Project : Central African Backbone Network (Cab)

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

PROJECT : CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE NETWORK (CAB)

COUNTRY : CONGO

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

Project Team: S. OMAR ELMI, Senior ICT Engineer, OITC. V. LOSSOMBOT, Financial Management Expert, ORPF2 B. CISSE, Financial Analysist, OWAS1 R. HANNE DIALLO, Procurement Officer, ORPF1

P. NGWALA, Social Protection Specialist, ORTS1 Project M. L. KINANE, Principal Environmentalist, ONEC.3 Team S. BAIOD, Consultant Environmentalist, ONEC.3

Regional Director : Mrs. M. KANGA, Director, ORCE Sector Director : Mr. A. OUMAROU, Director, OITC Division Manager: Mr. N. WILLIAMS, Division Manager, OITC.3

CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

Project Name : CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE NETWORK (CAB) Country : CONGO Project Number : P-CG-GB0-002 Department : OITC Division: OITC.3 1 INTRODUCTION

This document is the summary Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) of the Central African Backbone Network (CAB) Project. At the environmental and social levels, this project is classified in environmental category 2, in accordance with the environmental and social policy requirements of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Congo. The impact assessment was conducted in 2014. This ESMP summary was prepared on the basis of the ESIAs for the Ketta-Djoum road and the CAB project, in accordance with Congo’s environmental and social requirements and AfDB’s Integrated Safeguard System. The project description and rationale are presented first and the options compared in terms of feasibility. The environmental and social impacts are summarized. Improvement and mitigation measures for the negative impacts and the monitoring programme are also presented. Public consultations held during the ESIA and CAB project for the project areas and the project-related additional initiatives are then presented. The conclusion outlines the acceptability of the project, for which an Environmental Compliance Certificate has been issued to Congo.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE

2.1. Project Rationale

The project concerns the implementation of the Central Africa Backbone Network (CAB), recommended by the CEMAC Heads of State Summit, to provide member countries with a high- speed telecommunications network. Congo occupies a strategic position for the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Central Africa since it shares borders with three coastal countries with land points for submarine cables (SAT3, WACS and ACE). Given the considerable needs in terms of regional and national connectivity and the catalytic effect of ICTs in all the country’s sectors of activity, the recent adoption (2014) of a new national cyber strategy, which is a continuation of that launched in 2008, falls within the framework of the GEPRSP and seeks widespread access by the Congolese population to ICTs.

The project falls within the framework of the Growth, Employment and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GEPRSP). It seeks to assist Congo in developing a real digital economy, with a view to eventually creating enough jobs through improved factors of production. Thus, the implementation of SOPECO’s e-Post projects completes optical fibre (OF) use through the introduction of new products and electronic services. Furthermore, the establishment of the national data centre will help lay physical foundations in terms of storage space and applications hosting for the development of a communicating administration in Congo.

Nowadays, there are two main technical alternatives to the use of optical fibre: satellite or radio-relay links. Indeed, it should be noted that the use of satellite links suffers from the combined effect of high access costs and relatively lower service quality than that provided by optical fibre, as well as capacity limitations inherent in the technologies used (even the most recent). Even with the development of new satellite options, such as O3b, using satellites in low orbit, the cost difference remains significant. In fact, satellite remains a back-up technology, enabling operators to make up for the lack of optical fibre (for technical

2 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

damage, especially), but at operating costs two to ten times higher than the latter. All in all, satellite is not a sustainable alternative compared to fibre optic.

Radio-relay links help to extend the high-speed range, particularly in poorly connected areas. However, although they are useful for point-to-point traffic (for the connection of base stations and collection networks), they cannot handle the huge amount of data that a fibre optic backbone is expected to transmit. The migration of mobile operators in Congo to 3G and even 4G in a near future requires a significant increase in the level of Internet access and the required bandwidth in the country. Therefore, optical fibre is the only option that meets all the requirements (particularly as support for potential international traffic in neighbouring countries).

The project objectives are to help to: (i) effectively increase connectivity at national and regional levels, (ii) increase broadband services, (iii) reduce the high cost of telecommunications/ICT on the business climate, (iv) expand the production of goods and services. Consequently, by providing sustainable access to electricity in data centres, the project seeks to improve people’s living conditions, which is one of the priorities expressed by the Congolese Government.

2.2 Project Description

As regards infrastructure, the project seeks to extend the optical fibre backbone network over two essential sections in the missing links and interconnections with neighbouring countries (Cameroon and CAR). The project also aims to implement ICT applications and services, and support the Congolese National Institute of the Blind (INAC), the Brazzaville Institute of Deaf Youths (IJSB), the Marien Ngouabi University (UMNG), and women’s empowerment, as well as the promotion of vocational training and development of the indigenous population.

