PROJECT: LESOTHO EGOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PHASE II
COUNTRY: LESOTHO
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) SUMMARY
May 2019 Project Title: Lesotho EGovernmnent Infrastructure Phase II Country: Lesotho Project Number: P-MZ-FD0-003 Project Category: Category 2 Departments: PITD/RDGS
1.0. Introduction The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Management of African Development Bank (AfDB) are proposing to implement a phase II of the Lesotho e-government Infrastructure Project. The objective of the Phase II project is to improve citizen access to reliable eServices particularly those citizens living in rural and un-served areas through expansion of digital infrastructure. The following components have been identified: • Component 1: Expansion of mobile telephony coverage to rural areas. This component will support the construction of 48 mobile sites to achieve 99.6% population coverage improving 4G coverage in rural and unserved areas of Lesotho. • Component 2: Extension of fibre networks. This component will support the completion of a 96km OPGW fibre network from Roma (Maseru) to Thaba-Tseka. • Component 3: Rollout of eService centres. This component will support the upgrading of ten schools and rural service centres sites to a standard suitable to host eService centre facilities. • Component 4: Establishment of a national electronic Payment System. This component will develop regulation to support ePayments, provide financial education and agent network programmes, establish liquidity management and know your customer (KYC) processes; support a pilot agency roll out and establish a national Financial Switch. • Component 5: Capacity Building and Project Management.
The project activities are not expected to cause any negative environmental or social impacts. However, the expansion of mobile coverage to rural areas is likely to generate impacts resulting from installation of the 48 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS’s). These anticipated impacts are likely to be site-specific negative environmental and or social impacts on the flora, fauna and may require land to be taken. Nevertheless, the likely negative impacts will be mitigated through a series of appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures to be implemented during the various phases of the project.
The purpose of the ESMP is to: • Ensure good management practices for the implementation of the proposed project; • Define how the management of the environment is to be reported and performance evaluated; • Provide rational and practical environmental guidelines for best environmental management.
2.1 Project Location The project areas are dispersed over different areas in Lesotho mainly the rural areas. Locations of the proposed mobile sites are provided in the Map1 and table 1 below.
Source: Project PAR
Project sites Census New Area Name District population Road Access Priority Ha Lephoi (Lesobeng) Thaba-Tseka 2,484 Yes 1 Ha Makopela (including Sekhutlo-se-monate valley) Leribe 2,245 Yes 2 Bela-Bela Ha Khasane Berea 1,850 yes 3 Popa Ha Rampoetsi (incl. Likuiling) Maseru 1,689 Yes 4 Thaba-Ntšo& along the road to Qacha's Nek Mohale's Hoek 1,418 yes 5 Tlokoeng (Sefate) Mokhotlong 1,341 yes 6 Ha Nthonyana (Sebelekoane) Mafeteng 1,245 yes 7 Liqobong, Makhoakhoeng Botha-Bothe 1,200 yes 8 Matebeng Valley Qacha's Nek 1,316 partial 9 Qabane Mohale's Hoek 3,040 no 10 Patisi Thaba-Tseka 2,377 yes 11 Mphorosane (Laitsoka) Leribe 2,140 Yes 12 Ha 'Muso, 'Malebese and Ha Thaba-Tseka 1,920 yes 13 Thaba-phatšoa (Ha Matoli) Leribe 1,590 yes 14 Semonkong (Ha Phallang) Maseru 1,523 Yes 15 Khohlontšo - Ha Sepiriti Thaba-Tseka 1,296 yes 16 Makhoaba Mokhotlong 1,200 yes 17 Ha Majara Thaba-Tseka 1,171 yes 18 Ha Tsikela (Ha Rakhoboso - Tajane) Mafeteng 1,160 yes 19 Qopo (Maqhaka) Berea 1,090 yes 20 Census New Area Name District population Road Access Priority Tlokotsing Ha Mokhethi (Taung) Mohale's Hoek 1,050 yes 21 Khubelu (Molikaliko) Mokhotlong 1,039 Yes 22 Ha Sekhobe (Motete) Leribe 1,790 Poor 23 Senqunyane and Tsoelike Thaba-Tseka 1,651 partial 24 Liphiring (Majakaneng) Mohale's Hoek 1,507 partial 25 Libete (Patising valley) Thaba-Tseka 1,442 partial 26 Liqaleng (Mashai) Thaba-Tseka 1,373 partial 27 Liseleng valley Thaba-Tseka 1,782 no 28 Ketane Ha Mothibi Mohale's Hoek 1,630 no 29 Thabana-Mohlomi Mafeteng 1,010 yes 30 Ha Mashili Botha-Bothe 1,001 yes 31 Ha Maishi - Lesobeng Thaba-Tseka 956 yes 32 Mekaling - Meriting Mohale's Hoek 954 yes 33 Mokhotlong valley Mokhotlong 904 yes 34 Bobatsi (Ha Janteu) Mokhotlong 836 Yes 35 Qobong Mohale's Hoek 785 yes 36 Figure 1: Distribution of 48 BTS sites across Lesotho
2.0. Policy and Regulatory Framework
2.1 Relevant National Laws, Policies and Guidelines
Constitution of Lesotho: Section 36 of Lesotho’s constitution makes provision for the protection of the natural environment and states that “Lesotho shall adopt policies designed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment of Lesotho for the benefit of both present and future generations and shall endeavour to assure all citizens a sound and safe environment adequate for their health and well-being”.
