary.

The village of Kuraw Kemo is predominantly Mandinka, and according to GBOS 2013, has a population of about 343 people in 20 households. They are mainly farmers growing the usual cash crop of groundnut, and cereals such as millet, sorghum, and maize. Women engage in dry season vegetable gardening as well.

Few local fishermen operate in the area within the River Gambia mainly for home consumption, and any surplus marketed within the village; the catch consists mainly of fresh water fish species such as “fantango”, tilapia, and “konokono” (fresh water catfish).

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Figure 13: Locally made insulated box for carrying ice blocks Besides Diabugu (which is supplied with electricity from Basse), the entire corridor is without electricity. Typically, during the fast month of Ramadan, ice blocks, when available, are locally sold at D35 per kg when supplied from Diabugu, and at D50 per kg when they are supplied from Basse. The villagers claim that with this electricity project, the community will benefit greatly and be able to meet the demand by making their own ice rather than travel to Basse to get ice for sale.

The womenfolk engage in dry season gardening, but claim they do not have a market locally, and so most of their produce is sold at Diabugu, Basse and/or the loumo at Sami. A hair dresser, recently trained in the Greater Banjul Area, plans to setup a hair dressing salon should the village have power supply.

Figure 14 shows another massive gully created by storm water along the line corridor at Diabugu; it is about 100m in length with a maximum width of approximately 1.5m and 0.5m deep. Any transmission pole erected close to this gully will clearly be undermined by storm water during rains in the near future.

Figure 14: Part of the gully along the corridor in Kuraw Village, URR 36

CHAPTER 4: POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

4.1 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS The policies and legal framework applicable to this new component are included in Table 14, which outlines the main national ones specifically relevant to the cross-border component. As the additional Project component involves cross-border arrangements, the following Section (4.2) outlines the sub-regional energy policy applicable to guide the process.

Table 14: Main Regulatory framework relevant to the Project component

LEGISLATION INTERPRETATION AND RELEVANCE TO PROJECT COMPONENT National Environment Management Principal legislation for environmental management; Part V of Act, NEMA, 1994 NEMA gives provisions for EIA of such projects Gambia Environment Action Plan Provides guidance in general environmental planning and natural (GEAP) 2009-2018 resources management Environmental Impact Assessment The Regulations prescribe the need for EIA, its processes and Regulations, 2014 procedures including ESMP development and implementation Draft National Energy Policy, 2014 – Although yet to be adopted, all electricity projects in The Gambia 2018 are currently being implemented within context of this Policy The Anti-littering Regulations, 2007 The Project must abide by ensuring that all waste produced during all phases are well managed Local Government Act, 2002 This cross-border Project component falls under two administrative regions, the NBR and URR; The Act makes provisions for decentralized administrative structures including The Local Government Policy, 2016- devolution of functions, powers and duties at local authority level. 2018 The NEA Regional offices and Regional Technical Advisory Committees have monitoring responsibilities. State Lands Act, 1990 (Amended Regulates land tenure and property rights 2008) Land Acquisition and Provides for resettlement and compensation of land which should Compensation Act, 1990 not be necessary for the sites identified for the cross-border component The Physical Planning and Ensures all developments in The Gambia are in line with land use Development Control Act, 1991 planning and construction standards The Development Control Regulations, 1995 The Public Health Act, 1990 Protects public and environmental health including nuisance and The National Health Policy, 2012-2020 other risks associated with this Project component The Gambia Roads and Technical Provides for the administration, control and maintenance of roads. Services Authority Act, 2003 Relevant to the Project as controls road reserves where T&D infrastructure are usually installed

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4.2 REGIONAL POLICIES

The ECOWAS Energy Protocol A/P4/1/03 “establishes a legal framework in order to promote long-term co-operation in the energy field, based on complementariness and mutual benefits, with a view to achieving increased investment in the energy sector, and increased energy trade in the West Africa region”.