Table 1 Project Components

No. Component Name Description A.1 – Optical fibre infrastructure construction works over 550 km; A ICT INFRASTRUCTURE A.2 – Monitoring-evaluation of impacts and control and supervision of optical fibre works; (EUR 42.610 million) A.3 – Establishment of a National Data Centre in Kintele. ICT APPLICATIONS AND B.1 – Establishment of an Emergency Alert System (EAS) ; B SERVICES B.2 - Implementation of an e-Administration standard platform; (EUR 8.158 million) B.3 – Implementation of an e-Post platform. C.1 - Studies; C.2 – Technical assistance to the Posts and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) ; INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT C.3 – Support for operationalization of the Congolese ICT Agency (ACTIC) ; C AND CAPACITY BUILDING C.4 – Support for the Congolese National Institute of the Blind (INAC) ; (EUR 6.285 million) C.5 – Support for the Brazzaville Institute of Deaf Youths (IJSB) ; C.6 – Support for the Marien Ngouabi University (UMNG) ; C.7 – Support for women’s empowerment; C.8 – Support for the promotion of vocational training; C.9 – Support for development of the indigenous population. 2.3 Congo’s administrative framework The DGE, a structure of the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment (MTE), is the country’s administrative supervisory authority for the environment. This department is responsible for planning and managing environmental resources.

3 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) is the project executing agency. This Ministry is responsible for preparing and implementing Government policy in the area of posts, telecommunications and information and communication technologies. It is the supervisory authority of: (i) the CAB Project Coordination Unit (PCU-CAB), (ii) the Posts and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE); (iii) the Congolese ICT Agency (ACTIC), and (iv) the Posts and Savings Corporation of Congo (SOPECO).

Other Ministries also take part in the management of the project-related environment: (i) the General Delegation for Major Works (DGGT), which oversees optical fibre installation in the road right-of-way in collaboration with the MPT; (ii) the Ministry of Forestry Economy, which manages and protects ecosystems.

2.4 Description of scope and assessment of sensitivity of host environments

2.4.1 Infrastructure Component

It will be implemented on a band ranging between 20 and 50 cm over a distance of between 0 and 5m from the roadside edge, thus remaining strictly within the rights-of-way of all roads carrying the OF.

However, repairs for damaged property, such as fence walls and slabs found in the public domain, are likely to be made on the Ouesso-Pokola-Bomassa road (CAR br). Implementation will seek to provide suitable characteristics and comply with the project connections.

The supply and installation of solar, office automation and IT equipment in women’s centres, community digital centres (CDC) and the Sembé community radio station do not have any impact on the environments. These facilities all exist. The only impact relates to wastes from supplied equipment packaging and the recovery of obsolete equipment on the spot.

2.4.2 Industrialization Component

The e-Post sub-components (Hybrid Mail and Electronic Document Management), the e- banking project, and the Market and Climate Information System are ‘‘soft’’ projects. They do not have any negative physical impact. On the contrary, they will generate the expected impacts and outcomes.

3. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES

3.1 Negative Impacts

The impact assessment is conducted on fibre optic deployment activities, together with civil engineering activities, when necessary, on the existing road right-of-way as per the various project phases: (1) Preparatory Phase: (i) route optimization/delineation and occupancy and property assessment; (ii) supply of equipment and site installation; (iii) recruitment of labour; (2) Works Phase: (i) trench digging with earth storage; (ii) excavation and construction of chambers (terminals); (iii) duct laying and passage of optical fibre cables; (iv) trench backfilling; (v) optical fibre deployment, (vi) circulation of project vehicles; (vii) waste management, (viii) installation of solar panels; (3) Operational Phase: (i) connections and configurations in women’s centres and CDCs in the area; (ii) network maintenance and monitoring; and (iii) physical presence of fibre optic cables.

4 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

Each impact was identified from the causal links, determined by interaction between environmental components and project activities. The following matrix (Table 1) shows this interaction with the environmental components.