Environment Act 2008: The Environment Act makes provision for principles of environmental management. In addition, the Act prohibits emission of substances which cause pollution in contravention of emission standards. It also prohibits discharge of hazardous substances, chemicals, materials and oils into the environment.
ICT Policy, 2005: Section 3.9.1 of the ICT policy states the objectives and strategies of ICT in the natural environment of Lesotho to offer tremendous opportunities especially for the fields of tourism and environment. Local tour operators and tourist centres can use ICTs to enhance service delivery, marketing and conduct transactions with interested parties at relatively low cost. Land Act, 2010: The land Act is the main Act which governs the registration and use of land in Lesotho. The Land Act provides that the land may be expropriated for public purposes which include water supply, and public utility services. However, there are principles governing the expropriation of land which include negotiation with the holder of land rights subject to expropriation, and may resort to expropriation if at all negotiations fail. Moreover, the Act states that developers must apply and obtain a bondage for the construction of essential services. If at all such a service affects people, such parties must be compensated.
Public Health Order No. 12 of 1970: Public Health Order No. 12 of 1970 provides for among others, requirements for human dwellings and operating in healthy housing, including issues of sanitation as a measure of disease prevention, through making accessible to workers safe drinking water and toilets at all times. The Order emphasizes that no person shall cause nuisance or allow nuisance to continue on any land or premises owned or occupied by him or of which he is in charge, which is likely to be injurious or dangerous to health as per section 56 subsection(1)(a) to (r). This Order also has clauses that address issues of waste management at community, business and industrial levels.
Labour Code, 1992: The Labour Code Order aims to prevent accidents likely to cause harm to workers. It states that any container which has toxic, corrosive or flammable substances must be marked so, stored and handled safely. Part VII of this Code deals with Health, Safety and Welfare at work.
Local Government Act, 1997: Local Authorities are amongst others charged with the responsibility of land administration, water supply and public health. It is therefore important to involve local authorities throughout every stage of the project.
National Heritage Act, 2011: The Act makes provision for the preservation, protection and management of the heritage of Lesotho and for the establishment of the Heritage council and for connected purposes. The act also deals with the conservancy of cultural, natural and living heritage of Lesotho. It comprises of all the infrastructure of cultural significance; living heritage; geological sites archaeological; and paleontological sites.
Poverty Reduction Strategy: The strategy provides for broad based improvement of Basotho’s welfare without compromising opportunities for rehabilitation of the environment. It also records that e-government is essential for the improvement of services such as those secured by home affairs, development of institutions and ultimately the wellbeing of families.
Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act, 2006: This is the Act that confers equal powers on both husband and wife married in community of property which means that it gives equal capacity to dispose of the assets of the joint estate, contract debts for which the joint estate is liable and administer the joint estate. This Act requires that both spouses must give consent when entering into any agreements concerning the joint estate.
International Conventions: The project is obligated to ensure that its operations comply with International Conventions to which the Government of Lesotho is a signatory. These conventions focus on the following; gender and development, organic pollutants, air quality, hazardous waste, Archaeology and cultural heritage and climate change.