4.3 WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS

The World Bank aims to protect people and the environment through a number of safeguard policies to ensure the support it provides does not create other problems. The construction and operation of the proposed transmission and distribution network to accommodate the cross-border component of the Project only triggers the World Bank’s Operational Policy, OP 4.01, on Environmental Assessment requiring the need for at least an ESMP be developed prior to implementation. In order “to boost protections for people and the environment; drive sustainable development through capacity- and institution-building and country ownership, and enhance efficiency”, the World Bank approved a new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) in August 2016. Although the new World Bank ESF requirements are expected to take effect in 2018, it shall run parallel to the existing safeguard policies for projects approved before effectiveness.

4.4 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The institutional framework is outlined in Table 15 plus, additional ECOWAS institutions specifically on cross-border electricity interconnection.

Table 15: Institutional arrangement

INSTITUTION RESPONSIBILITIES Ministry of Environment, Climate Oversees the NEA and implementation of Change and Natural Resources environmental laws and policies of The Gambia National Environment Agency The NEA enforces the NEMA1994 and EIA (NEA) Regulations 2014 Ministry of Petroleum Energy The MOPE is the overseeing institution of NAWEC (MOPE) and all energy related projects National Water and Electricity As the implementing arm of the MOPE, NAWEC is Company (NAWEC) the main operator and manager of electricity production in The Gambia; it is the executer of this Project. Public Utilities Regulatory PURA is a multi-sector regulator of utilities in The

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INSTITUTION RESPONSIBILITIES Authority (PURA) Gambia mandated to regulate electricity amongst others. Ministry of Lands and Regional Oversees all the local government authorities Administration including Regional Technical Advisory Committees; enforcement of legal regulations on land administration and use under Department of Lands and Surveys and the Department of Physical Planning and Housing. West African Power Pool Oversees cooperation of national electricity (WAPP) under ECOWAS companies in ECOWAS for reliable energy and trade in electricity ERERA ( ECOWAS Regional Regulates Regional electricity interconnection and Electricity Regulatory Authority NAWEC participates in its proceedings

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CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATIONS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

5.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS

Although most of the environmental issues are similar to existing T&D activities in this Project and similar NAWEC projects, it is important that affected communities are given the opportunity to participate in the process, particularly in the provision of information indigenous to the sites. Therefore, consultations were held:

i. To provide information about the project and to tap stakeholder information on key environmental and social baseline information in the new project sites ii. To provide opportunities to stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns iii. To identify specific interests and to highlight potential roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and ensure their approval and participation iv. To inform the process of developing appropriate management measures as well as institutional arrangements for effective implementation of the ESMP.

5.2 SUMMARY OF ISSUES DURING THE STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS

Visits were made to the main government institutions for key informant interviews. These included institutions that will potentially be involved in project implementation by virtue of their institutional oversight mandate, especially where project activities will potentially spillover within the spheres of their institutional responsibilities. The interviews were mainly unstructured, and consisted of discussions on issues such as their institutional mandates vis-a-vis the Project, their capacity and ability to support the Project implementation and monitoring amongst others.

At the level of the field, consultations were held all along the proposed corridors, targeting potential project beneficiaries, especially those whose properties and businesses are located within the right of way of the lines. Specifically, respondents living in premises and properties located along the proposed trajectory of the lines were the principal targets since all project related activities such as erection of poles, stringing of lines, and other activities will potentially affect them the most. They were engaged in extensive discussions on relevant issues; the Project’s aims and objectives were extensively discussed; the potential negative and positive Project impacts; mitigation measures, the potential roles and responsibilities of the villagers during implementation; consent for trimming trees, health and safety issues amongst others.

The process was generally very interactive, and afforded them the opportunity to express their views and concerns on matters they feel about the Project and NAWEC.

The Consultant’s knowledge on the setup and implementation responsibilities of the Technical Advisory Committees at the Regional Governor’s Offices, as gathered during consultations for similar projects, specifically the Gambia Rural Electricity Expansion

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Project: Phase II (NAWEC, April 2016) is still relevant and applied to this Project to avoid repetition and target group fatigue.

