COUNTRY : GABONESE REPUBLIC
APPRAISAL REPORT
Public Disclosure Authorized DATE: 3 SEPTEMBER 2018
GABONESE REPUBLIC: WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - FIRST LIBREVILLE INTEGRATED DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROGRAMME (PIAEPAL) - DRINKING WATER COMPONENT
Public Disclosure Authorized
RDGC/AHWS/GOGA
September 2018
Translated Document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I – STRATEGIC THRUST AND OBJECTIVES ...... 1 1.1. PROJECT LINKAGES WITH COUNTRY STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES ...... 1 1.2. RATIONALE FOR BANK’S INVOLVEMENT ...... 1 1.3. AID COORDINATION ...... 2 II – PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 3 2.1. PROJECT COMPONENTS ...... 3 2.2. TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS ADOPTED AND ALTERNATIVES EXPLORED ...... 5 2.3. PROJECT TYPE ...... 6 2.4. PROJECT COST AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS ...... 6 2.5. PROJECT AREA AND BENEFICIARIES ...... 7 2.6. PARTICIPATORY PROCESS ...... 7 2.7. BANK GROUP AND EXPERIENCE REFLECTED IN PROJECT DESIGN ...... 8 III – PROJECT FEASIBILITY ...... 8 3.1. PROJECT ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 8 3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ...... 9 IV IMPLEMENTATION ...... 11 4.1. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ...... 11 4.2. MONITORING ...... 14 4.3. GOVERNANCE ...... 14 4.4. SUSTAINABILITY ...... 15 4.5. RISK MANAGEMENT ...... 16 4.6. KNOWLEDGE BUILDING ...... 16 V – LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 16 5.1. LEGAL INSTRUMENT ...... 17 5.2. CONDITIONS FOR BANK INVOLVEMENT ...... 17 5.3. COMPLIANCE WITH THE BANK POLICIES ...... 18 5.4. RECOMMENDATION ...... 18
Annex 1: Comparative Socio-economic Indicators of the Country Annex 2: Key Related Projects Financed by the Bank and other Development Partners Annex 3: Map of the Project Area Annex 4: Justification for Reducing Gabon's Counterpart Funding Annex 5: Logical Framework for the Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Development Programme in Gabon
Currency Equivalents (June 2018) Currency Unit UA 1 = CFAF 794.31 UA 1 = CFAF 1.21092 EUR 1 = CFAF 655.00
Fiscal Year
1 January – 31 December
Weights and Measures
1 tonne (t) = 2204 pounds 1 millimetre (mm) = 0.03937 inches 1 cubic metre (m³) = 1000 litters 1 kilometre (km) = 0.62 mile 1 metre (m) = 3.28 feet 1 hectare (ha) = 2.471 acres
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ADF : African Development Fund AFD : French Development Agency AfDB : African Development Bank ARSEE : Water and Electricity Sector Regulation Agency CNEE : National Water and Electricity Council DWS : Drinking Water Supply DWSS : Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation EU : European Union ESMP : Environmental and Social Management Plan IWRM : Integrated Water Resources Management NGO : Non-Governmental Organization PCU : Project Coordination Unit PD : Preliminary Design PGRHA : Water Resources Management and Sanitation Programme PIAEPAL : Libreville Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Programme PSGE : Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan SEEG : Société d’Energie et d'Eau du Gabon (Gabon Water and Power Utility) SP : Société de Patrimoine (Assets Company) STEP : Treatment and Purification Plant TFP : Technical and Financial Partners UA : Unit of Account WB : World Bank WHO : World Health Organization
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PROJECT INFORMATION
Client Information DONEE/BORROWER : Government of the Gabonese Republic
EXECUTING AGENCY : Ministry of Water and Energy 852 Boulevard Triomphal Libreville B.P. 1172 Libreville Gabonese Republic Tel: (241) 01721514 Email: [email protected]
Financing Plan Source Amount (UA) Instrument AfDB 96.95 million Loan
TOTAL COST 96.95 million
AfDB's Key Financial Information ______Loan Currency Euro (EUR) [or any other acceptable currency]
Type of Loan Fully flexible loan
Maturity 20 years
Deferred amortization 5 years
Weighted Average 12.75 years Maturity**
Reimbursements Half-yearly payments at the end of the deferred amortization period.
Interest Rate Base rate + Funding margin + Lending spread + Maturity premium. This interest rate must be above or equal to zero.
Base Rate: Floating (EURIBOR 6 months revised every 1st February and 1st August), with a free floating base rate option.
Financing Cost Margin The Bank's financing cost margin revised every 1st January and 1st July and applied every 1st February and 1st August with the base rate.
Lending Spread 0 basis points (0.8%)
Maturity Premium 0.00%
Front-end Fees 0.25% of the loan amount payable latest on the date of signature of the loan Agreement.
Commitment Fee 0.25% per year on the undisbursed amount. It shall become effective 60 days following the date of signature of the loan agreement and shall be payable on the due dates.
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Base Rate Conversion Besides the free fixing option, the Borrower may revert to the Option* floating rate or reset the rate on all or part of the disbursed amount of its loan. Transaction fees apply.
Rate Cap or Collar Option* The Borrower may cap or collar the base rate for all or part of the disbursed amount of its loan. Transaction fees apply.
Loan Currency Conversion The Borrower may change the currency of all or part of its loan, Option* : whether disbursed or not, into another loan currency of the Bank. Transaction fees apply.