Table 1 Matrix of Interactions Biophysical Human

Water Soils

sources sources

Components of the Environment

Air

economic economic

spects spects

Living Living

So rastructure

Biotopes

ubsoil

water water

Surface Surface

Ground Ground

Heritage and and Heritage

environment

inf

Socio

Natural re Natural

and

ety

ts ts

c goods

of GHGs

Flor

Noise

facilities

Wildlife

environment

Stabilit

heritage

Confli

Air qualityAir

tivity erosionto tivity

annual of flow the

Water qualityWater qualityWater

infrastructure

Health Health Saf/

Material

mission

Soil management

host Landscape quality

Public

Soil quality and use

Sensi

Local economy jobs /

Aquifercharacteristics

Mean MAIN ACTIVITIES andCultural archeological PREPARATORY PHASE Supply of equipment and site mT mT mT installations

Recruitment and presence of labour MT mT mT

WORKS PHASE Clearance of the right-of-way, mT mT MT mT mT trenches and chambers Trenches / earth storage and mT mT mT mT mT MT mT mT mT construction of chambers Duct laying and passage of fibre MT mT mT optic cables Trench backfilling mT mT mT Circulation of project vehicles mT mT MT mT Installation of equipment and solar mT mD panels Waste management mT mT mT mT mT OPERATIONAL PHASE Connection in the area MD MD MD Solar energy supply MD mD MD MD Implementation of ICT tools MD MD MD MD MD MD Maintenance and monitoring MD MD MD

Key : Ne gati ve low Ne gat ive high P ositive low P ositive high m: minor M: major T : temporary D : definiftive

3.1.1 Preparatory Phase

The FO cable routes will not affect any property on the chosen sections, due to strict layout, in collaboration with the DGGT, on the Ouesso Pokola-Bomassa road. The supply of equipment and materials could be a nuisance to local residents, which is a potential source of conflicts. This risk will be taken into consideration.

3.1.2 Works Phase

1. The biophysical environment

During the optical fiber laying operations and civil engineering activities which consist in trench digging, earth storage, duct laying and backfilling, will generate: (i) a risk of obstructing road drainage networks carrying the FO cable, (ii) a risk of being a trap for

5 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) crossing land wildlife and cattle, (iii) a risk of water pollution through the drainage network and its outlets.

2. Socio-cultural Environment

The civil engineering works will increase risks of traffic accidents along the roads taken and on construction sites, as well as noise pollution from transport vehicles and machines during working hours.

During the works, site staff could adopt behaviour contrary to the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, the presence of site employees with relatively high monetary resources could promote moral depravity (prostitution, banditry, etc.), which could also result in higher STI and AIDS prevalence.

1. Socio-economic Environment

A provision in the quantitative and cost estimate will help to carry out property or network repairs/rehabilitations a few metres away from the right-of-way. During the works, the presence of transport vehicles and site machines will hamper the flow of local traffic, with temporary and much localized consequences on the transportation of goods and services.

3.1.3 Operational Phase

No negative impact has been identified. The signal passing through the OF network is neutral, without radiation or nuisance of any kind.

3.2 Positive Impacts

During the works phase, the project’s beneficial impacts will be socio-economic, with job opportunities offered to the local rural youths: (i) direct jobs on the construction sites, and (ii) indirect jobs related to the development of some commercial activities around the workers’ camps (sale of agricultural and handicraft products, food sale). During the operational phase, the beneficial impacts of the use of optical fibre on the physical environment will all be related to the works financed by the project: (i) the establishment of a maintenance system to sustain the optical fibre cable network: (ii) provision of sustainable electrification using solar panels and equipment at the women’s centres and community digital centres will help, no matter how small, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s beneficial impacts on the biological environment will concern opening up of information and the early warning system, as well as agricultural services, which will enable forestry officers to widen their knowledge of the areas they manage in collaboration with the other sector services. 3.3. Mitigation and Improvement Measures

Before the works phase

In the works bidding documents, the administration will include environmental clauses, whose main requirements to protect the natural environment will concern: (i) the rehabilitation and, if necessary, restoration of the sites, (ii) waste management requirements, (iii) time-limit requirements for trench digging/backfilling (civil engineering) as well as the related deposits. The main requirements to protect the human environment will

6 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) concern: (iv) a mechanism for preferential recruitment of local staff; (v) application of safety regulations (installation of check-points, road signs, etc.) for local residents and users; (vi) application of labour regulations and the wearing of personal protective gear (gloves, anti- dust masks, anti-noise helmets, etc.) by the site workers.

Before the installation and establishment of base camps and worksites, the contractor must submit a site displacement or installation plan and a site environmental protection plan of each of the worksites to the Project Manager and PCU-CAB Congo for prior approval in accordance with the environmental requirements of the laws in force in Congo. The plan must provide for: (i) the installation of base camps and creation of equipment depots around localities for the MPT to assume ownership of the infrastructure at works completion; (ii) the recovery and treatment of electronic waste (obsolete equipment) of the structures to be equipped: (iii) the recovery of inert waste and its allocation to local authorities that can use it in their daily activities and maintenance of houses (wood treatment, reels, HDPE duct strips, etc.); (iv) the organization of collection and disposal of used items (filters, batteries, empty containers, etc.)