A summary of the views and concerns raised during the consultations and field visits are stated in Table 16.

Table 16: Comments received from some of the people consulted

Name Designation Office / Comments / Views / issues Location Demba Jallow Corporate NAWEC Progress in implementing existing Project Planning & components; Sub-regional bodies Coordinator GESP Foday Jawla Electricity NAWEC Looking forward to the Project Operator implementation as urgently needed for socio- Pa Ousman Dibba Electrical economic development. Engineer Ebrima Badjan Commercial Supervisor Bakary Kanteh Director of NAWEC NAWEC’s main aim is to meet the Country’s Provincial electricity demands; Senegal’s acceptance to Operations collaborate on this cross-border Project is highly welcomed; Sub-regional policies and bodies Malick Bah Senior NEA Need for NAWEC to officially inform the NEA Programme for consideration and approval of the new Officer, EIA component; there is no new environmental law since the initial ESMP for GESP although some are being reviewed; there are no problems with its implementation although the Project implementation is slow; looks forward to study tour on sludge oil management suggested by the initial ESMP.

Suggests that NAWEC plants at least one tree for any tree fell; minimize the areas cleared for erection of poles.

NAWC should aim to request for Environmental Approvals at the early stages of project development. Babanding Sanyang DOF Forestry Project is a good idea and shall not affect Officer preserved forests

Fatou Senghore Fruit vendor Amdalia Project welcomed as availability of electricity will promote storage and value addition of fruits

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Name Designation Office / Comments / Views / issues Location Alfa Jallow: Shopkeeper Fass Electricity produced in The Gambia is better than that from Senegal only because it is cheaper to the consumer in The Gambia Alhaji Yaya Jallow Shopkeeper Kerr Ali Looks forward to the Project because it is a major development Alhaji Loum Shopkeeper Kerr Ali The Project is welcomed as electricity promotes development Hasimu Jallow Shopkeeper Kerr Ali Electricity is very expensive in Senegal, therefore, it may become expensive too in Gambia. Efforts should be made to prevent this so that the poor can afford it. Adama Sissoho Alkalo Sinchu Interested in having electricity supply, (village head) Wailubeh especially for the mosque Muhammed Jatta Farmer and Kuraw Happy about the Project as electricity means Shopkeeper development. Balla Sanneh Alkalo Kuraw Project welcomed and no objection to the (village head) trimming of trees for the lines as these always regrow quickly. Alasana Danso Residents Illiasa They welcome the lines as they strongly Ousman Danso need electricity supply. However, they will be Yirra Danso happy if trees are not fell but protected by trimming so that they continue to enjoy the shade.

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CHAPTER 6: ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

6.1 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

The likely impacts will be predicted and their significance assessed based on the interaction between the biophysical and socioeconomic environments of the Project and the characteristics of the environment receiving the impact.

With the use of qualitative and quantitative data from the literature review, consultations, expert knowledge, and field visits to the proposed Project and similar project sites, the significance of the potential impacts are classified in Table 17.

The following section further discusses the identified significant impacts and recommends measures to improve the positive impacts whilst the negative impacts are addressed using the mitigation hierarchy from prevention, reduction, restoration, and compensation.

The following is the evaluation key for the matrix (Table 17):

+2 High Positive Impact +1 Low Positive Impact -2 High Negative Impact -1 Low Negative Impact 0 No Significant Impact

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Table 17: Evaluation of Significance of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

SIGNIFICANCE

PARAMETER POTENTIAL IMPACT

WORKS

DURING DURING DURING OPERATION PHYSICAL Surface Water No significant potential impact 0 0

Ground Water No significant potential impact 0 0

Air Quality / Climate Dust and exhaust emissions -1 0

Geology & Soils Localized erosion; effects of illegal mining -1 0

Noise & Vibration Noise nuisance -1 -1

Landscape and Aesthetics Waste and excess materials during works; -1 -1 old/disused infrastructure BIOLOGICAL Aquatic Ecosystem No significant potential impact 0 0

Terrestrial Ecosystem No significant potential impact 0 0

Agriculture & Livestock Agricultural land disturbed during construction / -1 -1 maintenance works Forest & Vegetation No significant potential impact 0 0

SOCIOECONOMIC Public Health and Safety Accidents, waste, dust and noise nuisance -2 -1

Occupational Health and Risk of accidents, falls, electrocution, handling -2 -2 Safety heavy loads etc.