FRR, NPV (base case CFAF 10,401.70 billion at 12% discount rate scenario)
ERR (base case scenario) 13.59%
*where applicable
Timeframe-Main Milestones (expected)
Concept Note Approval May 2018 Project Approval September 2018 Effectiveness December 2018 Last Disbursement June 2023 Completion December 2022
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Executive Summary
1. Project Overview: Libreville's first Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Sub- Programme is part of Government's programme to develop the Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS) sector. The achievements envisaged under this vast programme stem from the ambition to guarantee, by 2025, sustainable universal access to drinking water and sanitation in a healthy and improved living environment nationwide. PIAEPAL aims to strengthen and improve drinking water and sanitation services in Greater Libreville. It will cost UA 200 million. The Government requested funding from the Bank for the drinking water component of this sub-programme, which involves building the institutional capacity of the DWSS sector, reinforcement and a 280-kilometre extension of the drinking water network in Greater Libreville comprising the Libreville, Akanda, Owendo and Ntoum municipalities, and preparation of the next phase in the form of a project. The total cost of the component to be financed by the Bank is UA 96.95 million. It is scheduled to be implemented over a 4-year period.
2. The project will generate considerable and tangible positive socio-economic and environmental benefits for the 920,000 inhabitants of Greater Libreville and the natural environment: (i) a regular supply of safe drinking water in sufficient quantities; (ii) time savings especially for women who are often forced to wait long hours at night to fetch water; and (iii) significant savings on household budgets as a result of fewer incidents of waterborne diseases, malaria and the improvement of living conditions in general. Stakeholder involvement is crucial for investment sustainability. Initiated during the project identification and preparation missions, this process continued through the ESIA, including public consultations and meetings with the appraisal mission, and will be maintained during the implementation phase.
3 Needs Assessment. The city's current drinking water production capacity is 230 000 m3/d against a production need of 280 000 m3/d, i.e. a deficit of 50 000 m3/d. To meet Greater Libreville's water needs up to 2035, the Drinking Water Master Plan prepared in March 2016 recommended the completion of work on the future Ntoum 7 drinking water production plant. The Government plans to start work on the plant in early 2019 through a public/private partnership. The facility is expected to provide an additional 140 000 m3/d. Unfortunately, poor management of the sub-sector and the current state of the drinking water distribution network, characterized by a low rate of return due to the obsolescence of the pipes, render such an additional supply unprofitable. The drinking water distribution network in Greater Libreville risks further deterioration if measures are not taken to improve its rate of return. Building the institutional and organizational capacity of key stakeholders, and partial network renewal and consolidation will help to improve the rate of unbilled drinking water, as it will drop from around 48% to 5%, and to provide drinking water to several uncovered areas of Greater Libreville.
4. Bank's Value-added. This is the first major operation in the water sector in Gabon, which is a key and visible human development sector for the country. Moreover, the Bank, through the African Water Facility, had financed a rainwater sanitation study in Libreville and another study as part of the integrated water resources management in Central Africa. All this will give the Bank a clear comparative edge.
5. Knowledge Building. A monitoring and evaluation system will be set up within the Ministry of Water and Power to provide input to populate the geo-referenced database of water resources and drinking water supply structures.
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In light of the needs expressed, the expected project outputs will contain the health risk linked to the population's lack of access to drinking water in Libreville. Similarly, the Bank will support the Government by providing guidance on the reforms needed to transform the water and sanitation sector. Therefore, it is recommended that the Bank grant a loan of EUR 117.40 million (UA 96.95 million) from the ADB window to the Gabonese Republic to finance the consolidation and extension of the drinking water supply network under the Libreville Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (PIAEPAL).
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Project Implementation Schedule
Years 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Activities / Month T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T1 T2 T3 T4 Prior to start-up Board Presentation/Approval Publication of General Procurement Notice Signature of Loan Agreement Effectiveness Conditions precedent to first disbursement Launch mission Activities related to DWS works in Libreville
Monitoring and control of renovation works Works to renovate existing network Supervision and control of new works New works (extension and reinforcement) Repair of leakages in administrative buildings Implementation and Monitoring of the ESMP and Compensation IEC Activities related to stakeholder capacity building Procurement of vehicles, IT hardware and office Variousequipment trainings for sector stakeholders Institutional and Tariff Sector Study So cio - Eco n o m ic an d Gen der Sect o r St udy Libreville Rainwater Drainage Study Study on the Operationalization of Solid Waste AssetsManagement Management Study of Urban DWSS Works Maps of Water Resources and WATER-GIS Coordination and Management Activities Technical assistance to the PCU Preparation of procedures manuals Annual audit of accounts Final audit of accounts Completion Report From Gabon From AfDB
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Results-Based Logical Framework GABON: GABON INTEGRATED DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROGRAMME - First Libreville Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Sub-Programme (PIAEPAL) - Drinking Water Component Programme Goal: Contribute to improving access to drinking water for the people of Gabon. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RISKS/ RESULTS CHAIN Indicator MEANS OF VERIFICATION Baseline Situation Target MITIGATION MEASURES (including ISC)
Contribute to improving the living conditions of the 1. Prevalence rate of waterborne 1. 45% in 2018 1. Below 20% in 2025 Sources: PRE, Survey 1-2-3, MICS, Gabonese people diseases EDS Méthode: National Surveys and
IMPACT Reports
Outcome 1: Drinking water supply in Libreville has 1.1 Drinking water access rate; 1.1 55% for drinking water 1.1 75% in 2022 for drinking water; Sources: Reports of the Ministry of Risks improved as a result of work under Component I of the 1.2 Rate of unbilled drinking water in 2018; 1.2 5% unbilled drinking water rate in 2022; Water, SEEG activity reports, project Lack of experience by the Ministry of Water in PIAEPAL programme. 1.3 Population with access to 1.2 Rate of unbilled 1.2 300 000 additional people will be connected activity and Bank supervision reports carrying out programme activities and issues of drinking water drinking water in in 2022; coordination between the various stakeholders within 2018- 48%.
the integrated water resources management system. 1.3 550 000 people Mitigation Measures connected in 2018. Preparation of the Water Code. Capacity-building
measures to strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Water and Energy through technical OUTCOMES assistance. A Programme Steering Committee should Outcome 2: Libreville residents have a better living 2.1 Cumulative duration of floods 2.1 70 days of flooding in 2.1 Not exceeding 38 days of flooding in 2022 Sources: Reports of the Ministry of be established to bring together all the parties environment because of the decrease in the frequency of 2.2 Population affected by floods 2017 2.2 No one is affected by flooding following Water, Reports of the Office of involved and coordination activated among them floods after the network rehabilitation works. following low rainfall 2.2 35 000 people affected low rainfall in 2022; Meteorology and the Libreville City within the framework of IWRM. by floods following Council low rainfall in 2017.