Before works start-up, the project manager must, on the basis of the execution studies and delineation of routes on the ground: (i) identify owners of property that is likely to be damaged; (ii) define property accesses that must be maintained during the works and/or rehabilitated afterwards; (iii) hold negotiations on the means and amounts of compensation, in collaboration with local authorities and in accordance with the laws in force. The DGGT has identified routes whose right-of-way clearance is already effective. For the Ouesso – Pokola – Bomassa highway, optimization has helped to avoid the destruction of property. The National Data Centre is located on 2 000 m² land within the University of Kintélé, a new town north of Brazzaville.

During the works phase

Mitigation measures to be taken by the Administration will include: (i) the organization, by specialized NGOs, of information and sensitization campaigns with technical services, schools, local residents, traditional rulers, (local, regional and national) authorities, users, transporters’ unions and local government authorities, using all possible information media. The campaigns will also focus on: (i) safety issues, risks and global climate change (mainly for youths in schools, clubs and youth centres); (ii) strict prohibition, for contractors, to allow the consumption, transportation in construction vehicles and trade in bush meat and timber by their staff; and (iii) incentives to encourage local recruitment and subcontracting, to local NGOs, of activities such as sensitization or collection of climate, agricultural, forestry and wildlife data during the works. During the civil engineering works and laying of optical fibre, the contractor must ensure preservation of land wildlife and water resources on the Ouesso- Sembé-Souanké-Ntam highway carrying the optical fibre, by applying bushfire and poaching prevention measures and techniques.

Furthermore, the contractor must respect the living environment of local residents by: (i) placing mobile road signs on the work areas, especially at night, as well as road signs and speed limit signs in dangerous areas; (iv) rehabilitating residents’ accesses that are restricted by the works. It should also protect the health of local residents; (v) ensuring respect of local customs and traditions by their staff; and (vi) ensuring periodic health check-ups for their staff.

During the operational phase

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In order to enhance the positive impacts on the human environment, capacity building should also be included in subcomponents C4 to C9 of the project, especially: (i) the supply of solar, office automation and IT equipment for the (Brazzaville, Kinkala, Djambala, Ouesso and Mayama) women’s centres and community digital centres; (ii) the rehabilitation of libraries, IT halls and disproportionation halls of the Brazzaville Institute for Deaf Youths (IJSB); and (iii) the Congolese National Institute for the Blind (INAC), (iv) the establishment of a data processing centre (mini-Datacenter), the development and implementation of application tools, the establishment of a geomatics laboratory (GIS), and the preparation of a computerization master plan for Marien Ngouabi University (UMNG; (v) support for the creation of teaching aids in 10 specialties, procurement of IT equipment for technical high schools and the award of study grants to 24 students (2/3 female students) for the industrial series of technical high schools; (vi) the supply of equipment for the operationalization of a community radio station for Baka culture in Sembé.

Ultimately, the project will generate beneficial impacts during the operational phase.

3.4 Residual Impacts

The residual impacts are those generated following implementation of mitigation measures at works completion. They are mostly considered positive. The negative residual impacts range from negligible to low.

3.5 Cumulative and Transboundary Impacts

The cumulative impacts are those generated by the combined action of activities related to the project itself and those of associated actions and/or projects or in the same impact area. These are mainly cumulative impacts generated by: (i) the project for modernizing and asphalting the Ouesso-Ketta-Ntam-Djoum road (component of the Ketta-Djoum multinational road), which will from time to time generate optical fibre redeployment and displacement. To that end, the coordination with DGGT services will focus on measures for selective adaptations through optical fibre doubling and connection between chambers, prior to neutralizing the first one. For that purpose, it is necessary to procure an additional quantity, the objective being not to interrupt the signal. Budgets for this procurement will be included in the road asphalting project; (ii) the ICT additional project: CAB Cameroon for optical fibre deployment on the Ntam-Mintom-Djoum-Sangmelima road, and in neighbouring countries, especially Central African Republic, as well as Dolisie Mbinda and interconnection with Gabon, and the ongoing Ouesso-Brazzaville section.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

4.1 Project-related environmental risks

The main environmental risk will be pollution due to poor management of waste from the works, such as polluting materials (storage, transportation and use). To that end, a Waste Management Plan is required in the specifications. It will include the recovery of obsolete electronic waste from the women’s centres and community centres to be equipped by the project.

During the OF cable deployment phase, another risk will concern exposure to road accidents. Consequently, safety, sensitization and training measures are planned for locally recruited workers, the population, operational staff and competent services, especially civil protection, forest eco-guards, etc.