Land Ownership / land use No significant potential impact; no resettlement 0 0

Community Development Development of infrastructure and enhanced 0 +2 & Economy economy

Employment & Income Employment on Project related works +2 +2

Communication / Traffic disruption; improved telecommunication -1 +2 Transportation

Energy More reliable and efficient power supply 0 +2

Gender Increased income for women 0 +2

Education Improved education for future generations 0 +2

Community Stability Trans-border cooperation with Senegal encouraged 0 +2

Culture / Tourism / More reliable energy for tourism activities 0 +2 Archaeology

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6.2 DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS WITH CORRESPONDING MITIGATION MEASURES

6.2.1 Potential Positive Impacts

Benefits of the Project are specifically on society, livelihood, the economy and international collaboration:  The enhancement of energy supply through this Project component shall contribute to national, and in particular rural, development by supporting livelihood and economic activities that are largely dependent on electricity.

 New and existing businesses in various sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, amongst many others, shall prosper once there is efficient electricity supply.

 Development of the public sector such as health, education, and communication shall also be improved with better electricity supply. At the community level, access to electricity strengthens the social welfare and the level of service in schools, sanitary and religious institutions.

 During all phases of the Project, income will be generated directly from employment. Both skilled and unskilled labour will be required for construction of the T&D networks; employment will also be created in the long-term for operation and maintenance.

 Added benefit of this Project component is its potential to enhance trans-border cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, and potentially within the sub- region, on energy and other matters.

6.2.2 Potential Negative Impacts

Negative impacts of T&D construction and operation are described with corresponding mitigation measures.

6.2.2.1 Negative Impacts on the Physical Environment and proposed mitigation a: Negative Impacts on Air Quality Site clearing, excavation and transportation of earth materials may produce dust and exhaust fumes that shall be limited to the time of T&D infrastructure installation. These effects will be very short term in nature and confined to the limited areas at the sites.

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Mitigation During T&D works, materials likely to produce dust must be dispensed at strategic locations away from community activities. The public should also be advised where to temporarily move activities such as petty trading or mere social camps, when deemed necessary. Access to construction sites will be limited.

Heavy vehicles and equipment must be in good working condition to prevent excessive exhaust fumes.

b: Negative Impacts on Geology and Soils Materials for pole installation may come from illegal gravel/sand mines contributing to secondary negative impacts in these areas.

Mitigation Contractors must be cautioned through the clauses in their contracts to use only certified sand/gravel suppliers.

c: Negative Impacts from Noise Nuisance Construction noise is expected from movement of heavy machinery and excavation works. There is also potential for noise nuisance, during operation, from conductors under moist weather conditions, and bear or damaged cables that may cause alarm to the public.

Mitigation Appropriate noise prevention and reduction means must be included with regular maintenance of the T&D lines for proper operations. Only well-kept heavy vehicles and equipment shall be used to prevent excessive noise and vibration. Works shall not be carried out between 6pm and 8am when there is low background noise and it is the expected period for resting. Minimum height clearance and right-of-way should be applied to assure public safety and insulated cables used where technically appropriate.

d: Negative Impacts on Landscape Soil disturbance during excavation for the poles may result or contribute to soil erosion, particularly in areas prone to wind or water erosion.

There is also minimal impact on landscape where the balance of construction materials and waste are not collected. Furthermore, derelict T&D infrastructure or those in good condition but not used for whatever reason pose a risk to the public and environment.