2.2. Relevant African Development Bank Safeguards:
This project can therefore be classified as category 2 by the African Development Bank(AfDB) in line with its Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) The following AfDB Safeguards (OS) are triggered; Operational Safeguard 1 –This project presents potential impacts which require an environmental assessment. These impacts are however site-specific and mostly reversible. The impacts can be readily minimized by implementing management and mitigation measures or incorporating internationally recognized standards and criteria. Operational Safeguard 2 – Involuntary resettlement (Land Acquisition, Population Displacement and Compensation) This project may involve limited acquisition of land for construction of access roads to mobile telephonic sites and poles/pylons for fiber. It is however not anticipated that residential land will be acquired. Only agricultural land and rangelands may be affected. It is important to note that the exact location of the sites is unknown at this stage. Operational Safeguard 3 –Biodiversity, renewable sources and ecosystems services. This OS is triggered because the Project may entail both physical and economic displacement. The 48 proposed sites are mostly in remote rural areas of Lesotho with pristine environments. Project implementation should therefore ensure conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats in areas where construction will take place. Operation Safeguard 4 – Pollution prevention and control, hazardous materials and resource efficiency. Construction activities often produce emissions from construction machinery which may lead to air pollution. There may also be contaminants which may lead to soil and water pollution and these have to be prevented. Operation Safeguard 5 – Labour conditions, health and safety. This OS is triggered on account of potential risks to health and safety of workers.
3.0 Major Environmental and Social Impacts and Climate Change
There are a number of potential impacts presented by the proposed project. These include both positive and negative impacts on different aspects of the environment likely to arise from the project during construction and operation phases. Based on the nature of the project, potential impacts are mostly site specific as the masts do not cover a large area. Most impacts will be experienced due to construction of access roads to the masts sites and construction of fibre from Roma to Thaba-Tseka.
3.1 Positive Impacts
Employment creation and kills development: At Construction Phase the proposed infrastructure construction will create employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled labour during construction phase. This impact will be more significant during construction phase. Creation of jobs improves people’s livelihoods as they will have increased disposable income. Both men and women should be employed during the construction phase. There will also be skills development for personnel which will be employed for the project during the construction phase. Personnel will therefore be more employable to similar projects post completion of construction phase. At the operation and Maintenance Phase, the proposed project will contribute, to both job creation and skills development.
Economic growth: The proposed e-government infrastructure project will contribute to economic growth of the country during the construction phase. Amongst others, the economy will grow through tax payment by companies engaged in the implementation of the project during the construction phase. The economy will also grow through improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of job creation. At the Operation and Maintenance Phase the project, it will lead to economic growth due to inflow of direct investments for the communication network and other eservices. There will also be growth in local businesses that support the electronic industry and overall increased employment to the local populations.
Improved Telephonic and Internet Services: The proposed project will enhance the access to electronic based services to the project area. There will also be easy access to electronic services and communication. There will also be increased information and communication technology connectivity.
3.2 Negative Impacts The project also has potential negative impacts but the significance of these impacts can be minimized to acceptable levels if proper mitigation measures are implemented.
Generation and Accumulation of Waste: Once the construction phase of the project has commenced, there will be amounts of solid waste, hazardous wastes and some forms of the electronic waste generated. There is potential of non-hazardous waste such as scrap steel and other metal scrap, glass, plastic and insulations. At the Operation and Maintenance Phase, there is a likelihood of increased indirect e-waste generation as a result of improved telephony coverage.
Intrusion into Public Resident’s land: The project presents a potential challenge of encroachment into residents’ land due during the construction phase. The location of the fibre network that need to be extended during the construction phase has the potential of passing through resident’s land. This therefore implies that some of the residents’ sites will be tempered with. At the Operation and Maintenance Phase intrusion onto private property may occur during maintenance of e-government infrastructure.
Reduced Water Quality in nearby Water Streams: Construction activities may have a negative impact on the quality of water on nearby water streams as a result of increased sediment load from construction activities. The improperly managed wastes may be washed into nearby water bodies or streams. Also, oil spillages from construction machinery may have a negative impact on the quality of water in nearby water streams if not controlled during the construction phase. At Operation Phase there may be chances of release of harmful substances. The cables may be damaged therefore releasing the insulation fluids. Also there can be contamination due to the technical faults and accidents.
Air Quality and Noise Pollution: At Construction Phase the clearance operations, grading, filling, excavation, earthwork, and movement of vehicles and heavy construction equipment for the construction of the infrastructure including access roads will increase fugitive emissions from dust generation and equipment usage Generally, these localized activities will adversely affect air quality and lead to noise pollution. Construction vehicles and machinery moving along the access roads may generate dust if proper dust suppression measures are not implemented. Traffic congestion due to construction activities may increase carbon dioxide emissions owing to increased idling of vehicles thereby leading to increased air pollution. Dust leads to increased particulate matter in the atmosphere and this is said to contribute to respiratory tract infections. In addition, burning of construction waste such as plastic releases noxious gases that can cause air pollution. The project also poses a great potential for noise pollution during the construction phase. During operation and maintenance phase, the source of air pollution maybe exhausts fumes from the vehicles and machinery used during maintenance of the fibre networks
Soil and Pollution: At the construction stage spillages from petroleum products usually contain hydrocarbons which contaminate the soil and pollute groundwater as well as surface water. Hydrocarbons tamper with soil chemical composition which ultimately affects the vegetation growing in the affected area. Sources of water contamination during the operation and maintenance phase may still be oil spillages from machinery or the electronic waste that may emanate.