Component 1: Infrastructure Development 1.1 Network length in kilometres; 1.1 175 km of drinking water network restored; Risks 1.2 Linear length of the rehabilitated 1.2 131 km of drinking water network extended; Delays due to unfamiliarity with the Bank's rules of Output 1.1. Drinking water system extension; network in kilometres; 1.4. 2 200 temporary jobs created, of which procedure Output 1.2. Drinking water system renovation; 1.4 Number of temporary jobs 25% for women. Mitigation Measures Output 1.4 Temporary jobs created; created Training on the Bank's rules of procedure
Component 2 : Improve Sector Governance and Build 2.1 Number of office equipment 2.1 8 Vehicles; 90 office equipment; 50 IT Sources Reports of the Ministry of Capacity procured and supplied; equipment; Water and Energy, Project Activity Output 2.1 The ministries involved in project activities 2.2 Number of Management Unit 2.2 Members of the Management Unit trained; and Bank Supervision Reports equipped and strengthened; members trained; (30% women?) Output 2.2 Members of the Management Unit are 2.3 Number of sector stakeholders 2.3 10 persons drawn from sector stakeholders trained in procurement, financial management and trained; trained; (30% women?) project management with a gender perspective; 2.4 Number of service quality 2.4 2 Instruments (management contract and Output 2.3 Sector stakeholders (SP, SEEG, Ministry of monitoring tools prepared; sector roadmap prepared); Water) trained; 2.5 Number of studies carried out 2.5 (07) Studies conducted; Output 2.4 Tools for monitoring the quality of public with action plans implemented; 2.6 6 Offices rehabilitated and equipped.
OUTPUTS water services developed and operational; 2.6 Number of offices rehabilitated Output 2.5 Studies conducted (storm water drainage and equipped. infrastructure, wastewater, tariffs, etc.) Output 2.6 The DG-WATER work environment improved.
Component 3 : Project Management 3.1 Number of progress reports; 3.1 18 Progress reports with a gender, Output 3.1.Project management activities ensured 3.2. Number of audit reports participation and inclusion perspective Output 3.2. Accounts Audit accepted; 3.2 5 Audit reports Output 3.3. Financial Monitoring 3.3. Number of financial reports 3.3 18 Reports Output 3.4. Monitoring of the ESMP implementation 3.4 Number of monitoring missions 3.4 8 Monitoring missions
COMPONENTS RESOURCES
COMPONENT 1 : Infrastructure Development : 89.06 (%) UA 86.34 million COMPONENT 2 : Improve Sector Governance and Build Capacity : 7.69 (%) UA 7.46 million COMPONENT 3 : Project Management : 3.25 (%) UA 3.15 million Total Project Cost: UA 96.95 million ADB UA 96.95 million MAIN ACTIVITIES
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REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF BANK MANAGEMENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONCERNING A PROPOSAL TO GRANT A LOAN TO THE GABONESE REPUBLIC TO FINANCE THE DRINKING WATER COMPONENT OF THE LIBREVILLE INTEGRATED DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROGRAMME (PIAEPAL)
Management hereby submits this report concerning a proposal to grant a loan of EUR 117.40 million (UA 96.95 million) from the ADB window to the Gabonese Republic to finance the consolidation and extension of the drinking water supply network component under the Libreville Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (PIAEPAL).
I. STRATEGIC THRUST AND OBJECTIVES
1.1 Project Linkages with Country Strategy and Objectives
1.1.1 Gabon’s Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme is in line with the Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan (PSGE 2011-2025), which is structured around four main thrusts: (i) sustainable human development; (ii) governance; (iii) human capital; and (iv) infrastructure. It is in compliance with the 2014 Social Pact, which focuses on economic redistribution and inclusion as part of the fight against poverty, particularly in terms of access to minimum social standards. This Pact is based on the strategic objectives and priority actions under PSGE's Water and Sanitation Sector Plan, in particular Objective 19 aimed at guaranteeing universal access to drinking water and sanitation services. The project is consistent with the expected achievements of the PIAEPAL Programme, which include improving drinking water supply by upgrading the water distribution and storage network in Libreville, and strengthening the capacity of public drinking water supply and sanitation services at various levels to ensure Gabon’s integrated water resources management.
1.1.2 The programme aligns with the Bank's intervention strategy in Gabon (CSP 2016-2020), particularly under Pillar 2: Support to the human development strategy. Improving the living environment, particularly through access to drinking water supply and sanitation services, contributes to human resources development. The programme is consistent with the orientations of the Bank's Ten- Year Strategy 2013-2022, which focuses on infrastructure development for inclusive growth. It also plugs into the Bank's Urban Development Strategy and the five operational priorities (the High 5s, especially as concerns improving the quality of life for the people of Africa), which reinforce the Ten-Year Strategy. Furthermore, the programme supports women’s integration and empowerment, through the conduct and implementation of findings of a social and gender study, and the creation of temporary jobs for women during the implementation phase.
1.2. Rationale for Bank’s Involvement
1.2.1 The current situation of the water and sanitation sector in Gabon is of concern: (i) despite the provision of approximately 128 000 m3 of fresh water per person per year, less than 55% of the population has access to drinking water in urban areas; (ii) the urban sanitation access rate is estimated at 45.70%; (iii) the rural access rate to these basic services is still low (less than 40% of rural dwellers); (iv) whereas SEEG’s total losses (technical and commercial) in 2010 were estimated at 33% (63 million m3 sold compared to 82 million m3 produced), 2017 projections stand at 48%. The sector's organisation is weak and the network is extremely outdated. Moreover, (a) less than 9% of the urban population benefits from a social connection (out of 175,421 subscribers, only 15,677 are social subscribers and the others, i.e. 159,744, are normal subscribers), and (b) nationwide, drinking water supply has been
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structurally deficient for about ten years, resulting in "water stress throughout the country, and especially in Port-Gentil and Libreville".