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Mitigation Where the topography is uneven, such as gullies, a proper foundation must be laid and first choice given to relocation of poles to more even areas for sustainability and safety. Areas surrounding new poles must be leveled to prevent erosion. All excess materials and waste produced during construction or maintenance must be collected for proper disposal and this must be included in contracts. Old or disused lines must be safely decommissioned and cleared.

6.2.2.2 Negative Impacts on the Biological Environment a: Negative Impacts on Agriculture and Livestock During the Project works and maintenance of the lines in the future, there may be minimal, temporary disturbance of fields although with low significance due to limited areas to be affected, low frequency and short timeframe.

Mitigation Agricultural lands within the Project study area can be avoided during the works and maintenance as all the proposed lines fall parallel to the fields and do not run across farms. Minimal potential impact may only affect insignificant number of farms with little clearance from the roads which the line usually follows. Impact on farmland shall also be avoided when works are timed to avoid farming seasons, and contractors required through the service contracts to avoid farmlands.

b: Negative Impacts on Avifauna Avifauna is at risk of collision with the transmission lines during flight between roosting/nesting and the feeding grounds, however, the potential impact is of low significance as nowadays birds are rarely killed by striking lines due to the improved quality of materials and distance between lines/cables.

Mitigation The technical design and specifications will provide adequate insulation and protection.

c: Negative Impacts on Forests and Vegetation No forests will be encroached upon for the ROW, and other trees along the routes shall only be pruned for safe installation and efficient operation. The only two trees likely to be fell are the silk cotton tree in Kerr Ali earlier mentioned in the site description, and the mango tree adjacent to DWR in Farafenni, thus, losing two trees within a 46km corridor length is insignificant.

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Mitigation Only the two identified trees shall be cut and consideration shall also be given to alternative design and pole location to avoid trees.

6.2.2.3 Negative Impacts on the Socio-economic Environment a: Negative Impacts on Public Health During T&D works the public is at risk of accidents from the equipment, vehicles and improperly placed or stored materials. Waste left on site can also be a health and safety hazard to the communities.

There is a potential risk of imported diseases, including sexually transmitted infections from influx of workers to Project sites.

Mitigation It is essential to clear all sites after the fixing of poles and the derelict poles recycled. Access to the sites during works must also be restricted to avoid accidents and theft incidents. Safety signs, symbols and barriers will be used at strategic locations. Impacts from excessive dust and noise nuisance have already been addressed.

Workers will be educated on the risks and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and workforce, especially unskilled labour, sourced locally.

b: Negative Impacts on Health of Workers There is high risk to health and safety of workers during all phases of the project. Hazards include exhaust fumes, working at heights, cables with live current, working with heavy equipment and long parts, amongst others.

Mitigation All NAWEC staff and those to be employed by contractors for the project must be informed of the associated risks and hazards. Training on the job and knowledge on procedures to reduce risks, including coordination and communication to avoid electrocution is also essential. Personal protective equipment and first aid kits shall be provided and training given on their use.

Annex 3 shall also guide NAWEC and Contractors in ensuring safe and healthy environment for workers, particularly when working at heights. c: Impact on Community Bonding and Welfare Bonding may be limited as most trees are used for shade under which people socialize and get breeze from, however, this will not cause significant social impact as there are

48 other trees around for the same purpose, and consent has been given for removal and trimming as required

Mitigation Only the two identified trees shall be cut and consideration shall also be given to alternative design and pole location to avoid trees where possible. Despite consent, owners/users will be informed prior to felling or trimming. d: Impact on Public Services Short-term, localized road traffic interruption will be experienced during the process of material transportation, fixing poles and line stringing due to long and heavy parts.

Temporary loss of electricity supply shall occur to existing customers during works (particularly at the line commencement and termination points) and all customers after the Project during maintenance.

Location of poles in flood and erosion prone areas may lead to unstable or collapse of poles and lines that will affect or cut transmission.

Mitigation Traffic during works must be controlled to reduce disturbance and risks, and avoid peak times / days such as busy market days, for example.