8 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

These measures concern: (i) sensitization and training of site workers and ad hoc teams from neighbouring communities in rapid intervention techniques, in case of disaster; (ii) safety measures to be respected in dangerous or hazardous areas; (iii) installation of communication and rapid disposal equipment; (iv) conclusion of contracts with workers’ health services and health centres; (v) establishment and stocking of local pharmacies; (vi) sensitization of local residents on health-risk prevention and road safety; (vii) organization of epidemiological surveys to assess project impacts on the environment and human health.

4.2 Climate Change

The project was not placed in any climate category, since ICTs do not appear on the CSS list. Nevertheless, a climate risk analysis was conducted, a summary of which is presented below.

Congo is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Thus, the country faces challenges that can be harmful to its development efforts. The main climate risk in the OF deployment area and for the project is water erosion due to increased rainfall. Water erosion could strip the ducts on the most sensitive sections. The options adopted in project design contribute to adaptation to this risk. These include route selection along existing roads. In addition to access and maintenance facilities, measures to protect the road network from water erosion are beneficial to the optical fibre network. The trench depth is also determined according to soil type, so as to protect ducts from this risk. Finally, protective measures are taken in watercourse crossing areas.

A standard data centre requires on average 40kWh per day. Since 11 centres (5 women’s centres + 5 community digital centres + 1 community radio station in Sembé) will be supplied by solar panels in this project, the total power generated (for 345 d/year) will stand at 153 000 kWh/year.

The project will therefore help to reduce the electricity sector’s carbon footprint in Congo, which is nearly 60% dependent on fossil fuels for power generation. As regards the quantity of CO2 avoided and given a grid emission factor for Congo of 0.45 t CO2/MWh, the 153 000 kWh generated by the data centres therefore represent 68.5 t of CO2 avoided per year.

In addition, technologies, particularly ICTs, contribute to substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, through the implementation of the e-post and e-banking projects, the replacement of transfers by data transmissions helps to reduce movement of persons estimated at 500 000 km/year. Since Cameroon’s car fleet comprises 70% of diesel vehicles emitting 200 g CO2/km and 30% of petrol vehicles emitting 150 g CO2/km, the avoided movements therefore account for 92.5 t CO2/year. Total emissions of 161 t CO2 will, therefore, be avoided.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

5.1 Organization of environmental and social surveillance and monitoring

Under this project, a monitoring programme will primarily seek to ensure that the mitigation and improvement measures proposed in the ESMP are effectively implemented during each of the successive project phases (installation, construction and operation). It will comprise: (i) the Project Owner (MPT), represented in Congo by the PCU-CAB/Congo as the Delegated Project Owner, including an Environmentalist, (ii) two (2) Environmental Experts by project, designated by the Contractor executing the civil works and OF deployment, to ensure implementation of environmental measures during the construction phase, (iii) supervision

9 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) or technical assistance for project control and monitoring, which also includes an Environmentalist, (iv) DREs, which are the field structures of the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment (MTE), and the General Delegation for Major Works (DGGT).

The monitoring will seek to verify the effectiveness of: (i) the environmental and social measures proposed, especially the mitigation measures; (ii) conditions defined in the various legal and regulatory instruments; (iii) the commitments of the delegated project owner and the principal contractor; (iv) requirements defined by other laws and regulations on hygiene and public health, and management of the population’s living environment.

During the operational phase, the monitoring programme will seek to ensure that the mitigation and improvement measures for the negative impacts effectively play their expected role, as well as ensure that the positive impacts expected from the project are effectively achieved.

The main objectively verifiable indicators that will be used to monitor the positive impacts are: (i) the linear network constructed ; (ii) the number of persons connected as a result of easier ICT access; (iv) the number of new shops (formal and informal) opened by men and women; (v) the number of jobs created directly and indirectly, and occupied by men and women; (vi) the number of equipped and operational facilities; (vii) the number of young boys and girls initiated and trained in ICT technologies and services.