1.2.2 To operationalise the PSGE, the Government prepared a Water and Sanitation Sector Plan with the following objectives: (i) achieve integrated water resources management; (ii) ensure universal and sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services in Gabon; (iii) provide quality services; (iv) improve users' habits to take sustainable development into account; and (v) consider the drinking water supply and sanitation sector as a significant vector for the country's economic development. A Multi-Year Water Resources Management and Sanitation Programme (PGRHA) with targets and indicators for 2012-2020 was also developed. Through this programme, the Government is shifting from a policy of managing works to that of integrated management of the country's water resources. Although the implementation of the PGRHA began between 2012 and 2014, it could not attain its objective due to lack of financial resources: of the CFAF 34.68 billion requested as budget for the PGRHA in 2014, only CFAF 18.72 billion was committed, drastically reducing the investment scope. No funding was provided between 2015 and 2018. The Ministry of Water and Energy simply updates the programme sheets.
1.2.3 Meanwhile, the performance of the Libreville DWS network installed during the early years of independence has been on the decline. It has continued to deteriorate and is quite outdated, with a current output of 52%. From September to December 2014, SEEG detected 273 leakages on the network. From January to March 2015, the leakages rose exponentially to 1029. According to data from the Laboratory of Public Buildings and Works (Laboratoire des Bâtiments et Travaux Publics du Gabon), the capital's sandy subsoil is saturated with water in all season because of these leakages, which exacerbate the frequency of flooding even after light rains. The Government is of the view that there is an urgent need to invest in the rehabilitation of Libreville's drinking water network. Moreover, given the current institutional difficulties linked to the departure of Veolia Environnement, the French service provider (water, waste management, energy and transport), and the weakness of certain key sector stakeholders, the rehabilitation can no longer be deferred without exposing the capital to a very critical health situation.
1.3 Aid Coordination
1.3.1 There is no formal aid coordination in the water and sanitation sector. Occasional meetings are sometimes organised during various missions. It is worth noting that most of the Technical and Financial Partners (TFPs) are currently not active in the sector. However, discussions with AFD during the preparation of this operation provided an opportunity to agree on the need to strengthen coordination through quarterly meetings during which possibilities for collaboration and harmonisation of interventions in the sector will be explored. Similarly, the Government supports the idea of setting up a sector think tank with AfDB and World Bank support. This group will bring together all key players in the sector and will initially address issues related to sector reforms. It will lay the foundations for the establishment of a "water and electricity" thematic group. The Bank's role in the sector is strengthened by its efforts in coordinating the sector, both with sector officials and other TFPs.
1.3.2 The consultation helped to explore possibilities for complementarity of actions envisaged under this operation with those underway or planned by other donors. The World Bank has agreed to support the Government in its reflection on sector reforms through the recruitment of consultants to lead focus group discussions. The French Development Agency (AFD) is examining the feasibility of participating in financing some of the activities selected under this first PIAEPAL sub-programme. UNESCO and WHO will take part in activities related to water resources assessment and the IWRM Action Plan. Efforts are being made to attract other partners.
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Table 1.1: TFP Financing in the Water and Sanitation Sector Sector/Sub-Sector GDP Export Labour Water and Sanitation - - -
Stakeholders – Annual Public Expenditure in EUR Million (Average 2012-2017) Government/ AFD EIB WB IsDB AfDB Others (UN Beneficiaries (AWF) System, etc.) 45.00 110.00 72.00 53.70 45.00 1.60 0.01 Level of Aid Coordination Existence of Thematic Working Groups (Water and Sanitation) NO Existence of a Comprehensive Sector Programme (Water and Sanitation) YES
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1. Project Components
2.1.1 The project is structured around the following main components: (A) development of DWS infrastructure including: (i) renovation of 149 km of the Libreville water supply network, (ii) reinforcement and extension of 131 km of the Libreville water supply network; and (iii) repair of leakages in administrative buildings; (B) improvement of sector governance and capacity building, including : (i) equipping beneficiary ministries; (ii) training the main stakeholders; (iii) technical studies for infrastructure development and knowledge of water resources; (iv) sector studies and assistance for institutional reform of the sector; and (C) project coordination and management, including: (i) equipment for the Coordination Unit; (ii) technical assistance for project implementation; and (iii) operating costs. Details of the components and sub-components are shown in Table 2.1 below.