Customers will be given notice before disconnecting electricity supply for works and maintenance.

Gullies and flood prone areas shall be avoided as much as possible and where technically impossible, the more durable design of foundations will be applied with routine monitoring and maintenance.

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CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

7.1 MATRIX ON MITIGATION OF IMPACTS RELATED TO THE CROSS-BORDER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

The identified potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures are extracted into Table 18 for ease of implementation. Birds shade influx Table 18: Potential Impacts and Corresponding Mitigation Measures for the Transmission and Distribution Facilities

Activity Potential Negative Mitigation Measures Responsibility for Responsibility for Timeframe Budget Impacts Mitigation Monitoring ($US)

WORKS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE

Pole location Indirect impacts from illegal  use only certified sand and gravel Contractors PCU Prior to and Extra cost and erection mining during for suppliers to be included in construction of mitigation contracts the T&D is not Erosion or change in  Sites around new poles must be Contractor NAWEC Planning infrastructure. necessary landscape around poles and T&D Officers immediately levelled and cleared for all of excess materials.  Avoid close proximity to flood- prone areas or large gullies which are prone to flooding  Design appropriate protective measures such as deeper footings, extra reinforcement at base or around the towers etc. where flood prone areas are unavoidable. Removal of vegetation  Trees along the routes shall only Contractor NAWEC Planning and T&D Officers be trimmed for safe line alignment and operation.

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Activity Potential Negative Mitigation Measures Responsibility for Responsibility for Timeframe Budget Impacts Mitigation Monitoring ($US)

Line fixing Traffic hazards from pole  Erect double poles for Contractors, Planning and T&D location Managers transformers parallel to walls NAWEC Planning where applicable. Officers  Avoid fixing poles that affect access to roads.  Develop standards for routes. All works on the Noise nuisance from heavy  Use well-kept vehicles and Contractors SEO T & D networks equipment and vehicles machinery to reduce noise  Work only during the day from 8am to 6pm Risk of poor health of  Provide training, risk information, Contractors SEO workers during works and appropriate manual handling especially from falls and machinery. electrocution.  Provide personal protective

equipment and first aid kits  Develop and use standard operating procedures to avoid T & D Manager electrocution.  Apply health and safety guidelines (annex 3) Risks to public health from  Inform affected persons prior to Contractors NAWEC Health and Safety Officer dust, noise, waste and carrying out dusty and noisy other hazards such as activities to get to safer locations imported workers  Clear all waste and excess materials immediately after pole erection; Clear derelict poles.  Use well-kept heavy vehicles and equipment to reduce exhaust emissions  Store material away from easy public access.  Restrict work site access and use signs and symbols.

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Activity Potential Negative Mitigation Measures Responsibility for Responsibility for Timeframe Budget Impacts Mitigation Monitoring ($US)

 Extra care must be taken to ensure safety of children in the nearby schools and orphanage along the corridors.  Educate workers on risks and prevention of sexually transmitted infections  Use local labour as much as possible Services interruption during  Control road traffic Contractors NAWEC transportation, installation  Avoid peak times and days such of poles and lines as market days  Inform customers before supply disconnection for works  Locate and design structures to avoid flood and erosion prone areas that may cause destruction and disturb supply Disturbance of farms  Avoid farming periods if possible Contractors NAWEC  Seek consent of farmers  Remove all waste after works

OPERATION OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

T & D network Increased noise nuisance  Replace bare cables with T & D Electrical T & D Manager During long Not Operation applicable from lines insulated ones. Engineers to term operation coordinate these of the network  Regular maintenance of T&D activities. infrastructure  Avoid overloading  Maintain minimum heights and ROW Risks to public health.  Regular maintenance of lines to T & D Electrical T & D Manager Engineers to avoid sparks. coordinate these  Routine pruning of trees