Loss of Vegetation and Soil Erosion: During the construction phase stripping of topsoil for site preparation and clearance operations, grading, filling, excavation, earthwork, and movement of vehicles and heavy construction equipment for the construction of the infrastructure including access roads will disturb soil and the vegetation.
Vibration Impact: The project poses a risk of vibrations from the heavy construction equipment movements and construction activities such as compaction of embankments. This vibration may adversely affect the nearby residential blocks resulting into cracks on the buildings
Conflicts: Conflicts may arise due to vibrations which have a potentially negative impact on the nearby buildings during construction phase. The encroachment of fiber network into other residents’ sites also has the potential of causing conflicts as some of the community members that may be affected by the project may complain and therefore not be willing to let go of their land. Community members should continue to be sensitized to ensure the success of this project.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Incidences: Activities of the construction phase present a number of potential occupational health and safety risks including increased dust in the ambient air in working zones; heat stress; increased temperature of equipment surfaces; increased noise and vibration levels; use of Mobile equipment and machinery and associated moving parts; common injuries including severe injuries including death arising from slip and falls, ergonomic injuries, working at height, cuts and bruises, lifting works; communicable diseases and vector-borne diseases; handling of hazardous materials and waste; installation and testing of Fiber Optics and electromagnetic fields. At the Operation and Maintenance Phase there is also a potential that occupational health and safety risks may occur even during the maintenance phase from working at height, cuts and bruises, lifting works installation and testing of Fiber Optics and electromagnetic fields.
Influx of Job Seekers: New projects attract job seekers to the project area and this affects demographics of the area. Spread of HIV is increased in areas with high influx of job seekers as they tend to form sexual relationships with locals. Influx of job seekers also leads to increased crime rates as job seekers are idle and in need for survival.
HIV/AIDS: Creation of employment may cause people to leave their homes and temporarily stay in areas easily accessible to the project area where they can be closer to their work place. This may cause job seekers to form sexual relationships outside their families thereby increasing chances of HIV infection.
Impact on the area’s Aesthetics: During construction phase the stockpiling of materials at the staging area may also impact the visual aesthetics of the surrounding area. The impact will depend on the volume and height of the material to be stockpiled. At the operation phase after completion of the project there will be visual impact which will be caused by erection of the towers and the fiber network.
Reduced Flora, Fauna and Migratory Birds: During construction phase activities such as clearing of vegetation may reduce habitats for some fauna. Removal of vegetation also leads to soil erosion as it leaves the soil bare and lose. The noise and vibrations that may be produced by heavy machinery and construction vehicles can lead to reduced fauna as most birds and animals are noise and vibration sensitive receptors. Hazardous waste can clearly have a toxic effect on the fauna and flora if badly managed. During the operational phase, depending on the type of fibre network to be instituted there is likelihood of disturbance to migratory birds and other wildlife in general. The construction of mobile telephony centers may have potential impact on bird migration as they may be placed along the corridor their migration.
Impacts to Sites of Cultural or Archaeological Interest; During the construction phase the access road will be constructed and the right of way will be established. The process could include damage to cultural resources.
Cumulative Impacts: The project sites are dispersed at various places of Lesotho where in some cases there are planned or ongoing construction projects. Of particular importance is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II for which construction of advance infrastructure has commenced in Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka. Potential impacts of the proposed eGovernment infrastructure such as impact on the biophysical environment due to erosion will be cumulative. Impacts caused by demographic change such as HIV/AIDs will also be cumulative. The significance of potential impacts of the eGovernment infrastructure is however low.
3.0. Mitigation Measures and Complimentary Initiatives The following are the mitigation measure to be implemented in order to reduce the Physical, Social and Climate related negative Impacts and enhancement of the positive impacts throughout the project.