Figure 1 Organization of the CAB Congo Project

10 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

MPT

PCU-CAB Congo / Assistance to Project Owner/Environmental Officer General Delegation Supervision / for Major Works Environment Unit

DGE/MTE

Contractor/ Environmentalists

Site 1 Site 3 Site 1 Ouesso-Ntam section Kintele Ouesso-Bomassa Section

DRE/Brazzaville DRE /Ouesso

PROJECT Optical Fibre National Data Centre GC + Optical Fibre

Equipment of Women’s Centres, Community Centres, Equipment of Women’s Centres, Sembé Local Radio Community Centres Station Installation of Solar Panels

6 PROGRAMME COST The ESMP total cost comprises ISC campaigns, the various plans under the contractor’s responsibility, provisions for repairs of property and other networks, as well as the fees of the Environmentalist of the Project Owner and that of the Principal Contractor. It amounts to nearly CFAF 260 million, or nearly EUR 396 500. The breakdown by worksite is presented in Table 2 below. Table 2 Breakdown of ESMP Costs Sites and Highways Costs Items Ouesso-Sembé- Ouesso -Pokola- Kintele National CFAF Souanké-Ntam Bomassa Data Centre ISC campaigns 50 000 000 26 000 000 0 76 000 000 Diversion/road sign plans 3 000 000 5 000 000 0 8 000 000 HSE plan 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000 15 000 000 Waste management plan 6 000 000 6 000 000 2 500 000 14 500 000 Provision for network repairs 0 10 000 000 2 500 000 12 500 000 Sub-total 64 000 000 52 000 000 10 000 000 126 000 000 PCU-CAB/Congo environmental focal point 22 000 000 22 000 000 22 000 000 66 000 000 Monitoring of the Principal Contractor’s 42 000 000 18 000 000 8 000 000 E&M Unit 68 000 000 Total 128 000 000 92 000 000 40 000 000 260 000 000

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7. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION The ESMP was prepared using the participatory approach, which had been initiated from the validation of terms of reference by the groups concerned. Indeed, it draws on basic documents, digitized topographic maps and field visits, as well as on discussions with representatives of various technical services of the Ministries concerned, NGOs, private operators, socio-professional groups, local residents of the road and even railway sections, local authorities, village chiefs and opinion leaders. Prior to each meeting, the project’s content was presented to the group consulted highlighting the economic, social, cultural and environmental challenges, as well as mitigation and improvement measures. Thus, the opinions and comments of the population and target groups have been incorporated in this summary. Public consultations were organized on the Ouesso-Souanké-Ntam and Ouesso-Pokola- Bomassa highways from 5 to 18 October 2013. Community meetings took place in each village through which OF will pass, in the presence of village chiefs and notables, in most cases. People expressed their main concerns and expectations, and showed support for the project within a development perspective. The minutes of these meetings are available and can be consulted at the PCU-CAB. Each time, the population showed its support for the project within a development perspective. The consultations helped to analyze the positions, interests and influence of the various stakeholders and proposal of strategies for their involvement and participation in project implementation. Their expectations and suggestions are summarized in Table 3 below. They have been taken into consideration in the project. Their questions and concerns were discussed. A summary of the answers given is presented in Table 4 below.

Table 3 Expectations of the people consulted Expectations/Suggestions - Safety measures for children and cattle with respect to the trenches that will be dug; - Project support at social level, especially with integration and direct or indirect jobs for youths mainly. - Preparation of a positive and negative impacts grid for better understanding by the population; - Installation of safety mechanisms around the trenches; - Project support at social level, especially with youth employment; - At the crossing of villages, optical fibre to be laid within 48 hours following trench digging to limit risks of accident; - Securing the optical fibre at the level of bridges to prevent cases of cable theft or vandalism; - Recruitment of local labour. - Information on compensation procedures; - Recruitment of local labour.

Table 4 Answers Given Concerns of the Communities Answers Given Risk of destruction of property, Even though the project is located in the road right-of-way and zero risk does not crops and graves exist, if after the execution technical study, the optical fibre passage happens to be outside the road right-of-way and property has to be affected, there are legal provisions for compensation of people affected by projects declared of public utility. Risks of accident with respect to This is the most significant risk during the works. Emphasis will be laid on sensitization the trenches during the works; crossing mechanisms will also be created to minimize risks of falling. Migration corridors for cattle will be created. The project’s long-term potential The project does not have any long-term impacts on the environment. The main