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Activity Potential Negative Mitigation Measures Responsibility for Responsibility for Timeframe Budget Impacts Mitigation Monitoring ($US)

particularly before rainy seasons. activities.  Prevent public access to transformers.  Removal of disused poles and cables from communities. Old poles cleared for the appropriate management (reuse / recycle / dispose at approved sites) Risk of poor health of  Provide training, risk information, Contractors SEO workers and appropriate machinery.  Provide personal protective equipment and first aid kits.  Develop and use standard operating procedures to avoid electrocution during maintenance. T & D Manager  Apply health and safety guidelines (annex 3) Disturbance of farms during  Avoid farming periods if possible Contractors PCU maintenance  Seek consent of farmers  Remove all waste after maintenance works Bird strikes on lines  Use design and specification for T & D Manager PCU better insulation and protection

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CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CROSS BORDER ESMP

8.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAKEHOLDERS

NAWEC, through the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) is responsible for the overall implementation of the Project and its ESMP. The Senior Environment Officer will ensure the respective roles of each stakeholder are carried out on time. The PCU/NAWEC will ensure that the environment and social requirements as detailed in the ESMP should be part of the bidding and contract negotiation phase and part of the works contracts and bidding documents

The MOPE and PURA, with their oversight responsibilities, shall liaise with NAWEC, housing the PCU, to ensure the Project is in line with legal requirements.

According to Section 31 of the EIA Regulations, 2014, the NEA shall monitor routinely to guide and audit the progress of the ESMP implementation to ensure compliance.

The participation of the Regional Technical Advisory committees (TACs), chaired by the Governors, will ensure close monitoring at the local levels.

The West African Power Pool and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority also have important roles in ensuring and regulating fair trade in energy amongst its members. Thus, the Gambia-Senegal electricity interconnection agreement will be guided by ECOWAS.

8.2 INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING AND SENSITIZATION

The implementation of the cross-border T&D infrastructure shall include additional training of relevant NAWEC staff, stationed in the various Regions, in environmental and social due diligence during construction and implementation.

In addition, Contractors shall include in their work plans and carry out training of workers on the required safeguards they are expected to implement as part of the daily activities. The following cross border issues shall also be included in the list of subjects for sensitization and training as part of the main GESP: - Outline of the applicable sub-regional policies and laws guiding this component of the Project.

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- Public sensitization on the Project component to promote ownership, prevent complaints and highlight their role in promoting related public health and safety, and monitoring.

8.3 MONITORING OF THE ESMP

Monitoring arrangements remain the same as the initial ESMP, and NEA officers in the Regions shall be supported by the specific Technical Advisory Committee in the Region. The monitoring expenses shall also be increased as stated in Table 19.

Table 19: GESP Component 1.5 ESMP Monitoring Programme including Budget

Institution Monitoring Timeline Recommended Requirements Proposed budget activity frequency ($US)

NEA Field visits by Whole Weekly visits to Logistics for  2,000.00 Environmental Project sites or based on monitoring field Inspectors with duration timing of the work support by activity. TACs During long Annually or upon From NEA’s term receipt of operational budget operation complaints NAWEC Monitoring and Whole At least weekly Logistics for field  2,000.00 evaluation of duration of visits to Project visits

measures to be the project. sites after

implemented by commencement. NAWEC and Contractors Long term From NAWEC’s operation operational budget TOTAL 4,000.00

8.4 REPORTING Effective communication between and amongst the NEA and NAWEC (PCU) is essential. Monthly reporting of monitoring and evaluation results is recommended from NAWEC to NEA. The NEA shall evaluate the reports and facilitate immediate improvement, where necessary, considering the short duration of the Project.

8.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING Environmental auditing will be carried out together with the other Project components as initially planned.

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8.6 ADDITONAL BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ESMP As earlier mentioned, the only extra cost applicable for implementation of the ESMP is for monitoring, as listed in Table 19.