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Table 2.1 : Project Components and Cost
Name of Component / Sub- Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Component (CFAF billion) (UA million) Component Description A Development of DWS 68.95 86.81 Infrastructure Sub-Component A.1 37.20 46.83 141,520 lm network renewal, including tanks Renewal of the existing network and accessories
Sub-Component A2 21.88 27.55 Network strengthening and extension on Strengthening and 131,000 lm, including tanks and accessories extension of the DWS network Sub-Component A3 4.22 5.43 Repair of leakages in administrative buildings Repair of leakages in administrative and installation of 1318 connections and 60 buildings standpipes Sub-Component A4 1.09 1.37 Monitoring and control of network renewal Monitoring and control of renovation works works Sub-Component A5 0.89 1.12 Monitoring and control of reinforcement and Supervision and control of new works extension works Sub-Component A6 0.20 0.25 Information, education, communication and IEC and gender campaigns gender campaigns Sub-Component A7 0.12 0.19 Implementation of ESMP activities Implementation of the ESMP
B Improvement of Sector 5.14 6.47 Governance and Capacity Building
Sub-Component B1 0.21 0.24 Computer hardware, furniture and vehicles Equipping beneficiary Ministries
Sub-Component B2 0.20 0.43 Training of several Gabonese stakeholders Training Sub-Component B3 4.46 5.61 Technical and sector (institutional) studies, and Sector reform studies and assistance assistance for the implementation of the water policy Sub-Component B4 0.35 0.44 Rehabilitation of the annex building of the Rehabilitation of the DG-Water Directorate General for Water for the Project Annex for the CU Coordination Unit
C Project Coordination and 2.92 3.68 Management Sub-Component C1 0.41 0.652 PCU computer equipment, furniture and PCU Equipment vehicles Sub-Component C2 0.48 0.61 Consultancy services to support project Support Consultants Fees management and coordination Sub-Component C3 0.06 0.07 Project audit services and preparation of Audits and Procedure Manuals procedure manuals Sub-Component C4 1.20 1.50 Allowances for local staff assigned to the PCU Personal allowances project Sub-Component C5 0.20 0.25 Costs of missions to monitor activities Mission expenses Sub-Component C6 0.07 0.9 PCU vehicle fuel and maintenance costs Vehicle operating costs Sub-Component C7 0.31 0.33 Various management costs (paper, telephone, Miscellaneous printing, etc.) management/coordination charges 4
2.2 Technical Solutions Adopted and Alternatives Explored
2.2.1 The project's technical design is based on: (i) the studies of the Greater Libreville Drinking Water Supply Master Plan up to 2035 finalised in 2017; and (ii) the detailed technical studies carried out by SEEG in 2018 to determine the volume of renewal and extension/reinforcement works required at an initial phase. Several alternative technical scenarios were examined to ensure a sustainable service at the best possible cost for the Greater Libreville DWS. The following technical solutions were selected after modelling: (i) supply Ntoum Centre and the Ntoum-Libreville line up to PK 9 by segmenting the DN 450 line into three pressure ranges with a 1,500 m3 tank at the head of the network fed by the DN 1200 line, the rehabilitation of an existing 1,000 m3 tank in Nzembourg and the rehabilitation of the existing 1,000 m3 tank, the construction of one (1) new tank in Bikélé with a total capacity of 1,500 m3, the construction of a 200 m3 water tower in Meba (Ntoum Municipality) and finally the closure of all bypasses between the DN 450 and DN 800 pipelines; (ii) extend the network in areas where it already exists but lacks a tertiary or even secondary network, where network densification and connections are problematic; (iii) limit storage autonomy to 6.5 hours.
Table 2.2: Alternative Solutions Explored and Reasons for Rejection Alternative Brief Description Reason for Rejection
Maintain distribution The distribution of drinking water from Modelling has shown the inefficiency of this at Ntoum Centre and Ntoum Centre and the Ntoum-Libreville system, which cannot ensure either the flows or on the Ntoum- axis to PK 9 is ensured by the DN 450 the pressures required in the area considered Libreville axis as is. pipeline, fed by the DN 800 pipeline. The over the project time frame. two pipelines are connected.
Use local water Supply Cap Esterias and Cap Santa Clara Even though it represents only 5% of sources with groundwater from 17 boreholes 100 Libreville's total consumption, the supply of m deep in the sandstone area. drinking water to the northern districts of the city from local water resources presents a real risk. The water in this area can be easily contaminated on the surface and its use poses the risk of upwelling brackish water.
Ignore areas with low Districts connected to the network but The outcome of a study carried out on the network without sufficient densification. Nomba Octra pilot sector revealed a significant densification and loss after meters were installed on the expand only in new “spaghetti” HDPE connections in the sector. areas
Ensure a 12-hour This solution requires the construction of This solution entails an additional cost of storage autonomy a 76,000 m3 capacity storage and CFAF 35.5 billion and was not retained under accessory works. this project.
2.3. Project Type
This is a standalone operation in the form of a loan from the ADB window for an investment project. Its expected duration is 48 months.
2.4. Project Cost and Financing Arrangements
2.4.1 The project's estimated cost, excluding taxes and customs duties, is EUR 117.40 million (UA 96.95 million), of which 81.3% in foreign exchange and 18.7% in local currency. It includes provisions 5
for physical contingencies (5%) and an annual price escalation of 2%. Detailed costs by component and expenditure category are provided in the technical annexes attached to this report. The People’s Bank of China through AGTF has shown interest in co-financing up to 50.86 million EURO project activities (UA 42.00 million). The cost table will be refitted if necessary.
Table 2.3: Estimated Cost by Component (excluding taxes and customs duties)
Components CFAF billion UA million Foreign L.C. Foreign Total L.C. Foreign Total Exchange Exchange Exchange %
Component A – Infrastructure 13.79 55.16 64.45 11.68 69.45 81.13 71.63 Development Component B – Improve Sector Governance 0.56 4.58 4.81 1.15 4.90 6.05 89.09 and Capacity Building Component C – Project 2.82 0.10 2.73 3.55 0.11 3.44 4.41 Coordination and Management Total Base Cost 14.29 57.70 71.99 16.38 74.46 90.62 81.79 Provision for Physical Contingencies 0.71 2.88 3.60 0.82 3.72 4.52 76.37 Provision for Price Escalation 0.28 1.54 1.43 0.33 1.49 1.81 76.79 Total Project Cost 15.28 61.73 77.02 17.28 79.67 96.95 81.23
Table 2.4: Sources of Financing Sources of Financing CFAF billion UA million Total L.C. Foreign Total L.C. Foreign Total % Exchange Exchange ADB 15.28 61.73 77.02 17.28 79.67 96.95 100 Total Project Cost 15.28 61.73 77.02 17.28 79.67 96.95 100
Table 2.5: Project Cost by Expenditure Category for the Part Financed by the Bank
Expenditure Categories CFAF billion UA million Foreign L.C. Foreign Total L.C. Foreign Total Exchange Exchange Exchange %
Goods 0.06 0.15 0.21 0.07 0.717 0.24 91.57 Works 15.64 48.81 64.45 19.68 61.45 81.13 78.23 Services 0.79 3.7 4.46 0.99 4.62 5.61 89.02 Operation 1.78 - 1.78 2.24 - 2.24 0 Total Base Cost 14.29 57.70 71.99 16.38 74.46 90.62 81.79 Provision for Physical 0.71 2.88 3.60 0.82 3.72 4.52 76.37 Contingencies Provision for Price Escalation 0.28 1.54 1.43 0.33 1.49 1.81 76.79 Total Project Cost 15.28 61.73 77.02 17.28 79.67 96.95 81.23
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2.4.2 The project will be financed by an ADB loan of EUR 117.40 million (UA 96.95 million). In view of Gabon's financial situation, the counterpart funding has been limited to the provision of premises for project management. The rationale is presented as an annex. Activity details are provided in Technical Annexes B2.3 to B2.6.