Impact Mitigation Measures
• Regular surface sprinklers of exposed site areas, unpaved access roads and Air Pollution (Increased stockpiled top soil; dust production and Impact Mitigation Measures generation of emissions • Vehicles operating in unpaved access roads should adhere to speed limits from construction that will minimize excessive generation of dust; vehicles and machinery) • Air pollution from vehicles will be minimized by using low emission equipment and vehicles as well as regular inspection and servicing of machinery and vehicles; • All construction vehicles transporting dusty materials should be secured with covers to prevent escape of dust; • Water shall be abstracted from rivers and other drainage features; • The Contractor shall hold a valid water use permit; • Where possible, dust nets should be placed around the fence or areas of high dust generation during excavations; • Dust masks should be provided to workers. • Confine removal of vegetation during construction to only where it is Intrusion into public necessary. The removal, damage or disturbance of any flora outside the residents land construction area is not permitted unless specifically authorized by the EM; • As little topsoil as possible should be removed whilst clearing vegetation along construction areas; • Ensure that no stockpiling of spoil is performed all over the area; • In areas where the road surface is lower than the surrounding homes, the slopes must be stabilized and reinforced, to avoid the slopes eroding and collapsing during rainy seasons; • Soil stockpiles shall not be higher than 2.5 m; • Topsoil stockpiles shall not be contaminated with oil or any material which may inhibit the later growth of vegetation; Erosion control gabions should be used to reduce soil erosion • Disposal of spoil should be done at a site approved by EM and local Reduced water quality authorities except in cases where local authorities may request the spoil for of nearby water land reclamation purposes; streams/bodies • Transportation trucks should not be overloaded to avoid spilling; • Spoil awaiting collection should be barricaded; • Engagement of a licensed hauler for transportation of waste to an approved site. • Excavated material and debris shall be disposed away from watercourses Reduced water body to prevent them from being washed into a watercourse; carrying capacity and • Topsoil shall not be side-tipped on slopes close to water courses; contamination • Topsoil shall not be spoiled into watercourses; • No discharge of waste pollutants or untreated water into the nearby water streams; • Polluted water shall be treated prior discharge into water bodies; • Divert runoff from concrete mixing or any source of pollutants away from water streams to avoid pollution of water. • The Contractor shall ensure minimal sediment load downstream of the river Natural water courses during any construction work including excavation of foundations for pollution pillars in the river; • The construction works shall not restrict or block the flow of the river; • Refueling shall not be done on the river embankments during the construction phase to avoid contamination of water; Impact Mitigation Measures
• The Contractor shall ensure minimal cement and concrete spillages during construction phase; • Topsoil shall not be spoiled into watercourses; • Borrow pits shall not be located at groundwater seepage areas; • No discharge of waste pollutants or untreated water into the nearby water streams; • Polluted water shall be treated prior discharge into water bodies; • Divert runoff from concrete mixing or any source of pollutants away from water streams to avoid pollution of water. • Bird species and their habitats in the project area should not be harmed. Reduced flora, fauna and migratory bird
• Provision of waste bins clearly labelled for different types of waste. The Increased generation of bins must be painted with a bright colour so as to be noticeable to avoid waste littering; • Burning or burying of litter on site is prohibited and a suitable location for disposal of such solid waste should be identified, in consultation with local authorities; • The Contractor shall dispose of all refuse generated by his staff and sub- contractors on a weekly basis at an approved disposal site; • The Contractor shall on a daily basis do site clean-ups of litter other than construction spoil and dispose of it in designated refuse bins provided for on-site. • Deliberate initiatives have been included in the project to manage E-waste • Hazardous materials shall be properly stored in a secured branded room OHS incidents labeled hazardous store; • Hazardous materials shall be labeled appropriately; • Materials Safety Datasheets (MSDS) shall be displayed on the hazardous store; • Avoid exposure to hazardous material by restricting access to the construction site. • The Contractor shall protect all areas susceptible to erosion by installing Increased soil erosion all necessary temporary and permanent drainage works during and loss of vegetation construction; • Any erosion channels developing during the construction period or during the operational and maintenance period shall be backfilled and the area restored to the proper condition; • All erosion damage shall be repaired and displaced topsoil shall be replaced; • Clearing shall only be done where necessary; • Store topsoil for later rehabilitation; • Institute temporary storm water drainages on site; • Landscape bare areas upon completion of construction activities. • Use of stone pitching on slopes to prevent soil erosion.
5.0 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan
Environmental Mitigation measures Implementi Key Performance Monito Monitoring Cost Estimate Impact /aspect ng indicators ring Frequency (Currency in Lesotho organizatio Organi Loti [LSL]) n zation Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Positive Impacts Employment Contractor Number of local labourers EM Monthly Project Cost for creation • Employ unskilled and semi-skilled labour from employed; engagement of HR neighbouring communities as far as reasonably No influx of job seekers at personnel and as well as possible. the construction sites; all personnel to be • Recruitment should not be done at the Number of unskilled and engaged. semi-skilled labourers construction site to avoid influx of job seekers trained and trafficking in Persons (TIP); • Comply with requirements of relevant Lesotho labour laws.