12 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) negative impacts on the inconvenience will be observed during the works, especially as concerns the trenches. population, biodiversity and the environment Interconnection of villages The installation of interconnection terminals has been planned along the optical fibre route. Their location has not yet been specified, but will take into account the communities and areas to be covered. These terminals are not directly accessible to the population, but will enable telecommunications operators to get connected so as to offer their services to the population. Recruitment of local labour Trenches will be dug with the participation of local labour, which will be recruited along the route and in agreement with contractors responsible for project implementation. Social works accompanying the The latter in itself is a social project that will help to develop telecommunications project media (telephone, Internet, television, etc.) through increased community centres, access to digital communication tools, facilitation of access to telephone networks, and opening up of villages in terms of telecommunications and promotion of distance learning and telemedicine. Final optical fibre passage route This will be known after validation of the execution technical study to be conducted by the contractor. Involvement of local women in The presence of employees for the project’s duration will allow many women to carry the project out several activities, including catering. They could also, after the project, set up secretarial offices, Internet cafés, and telephone booths. Specific project benefits The project in itself is already a means of opening up localities in terms of telecommunications, since it will help to develop telecommunications media (telephone, Internet, television, etc.) through increased community centres, access to digital communication tools, and facilitation of access to telephone networks. What will become of the non- The Ntam community and multi-purpose tele-centre will be maintained, pending its operational and abandoned Ntam effective operation post office Which firm will recruit workers? The relevant age bracket is that of the majority in Congo, in order not to be liable to Of what age bracket will they be? UNICEF penalty against child exploitation for gainful work. Thus, Congolese citizens having attained majority and with proven skills will be recruited, within the limits of available positions. Is the optical fibre installed for The fibre deployment project on the Ouesso-Ntam section seeks to interconnect the Government or for Congo and Cameroon. The optical fibre does not operate like electricity. It is laid companies? Is optical fibre like underground and only big operators use it to improve service quality for users electricity where everybody has registered in their customer files. This infrastructure’s operation by households is not his/her meter for use? yet effective in Congo.

Radioactive effects of optical The fibre is made up of glass or plastic, and transmits information through totally fibre passage inert beams of light. It does not, in the current stage of knowledge, have any consequence as regards radioactivity and human health. Impacts on watercourses during optical fibre laying The fibre will be laid on the bridge.

During the identification, preparation and appraisal missions, all the stakeholders were consulted in terms of public authorities (MPT, MTE, MPFIFD, etc.) and the private sector (MTN Congo, Airtel Congo, Azur, etc.). Discussions with the latter helped, for example, to define the content of technical assistance to ARPCE provided for in the “Institutional Support and Capacity Building” component, to ensure minimal conditions for competition in the sector through reduction of high tax burdens, in particular. During project implementation, all partners will be consulted regularly through local radio stations, the public media, and in village meetings. The ESMP summary is also published on the AfDB website.

13 CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE CAB Congo SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

9. CONCLUSION The environmental and social assessment shows that the project implementation would have some localized negative impacts on the socio-cultural and socio-economic environments during optical fibre deployment works, as well as major positive impacts. The potential negative impacts will not have any ecological effect in the immediate project area and its surroundings, since the works are technically restricted within reasonable limits or, sometimes, offset by adequate corrective measures provided for in the proposed ESMP. Positive impacts improvement measures will enhance the project’s scope. The project is deemed acceptable at the environmental and social level. It holds certificates issued by the DGE/MTE.

10. REFERENCES AND CONTACTS  ESIA Report: Construction of the Ketta-Djoum multinational road, Phase 2  ESIA Report CAB Congo Contacts: For further information, please contact:  Mr. Kurt LONSWAY, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])  Mr. Samatar OMAR ELMI, OITC.3 ([email protected] )  Mr. Modeste KINANE, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])  Mr. Salim BAIOD, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])

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Annex 1: Environmental and Social Management Matrix

Implementation Monitoring and Prescribed Measures Activities Actors Supervision Actors Ouesso- Ntam Ouesso-Bomassa Univ Kintele Included Costs Avoid storing excavated soil near watercourses and PM/included in the Information and sensitization of staff; marshy shallows; cost of works Waste management plan/Establishment Project management Speed up optical fibre laying operations at the of a storage, recovery and treatment /DRE/MTE Contractor 3 000 000 5 000 000 0 crossing of and near watercourses; system for various solid wastes generated by the project. Prohibit all disposal of solid waste from the project in PM /Waste Waste management plan 3 000 000 3 000 000 500 000 or near watercourses. management plan Prohibit trench and chamber digging at or near gullies Take these measures into consideration and earth and backfill embankments; in project design PM / included in the Reuse excavated soil for trench backfilling; Information and sensitization of staff Contractor Project management cost of works Reduce exposure time for excavated soil to minimize soil loss. Reduce exposure to road risks Road signs/diversion plan Contractor Project management 3 000 000 5 000 000 PM/Diversion plan Project management Identification and delineation of non- Locate cattle migration corridors /Min. Agric and reported migration corridors Livestock Project management Speed up optical fibre laying operations at crossing of Sensitization of staff / Min. Agric and cattle migration areas PM / included in the Contractor Livestock cost of works Trench digging and backfilling within 24h Total trench backfilling after duct laying Principal Contractor at crossing of cattle migration corridors Prohibit chamber construction in cattle migration Securing of chambers after construction Principal Contractor corridors Seal off chamber entrances Organization of population information Inform people on the exact route of the optical fibre, meetings and broadcast of press release progress, as well as the terms of recruitment and 20 000 000 4 000 000 in community radio stations and places payment of local workers of worship Establishment of a system for registering Speed up optical fibre laying operations at the PM / included in the and managing people’s complaints and Principal Contractor crossing of residential areas cost of works claims relating to the project Contractor Avoid trench digging at entrances to schools and, Compliance with contractual payment PM / included in the where necessary, provide for temporary crossing Principal Contractor clauses cost of works mechanisms PM / included in the Complete trench backfilling after duct laying Principal Contractor cost of works Negotiate with communities or owners in case of Principal Contractor 0 2 000 000 property damage in and outside the road right-of- /PCU-CAB Congo