Table 2.6: Expenditure Schedule by Component (in UA million) Component 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
Component A – Infrastructure Development 8.63 30.32 35.53 12.95 86.34 Component B – Improve Sector Governance and 1.72 2.24 2.24 1.27 7.46 Capacity Building Component C – Project Coordination and 1.26 0.95 0.57 0.38 3.15 Management Total Project Cost 11,61 33.40 37.34 14.60 96.95
2.5. Project Areas and Beneficiaries
The project will cover four Greater Libreville municipalities: Libreville, Akanda, Owendo and Ntoum. Libreville's total population in 2016 was estimated at 967,095. It is expected that 300,000 additional people, or 31% of the city's population, will have access to drinking water as a result of the network extension works. With the project, the drinking water access rate for the Libreville urban population will increase from 55% to 90%. In addition to Libreville residents, the project will benefit local industries and other production and service structures such as government departments, including the Ministry of Water and Energy, the Ministry of Works, barracks, the Service Company, schools and hospitals. Other beneficiaries will include economic operators that will execute works and provide services during project implementation.
2.6. Participatory Process for Project Identification, Design and Implementation, including Active Participation of the Private Sector and Civil Society
2.6.1 The project was prepared on a participatory basis. It is an outcome of priorities established by the Water Master Plan designed in 2015 following a broad socio-economic survey on the priority needs of the Libreville population. The project team carried out field visits and met with various stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector during the preparation mission. Consultations continued with an environmental and social impact assessment, during which public meetings were held in four Greater Libreville municipalities. The concerns expressed were taken into account in the final project design, particularly with regard to the inclusion of the Ntoum sections not covered to date by the project and the coverage of repairs/restoration of all networks removed from the works budget.
2.6.2 The consultation that prevailed during project appraisal will continue during implementation through the steering committee, which will include representatives of all stakeholders in the water, sanitation, local administration and health sectors. The direct project beneficiaries will be involved in the implementation phase, through jobs and awareness campaigns on water saving and hygiene.
2.7. Bank Group Experience and Lessons Reflected in Project Design
2.7.1 The Bank's portfolio review in Gabon in December 2015 revealed the following challenges: (i) weaknesses in project implementation capacity resulting in significant delays in project implementation; (ii) difficulties in mobilising counterpart funds for project financing, which are compounded by recent fiscal constraints; (iii) unexpected cancellations of some operations, sometimes immediately after appraisal; (iv) delays in meeting conditions precedent to first disbursement; and (v) low project quality at
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entry. To strengthen cooperation with Gabon and avoid project cancellations, future operations planned under CSP 2016-2020 have been identified by agreement and align fully with the country's priorities. Regular project performance reviews, jointly with the Government, and the establishment of a formal participatory monitoring and supervision framework were also deemed necessary to identify weaknesses and find appropriate timely solutions to avoid delays. Finally, lessons relating to allotments were drawn from the completion report of the Draft Update on Studies for the Development of the Gué-Gué, Lowé- IAI and Terre Nouvelle Watersheds and taken into account in the design for easy implementation. It should be noted that in the context of this project, the Bank emphasises the need to support sector reforms. A consultant was also recruited to analyse the texts establishing and organising various institutions involved in providing public drinking water services. The analysis concluded that the said texts should be revised and harmonised with future reforms to make the sector more efficient.
2.7.2 Key performance indicators: The sub-programme's performance indicators are the main expected project outcomes, as set out in the logical framework and Table 2.7 below.
Table 2.7: Project Monitoring Indicators Project Effectiveness Indicators by 2022
Linear of the renewed DWS system: 0 lm in 2018 and 149 000 lm in 2022 Linear of the extended and reinforced DWS network: 0 lm in 2018 and 131 000 lm in 2022 Number of water towers built: 0 in 2018 and 3 in 2022 Linear of the network in administrative buildings rehabilitated: 0 lm in 2018 and 20 000 lm in 2022 Number of standpipes installed: 0 in 2018 and 60 in 2022 Number of individual connections made: 0 in 2018 and 1318 in 2022 The volume of unbilled drinking water drops from 48% in 2018 to 5% in 2022 Number of vehicles supplied: 0 in 2018 and 8 in 2022 Number of computers delivered: 0 in 2018 and 55 in 2022
III. PROJECT FEASIBILITY 3.1. Project Economic and Financial Performance
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS BASELINE SCENARIO (2018)
ERR (%) 13.59
IRR (%) 15.42
NPV (in CFAF million) 10,401.70
3.1.1 The estimate of the project's profitability indicators based on baseline scenario assumptions (Technical Annex B.7/Table 8), shows its positive financial returns. With a Net Present Value (NPV) of CFAF 10,401.70 million, the internal rate of return (IRR) of 15.42% compared to the 12% discount rate used to estimate the project's net present value underscores its financial feasibility and capacity to generate reasonable cash flows for the Operator/ Concessionaire, and improve the living conditions of the targeted population (Technical Annex B.7/Table 9). The 13.59% Economic Rate of Return (ERR) is an average rate of the net economic and social benefits provided by the project to the community as a whole, and reflects the economic viability of the institutional and financial model used to manage drinking water supply activities to ensure sustainability (Technical Annex B.7/Table 9). Finally, sensitivity tests reveal that even in the most unfavourable situations and with more drastic assumptions, the net present value remains largely positive and the IRRs and ERRs are well above the 12% opportunity cost of capital (Technical Annex B.7/Table). Based on these results, it is clear that the Project will generate significant economic benefits and will remain viable from all perspectives.