Skills development Contractor Training reports and EM Monthly 1,000.00 production of • There shall be on-job training of unskilled registry. reports and registers per labour to ensure capacity building. month Gender integration Contractor Presence of female staff on EM Monthly 5000 LSL once off for • Ensure employment opportunities for all site. training on traffic gender groups. For instance, females can be management. employed for tasks such as flag women. No anticipated costs for other gender mainstreaming activities. Economic growth Contractor Presence of tax clearance Develop Monthly No anticipated costs • Contractor should be discouraged from and traders licenses. er importing locally available equipment and material; • The client should pay tax according to the laws of Lesotho; • Procurement of Lesotho registered companies as sub-contractors as far as reasonably practicable. Negative impacts (Pre-construction and Construction phase)
Soil and water Contractor Absence of spillages. EM Weekly 1,500.00 LSL per spill contamination • Regular maintenance of construction Use of drip trays: kit machinery to avoid spillages; 10,000.00 LSL for • Provision of drip trays in cases of potential • No oil and chemical water monitoring and spills within and spillages; lab test where around construction necessary. • Provision of spill kits for cleaning of oil areas; spillages; • No oil contamination • All spillages shall be reported to the SHE within water bodies; officer who shall ensure immediate and effective cleaning; • Stop the source of spill and contain the spill; • Divert water from all spoil and soil stockpiles;
• Design of storm water drainage from site should be approved by the engineer. Dust and Noise Contractor Minimal dust. EM Weekly 12.000.00 LSL for dust pollution from • Ensure dust suppression methods such as Acceptable noise levels suppression per month construction spraying of water to reduce dust from and no community Maintenance of complaints. construction machinery activities construction activities; shall be included in • Soil stockpiles must be dampened to avoid dust project cost as a result of wind; • Service construction machinery to avoid generation of unnecessary noise; • Maintain silencers on vehicles to reduce noise; • No fire should be allowed on the project area to avoid air pollution. Impact on sensitive • Wetlands and other sensitive areas should be Contractor Water bodies and courses EM Monthly No anticipated costs. areas declared no-go areas for construction activities; should be left in a state in Alternatives which they were prior to implemented to avoid • In the event where there is no other alternative, construction sensitive areas shall be the Contractor should solicit guidance from the included in project Environmental Social Assessment Expert prior costs. to construction phase in sensitive areas. Water quality • Topsoil shall not be side-tipped on slopes close Contractor Low levels of turbidity in EM Monthly 25,000.00 LSL per management to water courses; close water courses. month for the EM • Borrow pits shall not be located within 100 m 10,000LSL water of a watercourse or wetland; quality testing when • Topsoil shall not be spoiled into watercourses; necessary. • Borrow pits shall not be located at groundwater seepage areas; • No discharge of waste pollutants or untreated water into the nearby water streams; • Polluted water shall be treated prior discharge into water bodies; • Divert runoff from concrete mixing or any source of pollutants away from water streams to avoid pollution of water. Exposure to Contractor Availability of well labeled EM Weekly 12,000.00 LSL for hazardous material • Hazardous materials shall be properly stored in hazardous store at the training of SHE officer NB. Hazardous a secure branded room labeled hazardous store; construction site. on handling of Display of MSDS. hazardous materials materials are those • Hazardous materials shall be labeled that are potentially appropriately; poisonous, toxic, • Materials Safety Datasheets (MSDS) shall be carcinogenic or displayed on hazardous store; flammable. Examples • Avoid exposure to hazardous material by include cement, restricting access to the construction site. diesel, petroleum, oil, and solvent based paints. Occupational Health Contractor Availability of records of EM Weekly 20,000 LSL per month and Safety incidences • Provide induction programme for workers on inductions. for SHE officer health and safety; Availability of PPE/C • Provision of Personal Protective registers for employees. Cost of PPE to be Equipment/Clothing (PPE/C) for workers. For included in project cost. instance, workers exposed to dust should be provided with dust masks; • As part of the PPE, provide safe scaffolds and safety harness for workers working above 2m height; • Ensure that workers are aware of emergency procedures; • Ensure availability of first aid kit on site; • All open trenches and pits should be properly marked and barricaded; • Ensure provision of safe drinking water and adequate (1 toilet to 15 workers) ablution facilities for workers; • Conduct emergency drills at least once a month. Loss of vegetation Contractor EM Weekly Project Cost and the resulting soil • Clearing shall only be done where necessary; • No erosion scars; erosion • Store topsoil for later rehabilitation; Bare areas landscaped – • Institute temporary storm water drainages on progressive rehabilitation. site; • Landscape bare areas upon completion of construction activities. Vibration Impact Contractor Records of dilapidation EM Weekly • Run plant that has low vibration operating surveys; settings on the sensitive places; Affected properties • Sequencing operations so that vibration reinstated; Absence of complaints on causing activities do not occur simultaneously; impacted communities’ • Locating high vibration sources far away from properties; sensitive areas; Affected properties • Keep the equipment well maintained; reinstated. • Turn machinery and equipment off when not in use. Encroachment into • Residents should be notified well in advance Client Community gathering Social When Resettlement planning residents’ land if their sites will be affected; attendance registers; Facilitat required and implementation • Continuous liaison with local authorities Availability of a or cost. community liaison officer; during different stages of the project; Well settled • Affected residents should be compensated. compensations. Conflicts • Constant liaison with local authorities Contractor Timely response to EM Weekly 20,000.00 LSL cost for throughout the project phases; complaints according to CLO per month • The public should be clearly informed of grievance procedure. operation procedures including recruitment procedures; • Minimizing nuisance factors in residential areas.