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Implementation Monitoring and Prescribed Measures Activities Actors Supervision Actors Ouesso- Ntam Ouesso-Bomassa Univ Kintele Included Costs way; PM / included in the Lay additional ducts inside trenches for future needs Principal Contractor cost of works Sensitize people on the risks and dangers of trenches HSE plan 1 500 000 1 500 000 1 500 000 and chamber pits Project support for management of injuries at PM / included in the HSE plan 3 000 000 3 000 000 3 000 000 trenches during the works. cost of works Sensitize staff on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention; Education talk with staff Project Encourage employees to voluntarily screen for Condom distribution to staff Contractors /PCU- management/Min. STI/HIV/AIDS 20 000 000 12 000 000 0 CAB Congo Health and Organization of a voluntary screening Population campaign for staff Property Assess property likely to be affected by the project identification and Delineation of the optical fibre route after delineation of the exact route assessment commission Compensate for and repair the various property or Identification and assessment of the networks concerned outside the road right-of-way, in MTE/DGGT value of property likely to be affected Contractor /PCU-CAB - PM / included in the accordance with the regulations in force Congo cost of works Min. Culture and 10 000 000 Inform the administration and competent authorities Compensation before property Arts/ Min. Land in case of damage to a non-reported grave or traces of destruction Tenure and State archeological interest; Property By-pass urban centres to minimize the risk of property Fibre laying in the right-of-way of bypass DGGT destruction. roads Working sessions with the MINTP for Collaborate with DGGT for delineation of the optical PM / included in the delineation of the road right-of-way and PCU-CAB MTE/DGGT fibre route; cost of works validation of the fibre route; Collaborate with operators and users of various Contractor/ PCU- Location of various networks in the networks located in the works right-of-way; and CAB/Network DGGT 0 0 0 optical fibre route right-of-way; repair and rehabilitate the networks operators concerned Develop deviations on the widely used MPT tracks and roads Adopt the practice of horizontal directional drilling at HSE plan /Apply the 4 rules in case of the crossing of the road and the widely used tracks Contractor / PCU - network damage: Stop, Inform, Develop Principal Contractor 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000 CAB/DGGT and Welcome Help Strengthen the duct and cable protection system at Collaborate with DGGT to delineate the Contractor / PCU - PM included in the MPT crossing of water courses; optical fibre route CAB Congo/DGGT cost of works Information and sensitization campaign Installation of chambers at regular intervals and on for the population on road signs and PM / included in the Contractors/MPT DRE/MTE both sides of the most important water courses; network preservation: meetings, cost of works programmes in local radio stations.

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Implementation Monitoring and Prescribed Measures Activities Actors Supervision Actors Ouesso- Ntam Ouesso-Bomassa Univ Kintele Included Costs Sensitization of the population on preservation of the PCU-CAB Congo 5 500 000 1 500 000 optical fibre network; Delineation-staking out of the network (network PM / included in the signalling beacons after trench backfilling) ; cost of works Laying of the standardized warning mesh (30 cm PM / included in the above the earth surface) ; cost of works Establishment of a network monitoring and PM / included in the maintenance system; operating budget Preparation of an as-built drawing of the optical fibre PM / included in the network after the works cost of works Equipment and PTC connection to the high-speed Installation of terminals at junctions PCU/CAB Congo MPT PM/ project cost optical fibre network; leading to CDCs Facilitate the connection of other CDCs to the optical Installation of interconnection terminals CAB Project Principal Contractor PM/ project cost fibre at crossings of various villages Gradual recruitment of local labour in the various PM / included in the localities along the route operating budget Increased terminals to facilitate interconnection of Installation of solar panels for PM / included in the various localities of the study area to high-speed electrification of Women’s Centres and project cost optical fibre CDCs Installation of equipment in CDCs PM/ project cost 64 000 000 52 000 000 10 000 000