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3.2. Environmental and Social Impact
Environmental Impact
3.2.1 The project is classified under Environmental Category 2. There are no plans to demolish assets, structures or infrastructure. Therefore, no reintegration or resettlement plan is required. Its implementation will also not entail any population displacement. The negative project impacts are mostly temporary (works phase) and easily manageable. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was prepared and is posted on the Bank's website since 2 August 2018 in accordance with AfDB Guidelines and Policies, and Gabon's Regulatory, Legal and Institutional Framework on Environmental and Natural Resource Management. The ESIA Certificate of Compliance was transmitted to the Bank on 30 July 2018. The main environmental impact risks are as follows: (i) production of construction debris, noise and odour, including toxic fumes during asphalting; (ii) disruption of local traffic and the services distribution network (water, sanitation, internet connection, electricity, etc.); and (iii) accidental disruption of the wastewater disposal network, which could pollute groundwater and soil, and thus pose a threat to human health.
3.2.2 The negative effects during the operations phase only concern the increase in wastewater production following better access to water by the urban population. In the case of Libreville, the city's sanitation service is deficient. Although the sanitation master plan was prepared since 2014, it has not yet been implemented due to lack of funds. The negative impacts identified will be mitigated by the implementation of appropriate environmental and social prevention and management measures described in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The cost of implementing the ESMP is estimated at CFAF 120 million. Most of the measures (repair of possible damages) have been integrated into the works. The ESMP will be implemented by a variety of stakeholders (government, communities, grassroots organisations, etc.). The ESMP will be monitored by the DG-Environment’s focal point within the coordination.
Climate Change
3.2.3 The project is classified under Category 1 in accordance with AfDB's Climate Safeguards System, and may therefore be highly vulnerable to climate change risks. Gabon's coastal area where Libreville is located is especially vulnerable to the rapid rise in sea level, with its indirect repercussions (water salinisation, destruction of habitats and infrastructure, erosion, and flooding). Detailed analysis of climate change risks has been made, including adaptation measures that should be implemented. Integrated risk management and adaptation measures should be incorporated into project design and implementation plans. This context should be taken into account during the construction of drinking water supply structures, particularly for pipelines along the sea. Water resource monitoring is also highly recommended since it has been observed that the watercourse level decreases during low rainfall periods. It is necessary to assess the potential impact of water transfer from other rivers to the Nzeme. Therefore, it is important to build coastal and river flood protection infrastructure near vulnerable water treatment plants; build river flood protection facilities around densely populated areas; consolidate institutional knowledge; collect climate and flood data in the project area and identify infrastructure vulnerable to climate change hazards (drought, flooding, landslides and subsidence); develop contingency plans to deal with drinking water supply losses due to drought or floods; produce evacuation plans for urban areas; develop early warning systems to improve response; and support adaptation policy and strategy. The project provides for an assessment of water resources in the country in general, and in Estuary Province where Libreville is located, in particular. Rehabilitation works on the network should also reduce the frequency of flooding following low rainfall.
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Social Impact
3.2.4 The project aims to meet the drinking water needs of more than 967,095 inhabitants by 2022, 48.04% of whom will be women resident in Libreville, all social categories combined, through the renewal and extension of the drinking water network. The project is expected to improve the well-being of beneficiaries. The positive social benefits expected from the project during the construction phase are mainly the creation of temporary jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, and economic opportunities for local SMEs. Estimates indicate that the number of temporary jobs to be created is approximately 6,615 person-months for pipeline replacement and 6,300 person-months for extensions, i.e. a total of 12,215 person-months. Permanent jobs offered by the operator will be limited to around ten workers, given that works involve the renewal of an existing network and extension in areas partially covered by informal connections. Apart from the disruption of urban life due to the outage of certain public networks and interruption of road traffic, occupational and traffic accidents constitute additional risks.
3.2.5 The main positive impacts during the operational phase are: (i) sustained access to drinking water in sufficient quantity and quality; (ii) elimination of network losses for the operator; (iii) considerable reduction in water bills paid by households; (iv) reduction in waterborne diseases (see health indicators in Annex B8); (v) reduction in the time used in fetching water, especially for women and children; and (vi) the creation of on-demand economic opportunities following the presence of work sites. An examination of average water expenditure (CFAF 12,401/month per connected household of 6 persons) and average household income (CFAF 552,947/month) indicates that the target population will be able to afford the water tariff.
Gender
3.2.6 Gabon is celebrating the Gabonese Women's Decade 2015-2025, and a National Consultation was held to describe the situation, the progress made and challenges outstanding in the legal, socio- cultural, economic and political spheres. A general report1 published in August 2017 states that despite Gabon's ratification of international legislative texts on gender equality (CEDAW, Maputo, Beijing), its Civil Code still contains numerous provisions that discriminate against women. Socio-cultural barriers also pose a major obstacle to women’s effective enjoyment of their acquired rights, including the social tolerance of violence meted out to them.