Traffic congestion • Road signs should be instituted around the Contractor Traffic When 10,000.00 once off for project site for traffic control; • Road sign instituted; Depart required traffic control signage No road accidents caused • Vehicles should adhere to speed limits; ment by construction vehicles. • Use alternative roads provided. Influx of job seekers Contractor Recruitment place EM Monthly No anticipated costs • Employment should be done away from the established away from the construction area; construction sites. • Consult local authorities when recruiting. Increased risk of Contractor Awareness campaigns EM Monthly M5000.00 quarterly HIV/AIDs • Provision of HIV/AIDs awareness to workers; records. awareness raising • Recruitment of locals to avoid migrant workers. Increased waste Contractor Waste bins provided and EM Weekly 3,000.00 LSL once off generation and • Ensure strict waste segregation (especially no litter at construction purchase of bins accumulation hazardous from general) through provision of sites; 1,000 LSL /month labeled bins; transportation of waste to disposal sites • Implement reduce, reuse and recycle strategy; • All recyclables to be transported to waste collection and recycling companies; • Construction waste and rubble shall be disposed of at an area approved by town authorities; • Implement routine removal and collection of waste. Operation and Maintenance phase Positive impacts Improved access to Network Reliable telephony MCST When Project Costs telephony coverage, • Routine maintenance of e-services operators coverage and accessible required and e-services infrastructure and Client reliable e-services Negative Impacts Waste generation Local Absence of litter. DoE When 5,000.00 quarterly for and accumulation of • Sensitization of communities of e-waste; authorities required transportation of e- e-waste • Appropriate management of e-waste i.e. e- waste to collection waste shall be transported to designated DoE centres collection points. Rehabilitation of Contractor Covered borrow pits after EM Post 50,000 LSL once off borrow pits • Unused borrow pits shall be rehabilitated as work. completion follows: extraction of o Filling with rock spoil followed quarry by soil; materials. o Hydro seeding and placing of mulch; o Covering with erosion control blanket; o Monitoring of vegetation growth until the borrow pit area reaches stability. 6.0 Public Consultation and Disclosure Eight villages were sampled for the eGovernment Infrastructure Phase II project according to priority for consultations and these were; Ha- Lephoi in Thaba-Tseka district, Ha- Makopela in Leribe, Ha- Khasane in Berea, Ha- Rampoetsi in Maseru, Tlokoeng in Mokhotlong, Ha- Nthonyana in Mafeteng, Liqobong in Butha- Buthe and Patisi in Thaba- Tseka. All of the villages named are in the highlands and foothills of Lesotho. Approach to Public Consultation: The initial step taken was identification of stakeholders, affected and interested parties. These can be classified as Local Communities, Local Authorities, Service Providers and Network Providers.
Mode of Stakeholder consultation: These involved Scheduled Institutional interviews by face to face consultation, public meetings with persons who are directly affected by the project and scheduled interviews with key informants.
Outcome of Consultation: A number of concerns and comments (see table 6) were raised by I&APs during institutional consultation process. The issues raised were taken into account during the impact assessment procedure. Environmental management and monitoring plan has also made provision for these concerns. The following were the key issues raised from public gathering; • The communities are of telephony coverage in order to improve communication in cases of crime at households at cattle posts; • Communities also need access to different radio stations; • Unskilled labour and semi-skilled labour should be sourced from the communities during construction works; • Improved coverage will improve the quality of education as students will be able to research using smart phones; • E-service centres will be assist businesses in the rural areas particularly those who own livestock; • Other services such as electricity, roads, more health centres and police stations in the rural areas are also critical. • This project will bring a sense of unity to most of the listed areas and not the general seclusion that is currently dominant; • All of the visited communities understand the importance of protecting such infrastructure as it to enhance their own livelihoods. • It is highly recommended that this project be implemented and contractors to be appointed be sensitive to the minimal needs of communities they will be working within.