Table 20: Additional ESMP Implementation Budget

ITEM BUDGET ($US) Implementation of mitigation measures 0 ESMP Monitoring 4,000 Institutional Capacity Enhancement 5,000 (NAWEC Regional staff) Independent Environmental Auditing 0 TOTAL 9,000.00

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CHAPTER 9: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study has identified the main potential significant impacts from the proposed installation and operation of the T&D network along the four routes; appropriate mitigation measures have also been recommended to effectively address these impacts. In conclusion, as there are no likely major significant or irreversible negative impacts, the additional cross-border component of the Gambia Electricity Support Project can be implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner on full implementation of this ESMP.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Additional documents consulted during the development of this ESMP include:

DHHS, NIOSH (July 2001), NIOSH Alert: Preventing Injuries and Deaths from Falls during Construction and Maintenance of Telecommunication Towers. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001–156]. Online at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-156/pdfs/2001-156.pdf

DWR (2015), Department of Water Resources Rainfall and Temperature data 2010-2014

ECOWAS (2003), ECOWAS ENERGY PROTOCOL A/P4/1/03

NAWEC (2015), Environmental and Social Management Plan for the Proposed Electricity Project for NAWEC (The Gambia Electricity Support Project)

NAWEC (Feb’ 2016), Addendum to the Environmental and Social Management Plan for the Proposed Gambia Electricity Support Project for NAWEC

NAWEC (April 2016), Environmental and Social Management Plan for Electricity Transmission and Distribution – The Gambia Rural Electrification Extension Project, Phase II

WAPP (2005), Articles of Agreement of the West African Power Pool: Organization and Function

World Bank (2016), Fact Sheet: The World Bank’s New Environmental and Social Framework. Online at http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/748391470327541124/SafeguardsFactSheeten glishAug42016.pdf

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ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: MAP ILLUSTRATING THE T&D ROUTES OF THE NEW COMPONENT

Figure 15: Map of The Gambia illustrating the four proposed T&D routes

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ANNEX 2: SOME PHOTOS OUTSIDE THE PROJECT AREAS YET IMPORTANT FOR NAWEC TO LEARN FROM

Figure 16: Disused poles next to the gates of the Muslim cemetery at Old Jeshwang

Figures 17-16: Rusty poles causing lines to fall (Tanbi Wetland Complex) at Mile 5

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ANNEX 3: HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES DURING WORKS AT HEIGHTS (ADOPTED FROM DHHS/NIOSH, JULY 2001)

NAWEC as the tower/pole owner should take the following steps: • Use contracts requiring that workers adhere to required safety measures while construction or maintenance is being performed on your poles. • Require contractors to have a formal safety and health program relating to tower/pole construction and maintenance. •Include a provision in contracts for frequent and regular jobsite inspections by a competent person who has expertise in tower erection and worker fall protection.

EMPLOYERS should take the following steps to reduce the risk of worker injuries and deaths from falls during tower construction and maintenance: • Ensure that hoisting equipment used to lift workers is designed to prevent uncontrolled descent and is properly rated for the intended use. • Ensure that hoist operators are properly trained. • Ensure that workers use 100% fall protection when working on towers at heights above 25 feet. • Provide workers with a 100% fall-protection system compatible with tower components and the tasks to be performed. • Ensure that gin poles are installed and used according to the specifications of the manufacturer or a registered professional engineer. • Ensure that tower erectors are adequately trained in proper climbing techniques, including sustaining three-point contact. • Provide workers with the required personal protective equipment and training in its proper use. • Ensure that workers inspect their equipment daily to identify any damage or deficiencies. • Provide workers with an adequate work-positioning device system. Connectors on positioning systems must be compatible with the tower components to which they are attached. • Supplement worker training on safe work practices with discussions of FACE case reports.

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• Know and comply with child labor laws that prohibit hazardous work by workers under age.

WORKERS should take the following steps to protect themselves from falls during tower construction and maintenance: • Use 100% fall protection when working on towers at heights above 25 feet. • Participate in all training programs offered by your employer. • Follow safe work practices identified by worker training programs. • Use required personal protective equipment and make sure you are trained in its proper use. • Inspect equipment daily and report any damage or deficiencies to your supervisor immediately.

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