The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) Concept Environmental and Social Review Summary Concept Stage (ESRS Concept Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 12/18/2019 | Report No: ESRSC01018 Dec 18, 2019 Page 1 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Country Region Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Mauritania AFRICA P169332 Project Name Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Urban, Resilience and Investment Project 1/20/2020 2/20/2020 Land Financing Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Islamic Republic of Ministry of Economy and Mauritania Industry Proposed Development Objective(s) The development objectives of this operation are: (i) to improve access to services for The population and the private Public Disclosure sector in selected areas; and (ii) to improve the capacity of local government in the areas of planning and municipal management. Financing (in USD Million) Amount Total Project Cost 50.00 B. Is the project being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project [including overview of Country, Sectoral & Institutional Contexts and Relationship to CPF] This project will support the development of intermediate cities and towns of Mauritania. D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1. Project location(s) and salient characteristics relevant to the ES assessment [geographic, environmental, social] The project will be implemented in 7 wilayas (Trarza, Brakna, Gorgol, Assaba, Guidimakha, Hodh el Gharbi and Hodh Ech Chargui). These areas are near to the Senegalese and Malian frontiers. Dec 18, 2019 Page 2 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) A preliminary list of 7 towns have been established in consultation with the GoM based on their potential to extend their benefits to a broader territory and population. For that reason, the South of Mauritania, where more than a third of the urban population live and where the poverty rates remain the highest, was preferred. This preliminary list includes 4 intermediate cities, spread across the territory. Rosso, in the West, and Kiffa in the center, are by far the most dynamic ones. Selibaby at the central South and Aioun at the East will complement a good coverage of this large territory. Three voluntary resettlement centers (Evajar and Nbeikhat Lahwach) are considered because of their relatively large size and will be used to test a national policy aimed at delivering more effectively services to the population. In addition, the project will support the provision of electricity to 3 rural areas presenting a certain concentration of population (2,000+ habitants). The population This project will support the development of intermediate cities and towns of Mauritania and will comprise four components: Component 1: Resilient infrastructure investment and service delivery in select towns and adjacent territories: This component aims to support the development of communal or inter-municipal economic and basic infrastructures and services in selected areas (either intermediary cities or newly created towns or adjacent territories) to increase access to services and better manage future urban growth. Infrastructure of interest could consist of urban roads, urban drainage systems, electricity lines, solid or liquid waste management infrastructure, public facilities and space for youth, regional or local markets, etc. Component 2: Technical support towards improved planning and local management. This component aims at providing technical support to local actors, in particular the municipal institutions, as well as the regional councils and other relevant local institutions (associations, private sector representation, etc.), to improve their capacity to prepare and implement development plans that will yield higher impacts in access to services, economic development and poverty reduction. Two activities will be supported: (i) first, the Component will help the government continue to Public Disclosure implement its decentralization agenda and improve its operational sustainability; and (ii) second, it will help address critical constraints to more effective urban planning and management. Component 3: Project management. This component will support the implementation of all project activities in accordance with the Bank’s policies and guidelines in the area of coordination, supervision, financial management, procurement, audits, safeguards, monitoring and evaluation. Component 4: Contingency Emergency Response Component. Should a natural event precipitate a major disaster affecting the livelihoods of people living in the project area, the government may request the World Bank to reallocate project funds to cover some costs of emergency response and recovery of the projects areas are composed by the vulnerable groups and refugees. Their main activities are livestock and agriculture. D. 2. Borrower’s Institutional Capacity Various government ministries will be involved in the implementation of the project. These ministries are: The Ministry of Urbanism and Habitat; The Ministry in charge of Interior and Decentralization, and The Ministry of Economy and Industry. The project will build as much as possible on the transfer of responsibilities and related resources to Local Government described in the national decentralization strategy. For this reason, local collectivities and communes will play an intrinsic role in all project implementation activities. They may benefit from technical assistance or ultimately require other expertise if necessary and depending on the nature of investments. The PNIDDLE (Programme National Intégré pour la Décentralisation, le Développement Local et l’Emploi des jeunes) at the Ministry of Economy and Industry will be the PIU at the preparation stage. The PNIDDLE has experience working with communes, but will need to be reinforced by two staff specialized in environment and social aspects. Mauritania’s Ministry in charge of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) has five technical Directorates. Its Environmental Pollution and Emergencies Directorate and Environmental Control Directorate are involved in the effective implementation of the mitigation measures included in the ESIA. Dec 18, 2019 Page 3 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) Institutional Capacity Assessment: Once the project implementation arrangements have been finalized, an environmental and social due diligence of the institutional arrangements will be carried out to assess any gaps in capacity to managing and monitoring the environmental risks and impacts of the project. A thorough Institutional Capacity Assessment will be conducted prior to appraisal. Any capacity gaps/ strengthening measures (for the implementation of the Environmental and Social Standards) will be captured in an Institutional Capacity Strengthening Plan and reflected in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). II. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Substantial Environmental Risk Rating Substantial The environment risk rating is classified as substantial at this stage of project. The potential negative environmental impacts and risks of the proposed project are associated with (i) the implementation of Component 1, which is designed to support various construction activities of communal or inter-municipal infrastructures, (ii) the preparation of development plans and reforms which can further induce some effects that entail environmental and social concerns, (iii) the provision of the Contingency Emergency Response Component. In Mauritania, municipalities have weak capacity in environmental and social management. Social Risk Rating Substantial Public Disclosure On the social side the project could have social impacts and the anticipated impacts (Land acquisition/ land take needs for civil works under component 1 and the CERC under component 4, labor), working conditions (including labor influx as some Wilayas are near to Mali and Senegal frontiers), and potential impacts on local community and vulnerable groups including fragmentation/fragility risks arising from inadequate economic opportunities in a changing urban environment, limited opportunities for civil society feedback and engagement, and lack of inclusive service delivery and participation. There may be social risks stemming from the HR adjustment planning, as well as from the development planning under component 2. The project will be in the urban/peri-urban areas and the preliminary GBV risks assessment rating is moderate. However, the project will include in the ESIA the GBV Risk assessment and an action will be included in the ESMP. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1. General Assessment ESS1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Overview of the relevance of the Standard for the Project: The potential negative environmental and social impacts and risks of the proposed project are mostly associated with the implementation of Component 1, which is designed to support various construction activities of communal or inter-municipal infrastructures. These may include urban road, regional markets, infrastructures for youth, management of solid and liquid waste management. Dec 18, 2019 Page 4 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) For investments that will be known during project preparation, specific ESIAs will be prepared and disclosed before the decision meeting. The ESIAs should include a robust social assessment. As many investments will not be known by the decision meeting, an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) will be prepared. The ESMF will define screening mechanisms and monitoring procedures for the identification and management of potential adverse environmental and social impacts and provide a grievance redress mechanism with guidance on the reception, recording, handling, and reporting of complaints that may be encountered during project implementation. As part of activities under component 2, in aiming to improve capacities of local actors to prepare and implement development plans and reforms, the project can further induce some effects that entail environmental and social concerns. To prevent and manage the potential impacts and risks, the TOR for development plans will include provision to take into account environmental and social impacts and risks. In case of development of a Master plan, an ESMF an ESMF will be prepared along with the master plan, to set out the principles, rules, guidelines and procedures to assess the environmental and social risks and impacts when the master plan will be implemented. Labor Management: A significant amount of labor due to the works that the project could undertake in the 7 wilayas for the implementation of the component 1. The labor and working conditions (including labor influx as some wilayas are near to Mali and Senegal frontiers could be an issue). GBV Management and Mitigation: The Bank’s GBV Risk Assessment Tool will guide the identification of GBV risks and where needed, site specific ESIAs will include a GBV Action Plan. Public Disclosure GRM: A locally based project-wide GRM, proportionate to the potential risks and impacts of the project, will be established. In addition, a GRM specifically for direct and contracted workers will be designed. Both GRMs will be designed at an early stage and will be established by project effectiveness. An Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) agreed upon with the Borrower will also be prepared. ESCP will set out the substantive measures and actions that will be have to be taken by the Borrower to meet environmental and social requirements. These measures shall be implemented within the specified timeframes and the status of implementation will be reviewed as part of project monitoring and reporting. Areas where “Use of Borrower Framework” is being considered: Use of the Borrower’s environmental and social framework is not being considered. ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Stakeholder engagement is a critical tool for social and environmental risk management, project sustainability and success. In consultation with the Bank the client will prepare and implement an inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) proportional to the nature and scale of the project and associated risks and impacts. The SEP will be prepared and disclosed as early as possible and prior to Appraisal. The Borrower will engage in meaningful consultations with all stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, paying particular attention to the inclusion of Dec 18, 2019 Page 5 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) vulnerable and disadvantaged groups (including the elderly, persons with disabilities, female-headed households and orphans). Key stakeholders include: the Ministry of Urbanism and Habitat; The Ministry in charge of Interior and decentralization and The Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry in charge of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) the wilayas local authorities, local collectivities and communes. The Borrower will provide stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation. B.2. Specific Risks and Impacts A brief description of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts relevant to the Project. ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions The project footprint will certainly entail a significant a number of workers due to the works that the project could undertake in the 7 wilayas. The labor and working conditions including labor influx as some wilayas are near to Mali and Senegal frontiers and the workers from these countries could migrate, to look for a job. Some Contractors could bring workers from outside and house them near the local communities. These two could be an issue if not suitably managed. Therefore, the Borrower will ensure that, to the extent possible, unskilled labor for construction is hired locally, in order to minimize the influx of unskilled labor and reduce the potential for harm. All workers will be sensitized on the code of conduct that they will be asked to sign and keep as annex to their work contract. The Borrower will develop and implement Labor Management Procedures (LMP) which will have to have detailed information on the work terms and conditions including explicit prohibition of child labor. In addition to measures for the PIU staff, the LMP will be expected to include measures to protect community members that are providing labor Public Disclosure on a voluntary basis, including participation of women and the health and safety of workers. The LMP will also have to describe how the community members may provide labor on a voluntary basis and also how they will have access to the details of the grievance redress mechanism for projects workers included in the LMP and have access to the general project GRM. The LMP will also have to describe the roles and responsibilities for monitoring such workers. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): To ensure health and safety of workers during the construction and operational phases of the project, the borrower will develop and implement a Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) plan in line with World Bank Group Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines (generic for construction activities, and relevant sectors). The plan will include procedures on incident investigation and reporting, recording and reporting of non-conformances, emergency preparedness and response procedures and continuous training and awareness to workers. Workers' Accommodation: The Construction-ESMP will confirm if there will be onsite accommodation of works. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management This ESS is relevant because the project may invest in solid and liquid waste management, and also given the fact that strengthening the productivity oif cities could substantially increase the production of waste that can be source of pollution. The site specific ESIAs will determine the source, type, quantity, and risks associated with the waste likely to be generated by the project and, if such waste cannot be avoided, the ESIA will propose appropriate Dec 18, 2019 Page 6 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) measures to minimize, reduce and, where not possible, mitigate, the risks associated with the waste. The management of wastes needs to be consider during all phases of the project, including design, construction, operation, closure, and decommissioning. In addition, it is expected that the specific ESIAs will explore technically and financially feasible measures to improve efficient consumption of energy, water and building materials. The project might likely use raw material for construction activities. The material will be sourced following measures described in the Good International Industry Practices (GIIPs) and the project will emphasize the reuse and recycling of construction material. ESS4 Community Health and Safety Project activities related to waste management are expected to contribute to improving community health. However, construction activities can cause the influx of some workers, which can lead to adverse social impacts (gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, communicable diseases) on local communities. The Labor Management Procedures requested in ESS2 will include measures to ensure that the health and safety of workers are given adequate attention. In addition, for each construction site, the specific environmental and social assessment will recommend the necessary measures to restrict community access to the construction site during the entire work period. And where the project includes construction of new buildings and structures that will be accessed by members of the public, the Borrower will consider the incremental risks of the public’s potential exposure to operational accidents or natural hazards, including extreme weather events. Where technically and financially feasible, the Borrower will also apply the concept of universal access to the design and construction of such new buildings and structures. Public Disclosure ESS5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement The implementation of Component 1, which will support various construction activities of communal or inter- municipal infrastructures such as access road, drainage, urban road, regional markets, infrastructures for youth, management of solid and liquid waste could lead to land acquisition and involuntary resettlement. The component 4, Contingency Emergency Response could lead to some civil works and some possible involuntary resettlement. This component is a provision to cover natural event, a major disaster which could affect the livelihoods of people living in the project area. For that the government may request the World Bank to reallocate project funds to cover some costs of emergency response and recovery. As at this stage of the project, activities and locations are not yet known, a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) will be prepared, to help screen for potential land needs as soon as the locations and activities are defined, and guide the preparation of Resettlement Action Plan (s) if necessary. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources This ESS is expected to be of minimal relevance to this project. Initial due diligence carried out during site visits to project areas, indicate that none of the preliminary list of 7 towns are located in the vicinity of legally protected areas or areas of high biodiversity values. Major parts of project activities are likely to happen on existing footprints. Further impacts on biodiversity or modified habitats will be assessed during the preparation of the site-specific ESIAs. Dec 18, 2019 Page 7 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities There are no Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities in the project area of influence. ESS8 Cultural Heritage In Mauritania there are cultural heritage sites in all cities. The screening mechanism in the ESMF will include questions to exclude activities that may have adversely impact on any known tangible or intangible cultural heritage. In addition, due to potential impacts on Cultural heritage associated with excavation during civil works, the ESMF will include provisions of “Chance Finds” approach to ensure that these aspects will be taken into account in specific ESIA/ESMPs then reflected in the companies' contracts, in case any chance finds occur. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries This ESS is mot relevant. C. Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways No Public Disclosure OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas No III. WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DUE DILIGENCE A. Is a common approach being considered? No Financing Partners No partners at this preparation stage. B. Proposed Measures, Actions and Timing (Borrower’s commitments) Actions to be completed prior to Bank Board Approval: Actions to be completed prior to Appraisal and Bank Board Approval: - Preparation, consultation and disclosure of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) - ESMF and RPF will be prepared - Institutional Capacity Assessment (can be included in the ESMF) - Labor Management Procedures - Preparation of the Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) - ESCP will be prepared . Dec 18, 2019 Page 8 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) Possible issues to be addressed in the Borrower Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP): - Implementation of SEP - Implementation of the Labor - Implementation of the project wide GRM and the Labor GRM - Site Specific ESIAs under ESMF for public works, RAPs when required under RPF C. Timing Tentative target date for preparing the Appraisal Stage ESRS 20-Dec-2019 IV. CONTACT POINTS World Bank Contact: Abel Paul Basile Bove Title: Senior Governance Specialist Telephone No: 5220+33569 / Email: above@worldbank.org Contact: Alexandra Le Courtois Title: Urban Specialist Telephone No: 473-6034 Email: alecourtois@worldbank.org Public Disclosure Contact: Farouk Mollah Banna Title: Senior Urban Sanitation Specialist Telephone No: 5353+3331 / Email: fbanna@worldbank.org Borrower/Client/Recipient Borrower: Islamic Republic of Mauritania Implementing Agency(ies) Implementing Agency: Ministry of Economy and Industry V. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects VI. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Abel Paul Basile Bove, Alexandra Le Courtois, Farouk Mollah Banna Dec 18, 2019 Page 9 of 10 The World Bank Productive & Resilient Intermediate Cities (P169332) Practice Manager (ENR/Social) Maria Sarraf Recommended on 16-Dec-2019 at 21:45:47 EST Safeguards Advisor ESSA Hanneke Van Tilburg (SAESSA) Cleared on 18-Dec-2019 at 12:27:29 EST Public Disclosure Dec 18, 2019 Page 10 of 10