7.0 Institutional arrangements and capacity building requirements
7.1. Responsibilities The implementation of the ESMP is dependent on the involvement and cooperation of a number of key role players. The level of involvement and responsibilities of each of these role players will vary during different stages of the development, but they are all vital to the successful environmental and social management of this project. The ESMP will be implemented by the developer together with the Contractor who will be appointed. Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST) – as the implementing agency of this project, must ensure that environmental compliance is clearly defined in the Terms of Reference for the Contractor and is implemented.
8.0 Institutional Capacity Building Plan The project is most definitely going to lead to increased generation of E-waste due to increased telephony coverage and improved internet access. E-waste will result from various IT equipment such as computers, laptops, networking devices, cables, power adapters; household appliances like televisions, telephones, and mobile phones due to improved connectivity and access. This will be an indirect impact but equally important. With increased focus on access to ICT in Lesotho, the country does not have a policy or guidelines to manage E-waste in the country. Therefore, the project’s capacity building component includes provisions to support the management of E-waste. The proposed activities include: • Development of an E-waste Policy and guidelines; • Support the Ministry of Tourism Environment and Culture with knowledge and skills to manage E-waste. In addition, outcomes of institutional consultations revealed the need for digital literacy in the rural areas. This will complement the component on rolling out of e-service centres since more people will use them if they have digital literacy. It would therefore be important for the government to support initiatives meant to improve digital literacy such the one in which teachers are being trained to train students on digital literacy.
9.0 Implementation Schedule The implementation of the environmental and social measures shall last throughout the project cycle.
10.0 Estimated Cost Costs of certain items associated with environmental management and monitoring will be an integral part of specific items incorporated in overall project budgets, and no separate budget is necessary to cover these aspects. Marginal costs of the contractor to be incurred in complying with environmental protection clauses in the construction contract will be incorporated in unit rates and bill items and will thus be included as construction costs. Environmental monitoring carried out by the PIU staff is an integral part of general supervision duties/responsibilities and will be covered by normal PIU project supervision costs.
11.0 Conclusion The project presents both positive and negative potential impacts. The identified negative impacts are easily reversible. Some of the impacts will however be cumulative in areas where there are other construction projects that will be implemented at the same time such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project phase 2 in Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong. Lesotho legislation that has to be complied with during the implementation of the project was found to be in line with AfDB’s policies and guidelines in relation to Environmental and Social safeguards. It is recommended that the ESMP should form part of contract specifications for the network operators and contractors who will be involved in the implementation of this project as in order to prevent or minimize negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts.
12.0 References and Contacts
References African Development Bank Dec 2013: Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) African Development Bank, June 2014: Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures for African Development Bank’s Public Sector Operations. African Development Bank, February 2004: Group’s Policy on the Environment, PSDU. African Development Bank, September : Urban Power Distribution Rehabilitation Project. Country: Lesotho Environment and Social Management Plan Summary. African Development Bank, 2015 Safeguards and sustainability series volume 1 – African Development Fund Project, October 2013: E-government Infrastructure, Kingdom of Lesotho: Project appraisal report OITC Department Bedi, I.S. African Development Bank, January 2019: Final Report for Lesotho E-government Infrastructure Phase ii Project. Commonwealth Secretariat, 2004. Lesotho managing the trade support Network: Small state in transition from vulnerability to competitiveness. Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Lesotho Government, Environmental Act, 2008
March 2005: ICT Policy for Lesotho Lesotho communications policy 2008 Ministry of Agriculture, Lesotho, Leipzig, 1996: Lesotho Country Report to the FAO International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources. Maile N., 2001: Forestry outlook Studies in Africa. Lesotho. Mbata, 2001: Journal of Sustainable Agricultural land use practices in Lesotho: Implications for sustainability in Agricultural production. Volume 18, issue 23. Michael l. Mhlanga, June 2004: Adaptation to Climate Change: Technology needs in Lesotho energy and land use change and forestry Safeguards and sustainability series volume 1 - issue 1 (December 2013)
Contacts:
Yonazi, Enock, African Development Bank Group Avenue Joseph Anoma 01 BP 1387 Abidjan 01. Côte d'Ivoire. Email: [email protected]
Annah M. Rutebuka, Social Development Officer, African Development Bank South Africa, 339 Witch-Hazel Centurion| Office Tel: +27 12 003 6900 |Ext 8462 E-Mail: [email protected]|