3.2.7 In terms of access to drinking water, gender-related social roles put women at a disadvantage. Several districts have not had access to drinking water for several months, sometimes years, and almost all households in Greater Libreville do not have regular access to water. According to the division of roles, women are responsible for taking care of the sick in the family. Women and children are obliged to fetch water on foot from public standpipes, and may sometimes have to wait for hours late at night for water to flow from the tap, with the attendant security risks (night is often the only time water could be available). Fetching water, especially at night, takes up part of women and children’s rest time and productive hours, resulting in lower academic performance and productivity for them. There is a lack of water in public health and education centres (hospitals, schools and universities), further worsening the poor hygiene and sanitation in these centres, including maternity wards. It has been noted that in primary and high schools, girls suffer from the lack of good hygienic conditions especially during menstruation. This increases their absenteeism and dropout rate. The water sector is also highly masculinised, with very few women participating in decision-making and the implementation of water-related works.
3.2.8 To address the above issues and improve the situation, the project will support an enhanced social and gender work around water, led by the Ministry of Water and Energy, including: (i) the urgent
1 http://gabon.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Rapport%20d%C3%A9cennie%20de%20la%20femme- version%20finale%201.pdf 10
conduct of a social and economic study, including billing, and a thorough gender study on the size and impact of the lack of drinking water in Greater Libreville, which will be in addition to public consultations with a gender perspective carried out as part of the project's Environmental and Social Impact Assessment; (ii) building the capacity of the Ministry of Water and Energy and sector contractors in social and gender aspects, strengthening the blending of technical and managerial staff of the Ministry of Water and Energy with a gender equality-focused human resources strategy, promoting women's participation in project management and the gender perspective within its Coordination Unit; (iii) prioritising the restoration of access to water in public education and health services buildings, and subsequently in other government departments; and finally (iv) conducting communication and education activities around the water theme (Information, Education and Communication), including water fetching and gender issues.
Involuntary Resettlement
3.2.9 Works to rehabilitate, strengthen and extend the Greater Libreville water supply networks will not involve people displacement. Existing networks are installed along public roads and their replacement or reinforcement requires very little land for the right-of-way. Only assets affected such as various public networks (telephone, optical fibre, roads, etc.) will be restored in compliance with the required technical standards. The restoration cost is included in the project cost. The planned extensions will also be carried out along public roads and will not result in the loss of assets for the release of the right-of-way. However, if a private property or a public building is affected during the works, arrangements will be made to compensate persons involved before continuing work on the section concerned.
IV. IMPLEMENTATION
4.1. Implementation Arrangements
4.1.1 Executing Agency: The Ministry of Water and Energy through its Directorate General for Water (DG-WATER) will be the Project Executing Agency, within which the Project Coordination Unit will be established. The Unit will comprise: (i) a coordinator with a water and/or civil engineering background (the skills profile is provided in the technical annexes to the appraisal report); (ii) an administrative and financial officer (RAF); (iii) an accountant; (iv) a procurement specialist; (v) two civil engineers, of which one seconded by the Assets Company; (vi) two water engineers, of which one seconded by SEEG; (vii) two sanitation engineers, of which one seconded by the Directorate General for Construction and Infrastructure; (viii) an environmentalist seconded by the Directorate General for the Environment and Nature Protection; and (ix) an expert in social development and monitoring/evaluation. The CVs of these Gabonese executives will be submitted to the Bank for prior approval before their secondment to the project. Bank assessment of DG-WATER underscored the need to strengthen its project management, financial management, accounting and procurement capacity. Therefore, the four experts in charge of these components will be recruited to provide the necessary support to project implementation and to ensure skills transfer through mentoring. The project will provide the equipment and related operating expenses to enable all experts to properly conduct their mission. This will be done through the annual provisional budget prepared for the Coordination Unit under the project. A project procedures manual will be prepared and will outline details of the functional relationships between the parties.
4.1.2 Project Steering Committee (CPP): A Project Steering Committee will be set up to guide and monitor project implementation, articulate the synergy between project actions and other sector policies implemented, and strengthen the participatory approach. All sectors covered by project activities will be taken into account in the Committee’s composition, especially the Ministries of Water and Energy, Land
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Transport, Environment, Budget, Construction and Infrastructure, Economy, Public Health, Family, Interior, and Education. Other structures like SEEG, sub-prefects, mayors and consumer associations will also be part of the Steering Committee. The Committee will ensure coordination among all stakeholders for the smooth running of the project, particularly on cross-cutting issues. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Energy will chair the Steering Committee, ensure the proper coordination and execution of project activities, and monitor/evaluate the project. The CPP would also gain by bringing together all project stakeholders and by organising regular meetings to prevent any obstruction to the project’s normal progress. A quarterly interval for the meetings seems the most optimal.
4.1.3 Applicable Procurement Policy and Framework
4.1.3.1 All procurement of goods, works and consultancy services financed with Bank resources shall be made in accordance with the Procurement Policy for Operations Financed by the Bank Group (“AfDB Procurement Policy”), October 2015 Edition, and provisions set out in the Financing Agreement. Pursuant to this Policy and following various assessments conducted, it was decided that: (a) procurement of the following goods and works: vehicles, IT hardware, furniture, office supplies, consumables and GPS, fuel purchase and rehabilitation of the premises of the Project Coordination Unit, will be done in accordance with the national procurement system (“National System”) as contained in Decree No. 000027/PR/MEEPPD on the Public Procurement Code (“PPC”); (b) procurement of the following goods and works: equipment for the wastewater laboratory, renovation of the existing DWS network, strengthening and extension of the DWS network, works to repair leaks in administrative buildings and all consultancy services, will be done in accordance with the Bank’s procurement system (“AfDB System”).
However, the Bank may request the Borrower to use the AfDB System should: (i) Gabon’s public procurement legal framework change and evolve towards a system unsatisfactory to the Bank; (ii) the Executing Agency fail to comply with the provisions in force; or (iii) appropriate risk mitigation measures included in the risk assessment action plan not be respected.
4.1.3.2 The use of the National System for certain procurements will help to improve efficiency without relinquishing the Bank’s fiduciary responsibilities, which shall be exercised through a series of measures put in place and described in paragraph B. 5.7 of Technical Annex B.5. The efficiency improvement will be brought about through the following actions: