Republic of Malawi Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP) January 2020 Table of Contents List of Acronyms/Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS ................................................................ 6 2.1 Description of Stakeholders Roles and Responsibility ............................................................ 6 2.2 Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Individuals/Groups and Gender Mainstreaming ............ 15 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN...................................................................................... 15 3.1 Feedback Mechanism ............................................................................................................... 18 3.2 Proposed strategy for information disclosure ........................................................................ 18 3.3 Strategy for consultations......................................................................................................... 23 4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................... 32 4.1 Management functions and responsibilities ........................................................................... 32 4.2 Resources Requirements .......................................................................................................... 32 5.0 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ........................................................................................ 35 5.2 GRM Stages ............................................................................................................................... 36 5.3 Processes and Institutional Arrangements ............................................................................. 37 5.4 Gender Based Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (GBV and SEA).................... 39 6.0 MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN................................................................................... 41 ANNEX 1: Community Grievance Log & Resolution Form ................................................................ 42 ANNEX 2: Workers’ Grievance Log & Resolution Form .................................................................... 45 ANNEX 3: District Grievance Log & Resolution Form ........................................................................ 48 ANNEX 4: District Grievance Redress Mechanism Register ............................................................... 51 ANNEX 5: PMSU Grievance Log & Resolution Form.......................................................................... 52 ANNEX 6: List of Stakeholders Consulted during Preparation of the SEP and issues raised .......... 55 ANNEX 7: Views of stakeholders Consulted .......................................................................................... 66 ii List of Acronyms/Abbreviations ADC Area Developement Committee CGRMC Community Grievance Redress Managment Committee CMCs Catchment Management Committees CRWB Central Region Water Board CSA Climate Smart Agriculture DEC Disttrict Executive Committee ESCP Environmental and Social Commitment Plan ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation GoM Government of Malawi GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism GRMC Grevance Redress Managment Committee LWB Lilongwe Water Board MDA Ministries, Deaprtments and Agents MEPA Malawi Environmental Protection Agency MoAIWD Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development MoFEPD Ministry of Finance Economic Planning and Development MoGCDSW Ministry of Gender Childern Disability and Social Welfare MoLGRD Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development MoNREM Ministry of Natural Resources Energy and Mining NFLRS National Forest and Landscape Restoration Strategy NWRA National Water Resources Authority PAP Project Affected Person PES Payment for Ecosystem Service PMSU Project Management Support Unit PMSUGRMC Project Management Support Unit Grievence Redress Management Committee PSC Project Steering Committee PTC Project Technical Committee RP Resettlement Plan SRBMP -1 Shire River Basin Management Project -I TT Technical Team Member VDC Village Development Committee VNRMC Village Natural Resources Managment Committee WGRMC Workers Grievance Redress Mechanis iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Malawi’s water resources are under threat from severe land degradation and loss of forest cover. Critical watersheds are becoming degraded leading to reduced water availability, deteriorating water quality, increased vulnerability to droughts and floods, reduced energy security and reduced agricultural productivity. The underlying drivers of land degradation in Malawi are well known. These include a growing demand for agricultural land due to increased population pressure and reduced agricultural productivity; insecure land tenure which reduces incentives to invest in soil and water conservation measures; and limited access to markets and rural finance. Efforts to address land degradation are hampered by a multitude of factors. The major challenge is the weak institutional capacity for natural resource management at both national and local levels and inadequate funding for these activities in local government budgets. With insufficient resources, weak capacity and incentives, local governments are generally unable to play an effective role in addressing land degradation at the local level. To reverse landscape degradation and protect watersheds, Malawi needs to invest at scale in the protection of renewable natural resources and their restoration where appropriate and cost-effective, using a broad suite of interventions. These will include sustainable forest management and restoration interventions, development of water management infrastructure, scaling-up of climate smart agriculture and resilient livelihoods. At the same time, Government of Malawi (GoM) needs to invest in strengthening institutions and improving the monitoring, management and use of hydro-meteorological information. 1.2 Project Description The project development objective (PDO) of the proposed project is to increase adoption of sustainable landscape management practices and improve watershed services in targeted watersheds. The proposed project will support GoM’s National Forest and Landscape Restoration Strategy (NFLRS). The overall objective of the NFLRS is to restore degraded landscapes for improved water and energy security, agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The project will contribute to achieving this objective by investing in restoration activities in selected priority watersheds, while at the same strengthening institutions and information for resilience and sustainability. The project will use, where appropriate, community� led landscape approaches—that is, an integrated approach to sustainably manage natural resources for multiple purposes and functions. The project scope consists of three components which contribute to the PDO. Below is a brief description of the activities under each component and expected results. Component 1 – Scaling up Landscape Restoration (US$53 million) This component aims to scale up landscape restoration interventions in the middle and upper Shire River Basin while enhancing the livelihoods of small-holder farming communities, addressing climate change vulnerabilities and improving and/or preserving the carbon sequestration capacity of the watershed. Specifically, the component will finance (i) performance-based grants for restoration of approximately 95,000 ha of degraded landscapes in the middle and upper Shire; (ii) matching grants for 200 farmer groups and 60 agri-enterprises to enhance agricultural-based livelihoods and boost household incomes; (iii) advisory services and capacity building on sustainable landscape management practices, including climate-smart agriculture practices and silvicultural techniques, targeting approximately 15,000 people and comprising of farmers, agri- entrepreneurs, private tree growers and associations of smallholder tree growers, catchment management committees (CMCs), village natural resource management committees (VNRMCs) and district extension workers; (iv) a social marketing campaign to influence farmer behavior with respect to adoption of sustainable landscape management practices; (v) support to undertake local- level participatory land-use planning, land demarcation, adjudication and registration of 20,000 ha of land in the target area to provide security of tenure for approximately 16,000 small-holder farmers. Component 2 – Improving Watershed Services (US$82 million) This component aims to maximize the benefits people and communities obtain from managing watersheds sustainably, as a basis for developing institutional and financing mechanisms needed to sustain restoration activities beyond the project period. The project will invest in improving watershed services, focusing primarily on provisioning services and regulating services, and to some extent cultural, recreation and amenity services, given that Malawi’s most iconic national parks and wildlife reserves are in the Shire River basin. More specifically, the component will finance (i) performance-based grants to selected watershed management institutions to implement their institutional development plans aimed at improving watershed services; (ii) technical assistance and the initial capital required to establish a pilot market-based mechanism for the provision and maintenance of selected watershed services; and (iii) a package of enabling infrastructure and climate information services to maximize the livelihood benefits from improved watersheds, and to enhance the resilience of both the farming community and the watershed. Enabling infrastructure investments will include (a) development of 38 multipurpose water source infrastructure (i.e. 10 small dams, 20 rainwater harvesting structures, and 8 high yielding boreholes, etc) and associated conveyance infrastructure to increase access to water for multi-purpose use for approximately 42,000 people, while at the same time protecting people from the destructive impacts of water (floods); and (b) last-mile infrastructure to support small-holder producer groups to improve productivity, add value to their produce and gain access to markets, including construction of 10 small-medium scale irrigation systems to provide irrigation services on approximately 2,400 ha of cropland and benefiting approximately 5,000 farmers; construction of rural feeder roads, bridges, and market centers to improve access to markets; and installation of renewable energy systems (solar) and clean water for value addition, where required. To improve climate information services, the component will finance competitive grants to private sector innovators to develop and market a suite of hydrological, weather and climate products and services to enable climate- informed decision-making by different watershed users (including smallholder farmers and agri- enterprises, energy and water utilities, dam operators, insurance companies, etc) using data from the existing and/or improved ground-based observation network managed by both the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) and National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), and supplemented as necessary with other sources (e.g. satellite-based data). At least one of the products/services developed will be an agro-weather service, capable of serving at least 8,000 farmers with agro-weather information services. 2 Component 3 –Technical and Project Management Support (US$25 million) This component aims to strengthen MoAIWD’s capacity to implement the proposed project in partnership with other line ministries, departments, and agencies, and to monitor and evaluate its development impact. The component will finance (i) technical assistance for the preparation of future phases of the project, including delineation of priority (hotspot) catchments in Linthipe, Bua and Dwangwa river basins; forming CMCs, preparing catchment managemet plans and micro- catchment plans; and carrying out feasibility studies and engineering designs for enabling infrastructure investments identified in the catchmemt management plans; (ii) technical assistance and capacity building on biophysical and ecological monitoring to track changes in the targeted watersheds as a result of project interventions; (iii) impact evaluations to build the evidence-base to inform future landscape restoration projects; (iv) project management support to the multi- sectoral technical team on project management, financial management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental and social standards implementation; and (iii) incremental operating costs associated with day-to-day management of the project and for coordination with different sectoral agencies/departments at national, district and local levels. 1.3 Objectives This Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) seeks to contribute to a coordinated and continued engagement of all relevant players (including affected persons and interested parties) throughout the project cycle. The purpose of the stakeholder engagement plan is to present a strategy for engaging stakeholders of the project to ensure that they understand the project and can provide their feedback and input into the project. This SEP describes the nature of the anticipated stakeholders as well as their information requirements, timing and methods of their engagement throughout the lifecycle of the project. Specifically therefore, this stakeholder engagement plan aims to;  Identify and outline effective strategies of collaboration among stakeholders of the project  Promote widespread acceptability and participation of the project interventions among the target beneficiaries  Identify potential barriers that will negatively affect the accelerated implementation of the project and address them collectively 1.4 Stakeholder Consultation in the Preparation of MWASIP During the project preparation phase, consultation with stakeholders at community, district and national level were undertaken. At National and district level, strategic government ministries, departments, non-state actors, Non-Governmental organizations were engaged to draw out lessons learned in the previous project and other similar projects. At local level, communities around proposed project areas and local leaders were consulted. These stakeholders provided inputs into the project design/preparation and implementation. Among other issues raised during the consultation process include the following:  Sourcing of labour force from surrounding communities;  Funding modalities especially district-based activities;  Prevention of child labour; 3  Occupational safety and health issues;  Minimizing potential and unintended negative consequences of the project activities;  Availability of adequate resources for the project; and  Processes of compensation to individuals whose livelihood has been affected by the project activities. The objective of each level of consultation has been highlighted in the Table 1 below with summary of the issues. Annexes 6 and 7 provide list of stakeholders consulted and details of the issues raised during consultations, respectively. Table1: Issues from MWASIP Preparation Consultation Engagement Objective Targeted Key issues raised Time Activity Stakeholders National Collect views on Representatives of Funding to District October stakeholder the design and Government Councils should be done 2019 consultations implementation MDAS, through a separate account arrangement of the Development and disbursement of project, Partners, and funding to District environmental and NGOs Councils should be social risks, performance based as this mitigation will bring seriousness in measures, the implementation of grievance redress project activities; mechanisms and Stakeholder During the engagement plan implementation of SRBMP-1, it was difficult to implement ESMPs due to inadequate resources 4 Engagement Objective Targeted Key issues raised Time Activity Stakeholders District level Collect views on Members of the Funding to District October Stakeholder the design of the District Executive Councils should be done 2019 consultations project, Committees and its through a separate account environmental and Subcommittees social risks, Recommendation that mitigation District Councils should measures, have a project coordinator grievance redress (employed under mechanisms and MWASIP) who will be Stakeholder coordinating all project engagement plan activities at District level other than use of ISP Workers under the project should have compensation (if injured at work), Personal Protective Equipment, first Aid kit Community level Collect views Community Workers under the project October, Stakeholder lessons learned in members, and should have the 2019 consultations the previous or extension workers opportunity to be related project, compensated (if injured at challenges, social work); use Personal risks and their Protective Equipment, mitigation availability of first Aid kit measures Compensation should be provided to people that will lose land and livelihoods due to construction works under the project 5 2.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS 2.1 Description of Stakeholders Roles and Responsibility Integrated water resources and catchment management is the main approach that will be followed in the implementation of MWASIP. Therefore, the design and delivery of each of project’s components will involve several supporting partners led and coordinated by the government of Malawi through relevant ministries, departments and agencies. MWASIP will build on the SRBMP I but also existing decentralized implementation structures and arrangements. At national level, the Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development (MoAIWD) will be the lead Government Institution working in close cooperation with Ministry of Natural Resources Energy and Mining, Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development, Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and Department of Disaster and Risk Management Affairs. At district council level, the stakeholders including District Executive Committees and other structures remain instrumental to support implementation and feedback. At community level, community structures such as the Catchment Management Committee and the Village Level Natural Resources Management Committee including beneficiaries are important groups that will directly be active participants in the project and the success of the project is underpinned by mostly the outcomes generated by the action of the beneficiaries. Table 2 provides list of MWASIP stakeholders at National, District and Community level according to project components and subcomponents. Table 3 provides a description of each of the key national, district and community level stakeholders including their roles and interests. 6 Table 2: List of MWASIP stakeholders at National, District and Community level according to project components and subcomponents Project Components Stakeholders at National, District and Community Level Sub Components Sub component Description National level District level Community level 1. Scaling up Landscape Restoration 1.1 Performance-based Will provide performance-based grants MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted grants for landscape to Catchment Management Committees MoNREM. MoLGRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, CMCs, restoration (CMCs), Village National Resource MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS, NGOs/CSOs VNRMCs, VDCs, Management Committees (VNRMCs), MoLHUD ADC, traditional Community groups and private sector to leaders, small to scale up landscape restoration in the medium forest upper and middle Shire. enterprises, Wood Producer Associations 1.2–Matching grants for MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted enhancing agricultural- Will finance matching grants for farmer MoNREM. MoLGRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries Farmer based livelihoods groups and Agri-enterprises to improve MoGCDSW, DCCMS, NGOs/CSOs, Groups, VDCs, ADC, agricultural productivity and MoLHUD Agri-enterprises (i.e. commercialization and to boost aggregators, household incomes processors etc) Traditional Leaders, 1.3– Advisory, Capacity Provision of advisory, capacity building MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted Building and Social and social marketing services to close MoNREM. MoLGRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, Farmer Marketing Services existing SLM knowledge and skills MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS NGOs/CSOs Groups, Agri- gaps in the farming community and enterprises, CMCs, extension services to support transition VNRMCs, VDCs, from subsistence farming to farming as ADC, WUAs, Traditional Leaders 7 Project Components Stakeholders at National, District and Community Level Sub Components Sub component Description National level District level Community level a business (including formation of farmer groups, CMCs and VRMCs) 1.4 – Support to Land Provision of support to land registration MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted Registration processes in target catchment areas, MoNREM. MoLGRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries including demarcation titling, MoGCDSW, NGOs/CSOs including women, adjudication and registration of land, MoLHUD Child headed households, Farmer Groups, WUAs, CMCs, VDCs, ADC, Traditional Leaders 2. Improving Watershed Services 2.1–Performance-based Provision of Performance-based Grants MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted grants selected watershed to selected watershed management MoNREM, MoLGRD, DNPW, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, VDCs, management institutions institutions to implement their MoGCDSW, NWRA, DoF, , NGOs/CSOs ADC, CMCs, institutional development plans aimed MoLHUD VNRMCs, at improving watershed services. Traditional Leaders 2.2 - Piloting Market- Provision of technical assistance and MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted Based Mechanism for the initial capital to support piloting of MoNREM, MoLGRD, DNPW, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, Farmer Provision of Selected market-based mechanism for the MoGCDSW, NWRA, DoF, , NGOs/CSOs, BWB, Groups,VDCs, ADC, provision and maintenance of selected Watershed Services MoLHUD, LUANAR, SRWB CMCs, VNRMCs, watershed services, including: (i) technical assistance for design and EGENCO, Traditional Leaders monitoring of a Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) scheme for sediment reduction; and (ii) payments to eligible beneficiary farmers upon achievement of sediment reduction targets agreed in the PWS contracts. 8 Project Components Stakeholders at National, District and Community Level Sub Components Sub component Description National level District level Community level 2.3 - Enabling Provision of enabling infrastructure and MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted Infrastructure and Climate climate information services, including: MoNREM, MoLRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, farmer Information Services (i) investments in enabling MoGCDSW, NWRA, NGOs/CSOs Groups, Project infrastructure; and (ii) provision of DCCMS,DoDMA, MEPA Affected Persons, competitive grants to the private sector to develop hydrological, weather and MoLHUD VDCs, ADC, WUAs, climate products and service traditional leaders 3. Technical and Project Management Support 3.1 – Technical assistance Will support preparation of future MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted for preparation of future phases of the project MoNREM. MoLRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, VDCs, phases of the project MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS, NGOs/CSOs ADC, traditional DoDMA, MEPA leaders MoLHUD, LWB, CRWB 3.2 - Biophysical and Will provide technical assistance and MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted ecological monitoring capacity building on biophysical and MoNREM. MoLRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, services for Malawi’s ecological monitoring of Malawi’s MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS, NGOs/CSOs NVRMCs, CMCs, watersheds landscapes, as well as impact evaluation DoDMA, MEPA VDCs, ADC, of landscape management practices MoLHUD traditional leaders promoted by the project 3.3 – Project management Provision of Project management MoFEPD, MoAIWD, District Council Targeted support support to the multi-sectoral technical MoNREM. MoLRD, Members, DEC, beneficiaries, CMCs, team on project management, financial MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS, NGOs/CSOs VNRMCs,VDCs, management, procurement, monitoring MoLHUD ADC, traditional and evaluation, and environmental and leaders social standards implementation; a 9 Table 3: Description of stakeholders and their roles, interests and needs Description of Stakeholder Expected Role Information needs and interests A Community Level 1 Targeted Beneficiary households Contribute to the design of the project in order to Information on the selection process, These are farmers and their household members maximize the benefits from the project design, clear description of the project’s which the project will identify to benefit from interventions. They are also the main expectations and implementation the interventions implementers of the project interventions modalities and the impact/project area 2 Project Affected Persons/Households Support project activities’ implementation and Information on project, impacts and its These are persons and households that may be create a conducive environment despite the activities including implementation adversely affected by the project’s interventions possible undesirable consequences brought by the modalities project 3 Members of Project target communities Support the development and implementation of Information on the selection process, These are members of the communities from the project. They will also support in providing design, clear description of the project’s which beneficiaries of the project will be feedback on the impact of the project expectations and implementation identified modalities and the impact/project area 4 Community leaders Support implementation of programs and assist in Their expected roles in the project, project These may be traditional, religious or political community mobilization and participation activities and the expected results/outputs leaders who have influence in the communities where the project will be implemented 5 Development Committee members Mainstream and Support the development and Project implementation work plans and These are members of CMCs and VNRMCs that implementation of the project. They also act as progress reports will be established as provided for in the structures to provide feedback on the progress of legislation. This will also include members of the project. CMCs and VNRMCs will also be the the Area Development Committees (ADCs) main GRMCs at community level. which are operational at traditional Authority (TA) level and Village Development Committees (VDCs) 6 Community Extension Workers Facilitate delivery of project interventions to Project implementation work plans and These are staff of government departments and communities and the first interface on GRM after progress reports agencies who work directly with communities the community level. and act as a link with district officials involved in the project. These include community development Assistants (CDAs), Health 10 Description of Stakeholder Expected Role Information needs and interests Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), Agricultural Extension Development Officers (AEDOs), Forestry Assistants (FAs), Water Monitoring Assistants, Park Rangers, and volunteers. B. District Level 1 District Council and subcommittees It’s a decision-making body on all development Project concept, implementation work This is a political arm of government at district matters taking place in the districts. They are plans and progress reports level and is constituted by elected Councillors expected to support the implementation of project and Members of Parliament from the district. It activities and provide feedback to PMSU. They also includes Traditional Authorities who do not will also form another level of the GRM. have voting rights. The Council is chaired by Chairperson elected by the Councillors. The District Commissioner serves as secretary to the council. 2 The District Executive Committee and Sub- Provide technical guidance on all development Project concept, implementation work committees matters taking place in the district. They are plans and progress reports This is the technical arm of the government at expected to provide both oversight and direct district level and comprises of heads of support in the implementation of the activities. government departments, Representatives of NGOs and service providers working in the district, and representatives of interest groups. It is chaired by the District Commissioner. The committee has several thematic sub-committees focusing on areas such as agriculture, health, environmental and natural resources, monitoring and evaluation, education, training and capacity building and social support. C. National Level 1. Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Management of project resources and overall Financial information from the project Development (MoFEPD) oversight of the project and project implementation progress reports 2 Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Provide technical guidance on gender equality and Project implementation plans and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) sexual exploitation prevention, Gender based monitoring reports violence and any other relevant social challenges. 11 Description of Stakeholder Expected Role Information needs and interests 3 Ministry of Local Government and Rural Provide guidance on local governance issues Project concept, implementation progress Development (MoLGRD) affecting the project and demonstrate reports and challenges requiring action This ministry oversees decentralized institutions Government’s support towards the project and functions that are part of the local government set up at district and community level. 4 Ministry of Natural Resources Energy and Apart from providing the technical support on Project concept, implementation progress Mining (MoNREM) implementation project activities (forest reports and challenges requiring action Hosts the Environmental Affairs Department management activities), the Ministry will support (including ESF) which has a regulatory mandate on Management planning, implementation and monitoring of ESF of environmental and social issues associated instruments of the project with Projects. It also hosts the Department of Forest and Department of Climate Change and meteorological services 5 Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Provide policy and technical guidance on Project concept, implementation progress Water Development (MoAIWD) agricultural related livelihood activities but also reports and challenges requiring action Ministry responsible for promotion and water resources management and catchment management of agricultural, water and management interventions. sanitation related activities 6 Ministry of Labour Skills and Innovation Provide policy guidance on employment/labour Implementation progress reports and issues (including labour related GRM issues) and challenges requiring action requirements 7 Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism - Implementation of project activities and monitor Project concept, implementation progress Department of Tourism project progress reports and challenges requiring action It hosts the Department of National Parks and Wildlife one of the key institutions to implement project activities 8 Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Provide technical and policy direction on land Project concept, implementation progress Development administration issues, Implementation of some reports and challenges requiring action project activities and monitoring of project progress 9 Ministry of Transport and Public Works Provide technical support on designs, and quality Project concept, implementation progress assurance of market infrastructures and feeder reports and challenges requiring action roads. 12 Description of Stakeholder Expected Role Information needs and interests 10 National Water Resources Authority Providing regulatory oversight on water resources Project concept, implementation progress This is an independent regulator for the water management and catchment management. Also reports and challenges requiring action resources management and development and serve in the project steering committee catchment management. 11 Malawi Environmental Protection Agency, Implementation of project activities (MEPA) C2 Development Partners 1 2 Millennium Challenge Account, MCA Technical support and sharing lessons learned Programme Implementation updates 3 Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO Technical support and sharing lessons and best Programme Implementation updates practices C3 Private Sector and Non-state Actors EGENCO Among the main beneficiaries of the catchment Programme Implementation updates management interventions. Provide technical support in the management of the Kamuzu Barrage Unit Blantyre Water Board Among the main beneficiaries of the catchment Programme Implementation updates management interventions. Southern Region Water Board Among the main beneficiaries of the catchment Programme Implementation updates management interventions Illovo Among the main beneficiaries of the catchment Programme Implementation updates management interventions LWB Implementation of project activities Project concept, implementation progress reports and challenges requiring action CRWB Implementation of project activities Project concept, implementation progress reports and challenges requiring action C4 Non-Governmental Organisations Emmanuel International sharing lessons of similar interventions. There Project concept, implementation progress also exist a possibility of being included in the reports and challenges requiring action CMCs but also being engaged by the CMCs for implementation of project interventions. CADECOM sharing lessons of similar interventions. There Project concept, implementation progress also exist a possibility of being included in the reports and challenges requiring action CMCs but also being engaged by the CMCs for implementation of project interventions. 13 Description of Stakeholder Expected Role Information needs and interests Women’s Forum – NENO sharing lessons of similar interventions. There Project concept, implementation progress also exist a possibility of being included in the reports and challenges requiring action CMCs but also being engaged by the CMCs for implementation of project interventions. Care Malawi sharing lessons of similar interventions. There Project concept, implementation progress also exist a possibility of being included in the reports and challenges requiring action CMCs but also being engaged by the CMCs for implementation of project interventions. Shire BEST sharing lessons of similar interventions. There Project concept, implementation progress also exist a possibility of being included in the reports and challenges requiring action CMCs but also being engaged by the CMCs for implementation of project interventions. 14 2.2 Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Individuals/Groups and Gender Mainstreaming While the project envisages to transform different communities and create a lasting impact in the shire basin, the probability of certain groups of people feeling discontent is possible. These people could be beneficiaries or non-beneficiaries of the project. Other groups are susceptible to exclusion from, and/or are unable to fully participate in the mainstream consultation processes and as such may require specific measures and assistance to ensure adequate inclusion in project activities. Women and children, elderly, disabled and chronically ill are oftentimes the most vulnerable because of their limited access to information due to physical, social, cultural and structural barriers within the communities. These categories of people will be given particular attention through targeted methods that will enable information sharing and understanding of the nature of project activities and the anticipated positive and potential negative impacts of the project as well as their expectations. Specific meetings and focus groups as well as individual household visits with these groups of people with specific and tailored messages will be used in consideration of their existing challenges. Another envisaged challenge is low literacy levels in some of the targeted communities that will make it difficult for beneficiaries to read and understand written information related to the project. This challenge is even more exacerbated if the documents are in English. These groups of people will be engaged through interpersonal communication approaches such as meetings, demonstrations, focus group discussions, theatre, use of images and illustrations. The non-beneficiary members of the target communities will also be engaged to ensure that they understand the project targeting processes and capacity and resource limits so that they don’t feel neglected. This situation may likely be experienced in the disbursement of the community level matching grants. In many communities, women and girls, despite bearing a huge burden of care and responsibilities, their participation especially where grants and compensations are being made, is very minimal. Therefore, to ensure equal participation of men and women at every level of project implementation, deliberate efforts will be made according to the 2013 Gender Equality Act with an aim of improving the quality of life of women and girls. Women participation in committees will also be encouraged and where any incidences of harassment and abuse, the responsible committees will ensure such cases are prevented and if they occur, they are successfully concluded. 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN The MWASIP, due to its design will include stakeholder engagement during all phases of the project cycle to ensure that every stakeholder is aware of the project’s planned activities, scope and expected results. Table 4 outlines the stakeholder engagement plan outlining the timing and methods of engagement. The purpose of the engagement plan for this project is to: i. Consult stakeholders on the proposed project design, anticipated environmental and social risks and impacts, mitigation measures, and environmental and social risk management instruments ii. Provide regular information on the implementation progress and feedback to stakeholders and any other emerging issues throughout the project cycle. 15 Table 4: Stakeholder Engagement Plan No. Project Phase Engagement Objective Targeted Time Frame Activity Stakeholders 1 Project National Collect views Representatives of September to Preparation stakeholder on the design of Government MDAS, October 2019 Phase consultation the project, Development meetings; environmental Partners, and NGOs communication and social risks, materials restoring degraded land, livelihood measures, mitigation measures, grievance redress mechanisms, Stakeholder engagement plan, PF, ESIA, ESMPs and RPs District level Collect views Members of the September to Stakeholder on the design of District Executive October 2019 consultations; the project, Committees and its communication environmental Subcommittees materials and social risks, mitigation measures, grievance redress mechanisms and Stakeholder engagement plan, PF,ESMF and RPF Community Collect views Community September to level lessons learned members and October, 2019 Stakeholder in the previous extension workers consultation or related meetings; radio project, messages challenges, environment and social risks and their mitigation measures, ESMF, PF, and RPF 2 Project Provide National and District July to inception feedback on stakeholders September 2020 16 No. Project Phase Engagement Objective Targeted Time Frame Activity Stakeholders Project meetings with approved Implementation National and project design Phase District and orient Stakeholders; district level IEC materials stakeholders on their roles in restoring degraded land, livelihood measures and the preparation of ESF instruments such as the ESIAs, ESMPs, PF and RPs. Community Mobilize and Members of target August 2020 to mobilization prepare target beneficiary to December meetings; FGD; communities for communities, 2022 radio messages; project Project affected IEC materials implementation persons/households, and formation ADCs, VDCs, of subproject traditional, religious implementation and political leaders, structures, determination of PAPs, identification of vulnerable groups, and preparation of ESF instruments such as the ESIAs, ESMPs, PF, RPs and the GRM. Project Provide and National, district, Ongoing implementation obtain updated and community level throughout monitoring and information that stakeholders project supervision can support on including implementation meetings; IEC project beneficiary materials performance communities, Project affected persons/households Project review Provide and get Selected National, Continuous meetings with periodic District and throughout selected feedback on Community level project 17 No. Project Phase Engagement Objective Targeted Time Frame Activity Stakeholders stakeholders project stakeholders implementation from National, implementation including (on quarterly District and progress and beneficiary basis but also as Community any emerging communities, and when need level (including issues Project affected be) PTC and PSC); persons/households FGD; IEC materials 3 Project Close Project close Increase the Beneficiary December 2025 Out Phase out meetings stakeholders’ communities and understanding groups, national and on the project district stakeholders exit strategy 3.1 Feedback Mechanism The feedback from consultations made at different levels during the project cycle will inform project design process, improve implementation efficiency and ensure that the project has an effective exit strategy. The project will ensure that the consultation platforms provided for are well facilitated and provide enough time and resources for stakeholders to give feedback. For community meetings, feedback will be collated through designated rapporteurs and the GRM structures will be designed to receive complaints as well as feedback. The Project Management Unit will be the main institution responsible for receiving feedback and ensure that issues raised are addressed. 3.2 Proposed strategy for information disclosure While all the project information is public, appropriate information to various targeted groups will be provided including the availability of the grievance redress mechanism. Such information will also be dependent on the project cycle including nature of the project design, the anticipated environmental and social risks and impacts, the proposed mitigation measures, the stakeholder engagement plan, and how stakeholder views were incorporated in the project design and management of environmental and social risks. The project will use a combination of methods to disclose information pertaining to the project in manner that is commensurate with the nature of the identified stakeholders and environmental and social sensitivity of the project. For community level stakeholders, information will mostly be disclosed through public meetings, information briefs, posters, illustration, radio programmes and interactive events organized within the communities. Deliberate efforts will be made to ensure that vulnerable groups of people such as women and children, the elderly and disabled are adequately represented and heard in such meetings. At National and District level, disclosure of information will be done through meetings with the representatives and members of relevant MDAs, committees and sub-committees. Printed and electronic copies of relevant project documents will be made available to stakeholders through appropriate designated places within reach of stakeholders. 18 Communication to stakeholders on information disclosure will be conveyed through appropriate means depending on targeted stakeholders. Mostly, the project will use written forms of communication in form of letters and electronic mails, community radio stations where available, and interactive meetings. Table 5 summarizes the key methods that will be used for disclosure of project information at different stages of the project. 19 Table 5: Methods for disclosure of project information List of information Project stage Target stakeholders Methods proposed Timeline Responsibilities to be disclosed Project Preparation National- MoFEPD, Inception April - June PMU and TT members Project Design MoAIWD, workshops/meeting, 2020 Summary or Project MoNREM. Community Meetings, Appraisal Report MoLGRD, Events, and gatherings MoGCDSW, NWRA, Stakeholder DCCMS, MoLHUD Engagement Plan Districts-DEC, DESC Environmental and Community-VDC, Social Commitment CMC, VNRMC, Plan, VDC, Traditional Resettlement Policy Leaders, Women, Framework Girls and Vulnerable Labour Management Groups Procedures Environmental and Social Management Framework 20 List of information Project stage Target stakeholders Methods proposed Timeline Responsibilities to be disclosed Project Project Progress implementation Reports Stakeholder Engagement Plan Environmental and Social Commitment Plan Resettlement Policy Framework National- MoFEPD, Labour Management MoAIWD, Procedures MoNREM. PTC, PSC and district Environmental and MoLGRD, review meetings; Social Management MoGCDSW, NWRA, supervision missions; and continuous (but Plan DCCMS, MoLHUD Reports, Community on quarterly PMU and TT members RAP Districts-DEC, DESC Meetings, Events, and basis GRM Community-VDC, gatherings, websites, CMC, VNRMC, newspapers Manual for VDC, Traditional administration of Leaders, Women, performance-based Girls and Vulnerable grants for landscape Groups restoration Grant manual for agri-based livelihood grants and plantation forestry grants National- MoFEPD, MoAIWD, Ground water Stakeholders and MoNREM. exploratory study for Community Meetings, 2021 PMU and TT members MoLGRD, Ntcheu Events, and gatherings MoGCDSW, NWRA, DCCMS, MoLHUD 21 List of information Project stage Target stakeholders Methods proposed Timeline Responsibilities to be disclosed Designs and Districts-DEC, DESC Stakeholders and Feasibility Study Community Meetings, 2021 PMU and TT members Report Events, and gatherings National- MoFEPD, MoAIWD, MoNREM. MoLGRD, MoGCDSW, NWRA, PTC, PSC and district Project Completion DCCMS, MoLHUD review meetings; and Project Closure and evaluation Districts-DEC, DESC Reports, Community December 2025 PMU and TT members Report Community-VDC, Meetings, Events, and CMC, VNRMC, gatherings VDC, Traditional Leaders, Women, Girls and Vulnerable Groups 22 3.3 Strategy for consultations The project employed a combination of methods to consult and engagement with stakeholders including interviews, focus group discussions, open meetings, field visits, use of ICT materials, radio messages and workshops as a means of carrying out consultations. Use of local languages in community meetings was necessary to ensure that participants fully understand what is being communicated and allow for full participation in terms of voicing views and providing feedback. Groups with specific information needs based on disability, gender, age, mobility or morbidity were accommodated through specific focus groups ensure equity in information sharing and exchange. It is envisaged that consultations will continue to be conducted in the target districts and locations to enable participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people. Table 6 summarizes the key consultations that were done during project preparation and those that are planned to be undertaken. 23 Table 6: Summary of key consultations done during project preparation and those planned Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Project Preparation Project design Workshops Sept-Oct- collect views, and inputs National and Malawi 19 on the proposed project District level Government design and stakeholders Project Preparation Team Focus Group Sept-Oct- collect views, and inputs Community level discussions 19 on the proposed project stakeholders Malawi design from the specifically the Government disadvantaged groups disadvantaged Project Preparation groups Team Community collect views, and inputs community level meetings with Sept-Oct- on the proposed project stakeholders target 19 design orientation of Malawi stakeholders stakeholders’ roles and Government responsibility Project Preparation Team Stakeholder Workshops Sept-Oct- collect views and inputs on National and Malawi Engagement 19 the stakeholder District level Government Plan engagements plan during stakeholders Project Preparation different stages of the Team project including the grievance redress mechanism 24 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Focus Group correct views and inputs on Community level Malawi Sept-Oct- discussions the stakeholder stakeholders Government 19 engagements plan during specifically the Project Preparation different stages of the disadvantaged Team project including the groups grievance redress mechanism Community Sept-Oct- correct views and inputs on community level Malawi meetings with 19 the stakeholder stakeholders Government target engagements plan during Project Preparation stakeholders different stages of the Team and project including the grievance redress mechanism Environmental Collect views and inputs National and Malawi Workshops Oct-19 and Social on the efficient ways of District level Government Commitment abating the potential stakeholders Project Preparation Plan, negative externalities of Team the project Focus Group Oct-19 Collect views and inputs Community level Malawi discussions on the efficient ways of stakeholders Government abating the potential specifically the Project Preparation negative externalities of disadvantaged Team the project (specifically for groups the disadvantaged groups) 25 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders community Oct-19 Collect views and inputs community level Malawi meetings with on the efficient ways of stakeholders Government target abating the potential Project Preparation stakeholders negative externalities of Team the project Resettlement Workshops Oct-19 Collect views and inputs National and Malawi Policy on the resettlement plan for District level Government Framework the people who will be stakeholders Project Preparation affected by the project Team Focus Group Collect views and inputs Community level Malawi Oct-19 discussions on the resettlement plan for stakeholders Government the people who will be specifically the Project Preparation affected by the project disadvantaged Team groups community Oct-19 collect views and inputs on community level Malawi meetings with the resettlement plan for stakeholders Government target the people who will be Project Preparation stakeholders affected by the project Team Labour Collect views and inputs National and Malawi Workshops Oct-19 Management on issues to do with safety District level Government Procedures and health, fair treatment stakeholders Project Preparation of workers, forced and Team child labour, promotion of gender equality and protection of women from gender-based violence at project sites and communities surrounding 26 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Focus Group Collect views and inputs Community level Malawi Oct-19 discussions on issues to do with safety stakeholders Government and health, fair treatment specifically the Project Preparation of workers, forced and disadvantaged Team child labour, promotion of groups gender equality and protection of women from gender-based violence at project sites and communities surrounding community Oct-19 Collect views and inputs community level Malawi meetings with on issues to do with safety stakeholders Government target and health, fair treatment Project Preparation stakeholders of workers, forced and Team child labour, promotion of gender equality and protection of women from gender-based violence at project sites and communities surrounding Environmental Workshops Oct-19 Collect views and inputs National and Malawi and Social on the potential District level Government Management environmental and social stakeholders Project Preparation Framework negative externalities of Team the project including abatement measures Focus Group Oct-19 Collect views and inputs Community level Malawi discussions on the potential stakeholders Government environmental and social specifically the Project Preparation negative externalities of disadvantaged Team the project including groups abatement measures (from disadvantaged groups) 27 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Community Oct-19 Collect views and inputs Community level Malawi meetings with on the potential stakeholders Government target environmental and social Project Preparation stakeholders negative externalities of Team the project including abatement measures Project Project Workshops Continuous Review Project's National and National Project Implementation implementation on implementation progress, District level coordination team Progress Quarterly challenges and provide stakeholders Review (and when technical and policy meetings the need direction on project issues arises) Missions continuous Review Project's All National District councils on implementation progress, District and with and National quarterly challenges and provide community level Project (and when technical and policy stakeholders and coordination team the need direction on project issues the Bank arises) All National Field visits District and District councils continuous understanding and community level with and National on validating implementation stakeholders and Project quarterly progress and challenges the Bank, PAPs, coordination team (and when face by the project beneficiaries and the need traditional leaders arises) All National Community continuous understanding and District councils District and Meetings on validating implementation with and National community level quarterly progress and challenges Project stakeholders and (and when face by the project coordination team the Bank, PAPs, the need beneficiaries and arises) traditional leaders 28 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Ground water Workshops 2020-2021 All National District councils Raise awareness of the exploratory District and with and National study and brief the study for community level Project stakeholders on the study Ntcheu stakeholders and coordination team findings the Bank Community level Focus group 2020-2021 Brief and raise awareness stakeholders District councils discussions of the study to buy in specifically the with and National community approval but disadvantaged Project also the stakeholders on the groups, PAPs, coordination team study findings beneficiaries and traditional leaders Community 2020-2021 Brief and raise awareness community level District councils meetings of the study to buy in stakeholders, PAPs, with and National community approval but beneficiaries and Project also the stakeholders on the traditional leaders coordination team study findings Designs and Workshops 2020-2021 Assess acceptability of the All National District councils Feasibility project by the stakeholders District and with and National Study Report and potential negative community level Project externalities of the project stakeholders coordination team 29 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Community level Focus group acceptability of the project District councils stakeholders discussions 2020-2021 by the stakeholders and with and National specifically the potential negative Project disadvantaged externalities of the project coordination team groups, PAPs, beneficiaries and traditional leaders community acceptability of the project community level District councils 2020-2021 meetings by the stakeholders and stakeholders, PAPs, with and National potential negative beneficiaries and Project externalities of the project traditional leaders coordination team Review Continuous All National District councils Implementation Following up Meetings on District and with and National Status of ESF implementation progress of Quarterly community level Project instruments the ESF instruments stakeholders, PAPs, coordination team (ESIAs/ESMPs beneficiaries and and RPs) traditional leaders Project phase out Project phase Workshops Dec-25 Collect views and inputs All National District councils out meeting on the project exist strategy District and with and National and sustainability plans community level Project stakeholders and coordination team the Bank Community level Collect views and inputs District councils Focus group Dec-25 stakeholders on the project exist strategy with and National discussions specifically the and sustainability plans Project disadvantaged coordination team groups, PAPs, beneficiaries and traditional leaders 30 Topic of Target Project stage Method used Timeline Aim of Consultations Responsibilities consultation stakeholders Community Collect views and inputs community level District councils meetings Dec-25 on the project exist strategy stakeholders, PAPs, with and National and sustainability plans beneficiaries and Project traditional leaders coordination team 31 4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 4.1 Management functions and responsibilities The Stakeholder Engagement activities will form part of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). The implementation arrangement for the project is piggy backed on the decentralized government structures at District and Community level. As such, stakeholder engagement activities at community level will mostly be done by extension workers who will be supported by the district project coordinating teams comprising of representatives of relevant departments at district council level. At national level, the Implementation of the SEP will be coordinated by the Project Management Unit (PMU) in collaboration with Technical Team Members. The project preparation team is comprised of qualified and experienced people drawn from various relevant ministries that have a stake in the MWASIP. These include the ministries of Finance, Economic Planning and Development (MFEPD); Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining. The Project Management Unit will have a qualified and dedicated Environmental and Social Specialist who will facilitate the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Overall management responsibility for implementing the SEP will rest with the Secretary for Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development. The contact details for the Secretary for Irrigation and Water Development are as follows: Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Department of Irrigation and Water development P/Bag 390, Lilongwe 3, MALAWI Phone: (+265) 1 770 344/ 221 4.2 Resources Requirements The project has allocated an indicative amount of funds amounting to US$145 thousand to facilitate stakeholder engagement activities including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress mechanism for the entire project period of five years. Table 7 provides estimated budget for key stake holder engagement activities. 32 Table 7: Estimated Budget Requirement Engagement Targeted Cost estimates Project Phase Objective Activity Stakeholders (US$) Project National Collect views on the Representatives of Preparation stakeholder design of the project, Government 15,000 Phase consultations environmental and MDAS, social risks, mitigation Development measures, grievance Partners, and redress mechanism, NGOs Stakeholder engagement plan, ESMF and RPF and disclosure of ESF instruments District level Collect views on the Members of the Stakeholder design of the project, District Executive 12,000 consultations environmental and Committees and its social risks, mitigation Subcommittees measures, grievance redress mechanism and Stakeholder engagement plan, ESMF and RPF, disclosure of ESF instruments Community Collect views lessons Community level learned in the previous members, and 8,000 Stakeholder or related project, extension workers consultations challenges, social risks and their mitigation measures, GRM, ESMF and RPF, disclosure of ESF instruments Project Project Provide feedback on National and Implementatio inception approved project design District 30,000 n Phase meetings with and orient district level stakeholders National and stakeholders on their CGRMC/WGRMC District roles, and the DGRMC, Stakeholders availability of GRM, PMSUGRMC ESF instruments such as the ESIAs, ESMPs and RPs. 33 Engagement Targeted Cost estimates Project Phase Objective Activity Stakeholders (US$) Community Mobilize and prepare Members of target mobilization target communities for communities, 55,000 project implementation ADCs, VDCs, and formation of traditional, project implementation religious and structures, and the political leaders, availability of GRM CGRMC/WGRMC such as the ESIA, DGRMC, ESMPs, RPs and PMSUGRMC GRMs. Project Provide and obtain National, district, implementatio updated information and community 20,000 n monitoring that can support on level stakeholders and project performance CGRMC/WGRMC supervision DGRMC, missions PMSUGRMC Project review Provide and get Selected National, meetings with periodic feedback on District and 25,000 selected project implementation Community level stakeholders progress and any stakeholders from National, emerging issues CGRMC/WGRMC District and DGRMC, Community PMSUGRMC level (including PTC and PSC) Project Close Project close Increase the Beneficiary Out Phase out meetings stakeholders’ communities and 25,000 understanding on the groups, national project exit strategy and district stakeholders Total 190,000 34 5.0 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is required to ensure that Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have the ability and opportunity to lodge complaints or concerns, without cost, and with the assurance of a timely and satisfactory resolution of the issue. The GRM process should also ensure that the redress is effectively rendered to Project Affected Persons (PAPs). All PAPs will be informed of the grievance redress mechanism, and the procedures at the time of the preparation of investments’ specific Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs). In order to resolve all grievances effectively, the MWASIP will establish Grievance Redress and Management Committees at National, District and Community levels. Overall the GRM will handle all types of grievances arising from implementation of all the programs under the MWASIP including work-related grievances. All committees will be trained in management of GBV cases and all referral pathways which will be developed in line with the requirements of Good Practice Note addressing Gender Based Violence to ensure cases are successfully concluded. The implementation of MWASIP may generate several complaints and grievances. Some examples of possible complaints from communities may include: i. Unfair compensation; ii. Objections to use of someone’s land; iii. Encroachment on private land; iv. Delayed compensations; v. Quality of infrastructure constructed; vi. Gender based violence; vii. Sexual exploitation and abuse; viii. Theft of property during construction and public works etc. Grievances from workers under the project may include: i. Unfair dismissal from work; ii. Suspected corruption cases; iii. low wages; iv. delayed wages; v. overtime; vi. Child labour; vii. Gender based violence; viii. Sexual exploitation and abuse; Negotiation and agreement by consensus between the project implementing teams and affected persons will provide as the first step to resolve grievances. Nevertheless, Project Management Support Unit (PMSU) from MWASIP Secretariat will ensure that Grievance Management Committees are established at Community level, District and National Levels. These committees will ensure the capturing and resolution of all issues within the prescribed timeframes. PMU shall ensure that communities and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are sensitized to make use of the existing GRM committees. Furthermore, there will be workers 35 GRM Committee to manage grievances that may arise from workers from construction works among, other works. The grievance redress mechanism will be communicated to the communities, contractors and employees including all relevant stakeholders so that they are aware of its objective and how the system will be functioning. 5.2 GRM Stages The grievance procedure for MWASIP will have five major stages. These stages include: (i) the complaint or grievance uptake (ii) Assessment, analysis and response (iii) Resolution and closure (iv) Registry and monitoring (v) GRM Evaluation. Stage 1: Complaint Uptake: All the PAPs in the respective communities will present their complaints or grievances to the Community Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee (CGRMC). A designated person, who is the representative of the people directly impacted by the project will be responsible for overall overseeing that all complaints have been managed. He or she will be the Chairperson of the committee. The documentation and paperwork including referral will be managed by the secretary of the committee who is the Extension worker and neither has voting powers nor contribute to the discussions of the CGRMC. The CGRMC will record all received complaints or grievances in a Grievance Community Log and Resolution Form as attached in Annex 1. The case shall only be referred to DGRMC when it has not been resolved at the CGRMC. There could be cases where PAPs may refuse to lodge cases at the CGRMC due to proximity or misunderstanding. In such circumstances, both CGRMC and DGRMC would agree on how to go about it, but preference will be given to CGRMC as first stage of hearing the complaints. Employed workers will present their complaints or grievances to the Workers Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee (WGRMC). The WGRMC will record all received complaints or grievances in a workers’ Log and Resolution form as attached in Annex 2. The case shall only be referred to DGRMC when it has not been resolved at WGMRC. One committee member from the workers will undertake the responsibility to ensure the cases are followed up and feedback is provided. Stage 2: Assessment, Analysis and Response: When a complaint is received, a maximum of 5 days has been provided for the CGRMC/WGRMC to resolve the complaint or respond to the PAP. This is so to make sure that grievances/complaints are resolved as early as possible. Once complaints are received, the CGRMC or WGRMC shall assess whether the complaint or grievance is related to MWASIP activity implementation or not. In a situation where the complaints are not related to the project, PAPs shall be advised to channel their complaints to the right institutions. For MWASIP complaints or grievances, CGRMC and WGRMC shall hear such cases and make necessary follow ups to gather evidence and make necessary determination. The outcome of the analysis shall be communicated to the PAP. Stage 3: Resolution and Closure: 36 Where a resolution has been arrived at and the PAP accepts the resolution, the PAP shall be required to sign the resolution and closure section in either the Community Grievance Log and Resolution Form or Workers Grievance Log and Resolution Form. Two members of the CGRMC or WGRMC (Chairperson and Secretary) shall also be required to counter sign if it involves either the community or workers respectively. This shall signify that the complaint or grievance which was presented, has been fully discussed resolved and closed. Stage 4: GRM Registry: A register shall be kept at all GRM committees at all levels to ensure proper record of all complaints and their resolutions. For any case heard, closed or referred at the CGRMC, a copy of logs and resolution forms for every case shall be submitted to the two upper levels for records, i.e. the DGRMC and the PMSUGRMC. Similarly, if a case is handled at DGRMC, a copy shall be sent to PMSUGRMC and another to CGRMC or WGRMC (if it involves in a workers) to notify them how the referred case was handled. This shall enable the District to keep a register (Annex 4), of all cases recoded and handled by any GRM committee in their District. Using this information, councils will be able to generate a matrix of cases and agreed resolutions and be able to follow up if the resolutions are being implemented. Stage 5: GRM Evaluation: The GRM evaluation can be undertaken alongside any other evaluation exercises for the project. This will be possible using copies of registers that Councils and MWASIP Secretariat will be keeping. This may assist to trace whether the GRM system was efficient and effective to respond to peoples’ complaints and whether the GRM principles were met during the project implementation. The grievance redress mechanism shall contribute a lot to the efficient running of the project as it shall assist to investigate complaints and bring up a much clear version of the complaint at an earliest time possible, provide a fair and speedy means of dealing with complaints, prevent minor disagreements from developing into more serious disputes, thereby, providing a simple, speedy and cost-effective mechanism of re-installing satisfaction to the ones that were affected. 5.3 Processes and Institutional Arrangements The Grievance redress system shall be established at three levels, Community Grievance Redress Management Committee (CGRMC) at community level and Workers Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee at Construction site level, District Grievances Redress Mechanism (DGRMC) at District level. If the DGRMC is already existing for other existing projects, MWASIP will use that committee but if it’s not there then one is going to be established. Lastly, the Project Management Support Unit Grievances Redress Mechanism Committee (PMSUGRMC) at project facilitation level will be established. Membership (reflecting appropriate gender representation) will be as follows. All GRM committees will have a mandatory not less than 40% female composition as per Malawi gender policy. Community Grievance Redress Management Committee (CGRMC) i. Representative of the people directly impacted by the project ii. Extension Worker of the area- Secretary for the Committee and has no powers to contribute to discussions or vote iii. Faith Based Representative iv. An elected lady community member 37 v. Youth Representative vi. Catchment Management Committee representative vii. Village Development Committee Chairperson Workers Grievance Redress Management Committee (WGRMC) i. Two worker representatives ii. Client representative iii. Consultant representative iv. Contractor representative v. Please note “GRM details are provided in the Labor Management Procedures� District Grievances Redress Management Committee (DGRMC) i. The District Lands Officer ii. The District Community Development Officer iii. Environmental District Officer iv. District Labour Officer v. Land Resources Conservation Officer vi. Consultants Public Liaison Personnel who shall be the Secretary for the Committee and has no powers to contribute to discussions or vote Project Management Support Unit Grievances Redress Management Committee (PMSUGRMC) i. Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development representative ii. Environmental Affairs department representative iii. Project Coordinator iv. Land Resources Department representative v. Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation representative vi. Project’s Environmental and Social Specialist – as Secretary PMSU in collaboration with District Council shall establish and orient the CGRMC and WGRC for every sub-project. The contractor, workers and the communities shall be sensitized of the existence of CGRMC and WGRMC at this level. The committees at this level shall record, vet and hear cases as submitted to them by PAPs at community and construction site levels. If the PAP will be satisfied with the resolution, the case will be closed. If cases at the CGRMC and WGRMC are not closed, the grievances shall be referred to the DGRMC. The PAP shall be communicated that his/her issue was referred to the upper committee for hearing. The DGRMC shall receive and record the cases as referred to them by either CGRMC and WGRMC. This committee shall hear the case from the PAP and review the decision made by either CGRMC or WGRMC. If the PAP will be satisfied with the decision, the case will be closed. If the case was not closed at DGRMC, the case will be referred to the PMSUGRMC. The DGRMC shall record the Grievance in the District Grievance Log & Resolution Form (Annex 3). The PMSUGRMC shall invite the affected person to hear the case and also review the decisions made earlier by the two lower committees. The PMSUGRMC shall record the grievances in PMSU Grievance Log &Resolution Form provided in Annex 5. Where need be, the PMSU shall liaise with Project Steering Committee (PSC) so that a resolution should be made for the case at hand. If the PAP shall accept the resolution made, the case shall therefore be closed at this level. 38 Where the case was not closed at PMSUGRMC level, the PAP shall be advised to seek justice from the Court of Law and the decision made by the Court of Law shall be final. Some cases such as rape and theft which need evidence in the court may go through referral pathway including the police to avoid destruction of evidence required legally. The project personnel, where required to provide additional information or evidence as witnesses in a court of law, they will be encouraged to do so. Figure 1 provides a summary of the processes and Institutional arrangement for MWASIP Grievance Redress Mechanism. 5.4 Gender Based Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (GBV and SEA) Implementation of the project will generally have positive impacts on communities. However, where benefits are introduced within communities and households, relations can shift and raise the potential for Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). Such incidences may arise especially in situations whereby household representatives that receive project benefits are forced to surrender the cash to spouses, where benefits may be used to lure adolescents into unsafe sexual practices, or cases of forced sexual relationships in return for favors. The project will use community sessions to create awareness and to mitigate the possible effects of GBV and SEA. In all cases, the incidents will be reported and dealt with through the project GRM. However, since GBV cases are substantively different from other complaints that are typically handled through the grievance redress mechanisms such cases will need a specific channel within the GRM for their management whereby all information must be treated as confidential, the GRM operator will be trained on the approach towards survivors, survivors will be assisted with a referral pathway to access support from the victim support unit and a safe and ethical GBV service provider will be engaged. While a face to face approach is expected to be the primarily channel to present grievances to all the committees, the project will also establish a specific telephone number to receive calls, Short Message Service (SMS), including WhatsApp messages. In addition, a special email address will be created as an additional channel of receiving grievances and feedback information. Any information or grievance received through the above two channels will be directed to an appropriate committee for action. 39 Step 5 - Civil Courts PAP has right to sue if all MWASIP levels failed to resolve the Steering issue Committee Step 4- Day 4 and 5 MWASIP PMUGRMC reviews decisions PC by lower committees & rehears PAP Agrees & Apprised the case No further of Reports Action d Referral PMUGRMC Step 3-Day 3 Apprised of DGRM Reviews decision by lower PAP Agrees & outcome committee & rehears the case No further Action d Referre PMUGRM Step 2-Day 2 PAP Agrees & C& CGRMC /WGRMC hears & No further DCGRMC addresses cases Action Apprised of Outcome Step 1-day 1 Irrelevant cases CGRMC/WGRMC are Filtered PAPs Lodge Grievances & &Referred to Recording is done their Respective Committees Police/Court Step 0 If criminal PAPs with Complaints/Grievances Figure 1: Processes and Institutional arrangements for MWASIP Grievance Redress Mechanism 40 6.0 MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN The monitoring process will be done both by the district officers and central level officers. At district level the District Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (DMEC), headed by the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, will be in-charge of monitoring implementation of the plan. They will be supported by the District Social Support Committee (DSSC), various project secretariat, the district extension workers and community social support committees. District level monitoring and evaluation unit will be linked to main Project Monitoring and Evaluation unit at the Project Implementation Unit. The Unit Project Implementation lead by the Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be the overall office responsible for monitoring of the plan. This will work together with the officers responsible ESF implementation within the PMSU. 41 ANNEX 1: Community Grievance Log & Resolution Form SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION Form Number ………………….. District Name: ………………………………. TA……………………………………….……GVH……………….…………..………… Name of Project Location/ Name of Community/ Village: Reporting Dates: Catchment Area: Name of Complainant Complainant Sub Household Identification: Phone Number, Component: email: SECTION B: DETAILS OF THE GRIEVANCE Ref Date of Summary description of Follow-up/Investigation Resolution Made No. Grievance Grievance/Complaint Date Person Assigned G1 G2 G3 Name of Reporting Officer: …………………………………………………………………. 42 SECTION C: SUBMISSION OF GRIEVANCE If case is closed, GRM Committee members & complainant to sign below GRM Committee Chair_____________________________________ Name & Signature of Project Affected Person /Beneficiary___________________________ GRM Committee Secretary__________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________ SECTION D: REFERRAL OF CASES Referred to DGRMC Ref No. Date of Referral Follow up / Investigation Summary of action undertaken Date Person Assigned G1 G2 G3 43 RECEIPT: SUBMISSION OF GRM Form number ……….. Complaint: Household ID: TA: Districts: Program: Name of Complainant: Reporting officer: Case: - Closed { } - Referred { } Signature of complainant: 44 ANNEX 2: Workers’ Grievance Log & Resolution Form SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION Form Number ………………….. District Name: ………………………………. TA……………………………………….……GVH……………….…………..………… Name of Project Location/ Name of Community/ Village: Reporting Dates: Catchment Area: Name of Complainant Complainant Sub Household Identification: Phone Number, Component: email: SECTION B: DETAILS OF THE GRIEVANCE Ref Date of Summary description of Follow-up/Investigation Resolution Made No. Grievance Grievance/Complaint Date Person Assigned G1 G2 G3 Name of Reporting Officer: …………………………………………………………………. 45 SECTION C: SUBMISSION OF GRIEVANCE If case is closed, GRM Committee members & complainant to sign below WGRM Committee Chair_____________________________________ Name & Signature of Project Affected Person /Beneficiary___________________________ WGRM Committee Secretary__________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________ SECTION D: REFERRAL OF CASES Referred to DGRMC Ref No. Date of Referral Follow up / Investigation Summary of action undertaken Date Person Assigned G1 G2 G3 46 RECEIPT: SUBMISSION OF GRM Form number ……….. Complaint: Household ID: TA: Districts: Program: Name of Complainant: Reporting officer: Case: - Closed { } - Referred { } Signature of complainant: 47 ANNEX 3: District Grievance Log & Resolution Form SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION Form Number ………………….. District Name: ………………………………. TA……………………………………….……GVH……………….…………..………… Name of Project Location/ Name of Community/ Village: Reporting Dates: Catchment Area: Name of Complainant Complainant Sub Household Identification: Phone Number, component: email: SECTION B: DETAILS OF THE GRIEVANCE Ref Date of Summary Description of Follow-up/Investigation Resolution Made No. receipts of Grievance/Complaint Date Person Assigned Grievance G1 G2 G3 Name of Reporting Officer: …………………………………………………………………. 48 SECTION C: SUBMISSION OF GRIEVANCE If case is closed, GRM Committee members & complainant to sign below GRM Committee Chair_____________________________________ Name & Signature of Project Affected Person /Beneficiary___________________________ GRM Committee Secretary__________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________ SECTION D: REFERRAL OF CASES Referred to PMUGRMC Ref No. Date of Referral Follow up / Investigation Summary of actions Undertaken Date Person Assigned G1 G2 G3 49 RECEIPT: SUBMISSION OF GRM Form number ……….. Complaint: Household ID: TA: Districts: Program: Name of Complainant: Reporting officer: Case: - Closed { } - Referred { } Signature of complainant: 50 ANNEX 4: District Grievance Redress Mechanism Register DISTRICT GRIEVANCE REGISTER GRM…………………/………… District Reference No. Name of the District: ……………………………………………………… Ref Recording Name of the Household TA Type of Resolution Program Status (Open, # Date Household Identification Grievance/Complaint: Made: Closed) G1 G2 G3 G4 .. .. … .. .. .. .. .. Gx Include an annex on Summary of issues raised from Stakeholder Consultations done and List of Names of People Consulted 51 ANNEX 5: PMSU Grievance Log & Resolution Form SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION Form Number ………………….. District Name: ………………………………. TA……………………………………….……GVH……………….…………..………… Name of Project Location/ Name of Community/ Village: Reporting Dates: Catchment Area: Name of Complainant Complainant sub Household Identification: Phone Number, component Email: SECTION B: DETAILS OF THE GRIEVANCE Ref Date of Summary description of Follow-up/Investigation Resolution Made No. receipt of Grievance/Complaint Date Person Assigned Grievance 52 G1 G2 G3 Name of Reporting Officer: …………………………………………………………………. SECTION C: SUBMISSION OF GRIEVANCE If case is closed, GRM Committee members & complainant to sign below GRM Committee Chair_____________________________________ Name & Signature of Project Affected Person /Beneficiary___________________________ GRM Committee Secretary__________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________ RECEIPT: SUBMISSION OF GRM Form number ……….. Complaint: 53 Household ID: TA: Districts: Program: Name of Complainant: Reporting officer: Case: - Closed { } - Referred { } Signature of complainant: 54 ANNEX 6: List of Stakeholders Consulted during Preparation of the SEP and issues raised MWASIP STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTANTATION MEETING IN LILONGWE AND BLANTYRE (30 September -4th October, 2019) NAME Institution Phone E-MAIL ADDRESS Number Prince Mleta MOAIWD 0888855119 princemleta@gmail.com Getrude MOAIWD-DCRC 0888321562 gkambauwa@gmail.com Kambauwa Sydney Water 0993389048 slkamtukule@gmail.com Kamtukule Resources Francis Nkoka World Bank 0999484483 fnkoka@woldbank.org Odete World Bank 0998967312 omuximpua@worldbank.org Muximpua Alice Department of 0888531210 alicechimangeni@yahoo.com Chimangeni Surveys Linda MOAIWD 0888381611 lindachiumia@gmail.com Chimombo Josses Mugabi World Bank +12022946360 jmugabi@worldbank.org James Daire MOAIWD 0994672697 Jamesdaire@ymail.com Kumwenda Monty Kampira MOAIWD 0881932352 kampirammonty@gmail.com Obed Soko MOAIWD obedryanzoe@gmail.com Wezi Mleremba MOAIWD Rodrick MOAIWD Kunkwezu Peter MOAIWD Kadewere Lusungu Sinda MOAIWD-DOI Joseph MOAIWD-LRCD jokanyangalazi@gmail.com Kanyangalazi Ross Hughet World Bank +12025989748 rhughes@worldbank.org Meeta Sehgal World Bank +12022946360 msehgal@worldbank.org Grant Milue World Bank gmilue@worldbank.org Toney Nyasulu MOAIWD- 0993837950 thnyasulu@gmail.com NWRA Davis Kalima MOAIWD- 0997950365 daviskalima@yahoo.co.uk NWRA Mary NWRA 0999246996 Mchilimampunga40@gmail.com Chilimampunga Maggie DCCM nyaunthali2011@gmail.com Munthali Titus Zulu DCCM tituszulu2@gmail.com Rodrick Walusa DCCM walusa.rodrick@gmail.com 55 Stanley DCCM stanley.chabvunguma@gmail.com Chavunguma Charles Vanya DCCM charles.vanya@yahoo.com Amos Ntonya DCCM amosmtonya@gmail.com Patrick Mtingwi DCCM pmtingwi71@gmail.com James Pagona DCCM jpagona@gmail.com NAME Department/Institution Phone Number E-MAIL ADDRESS Osman Mdala MHG - DAO 0888516111 yaomdala@gmail.com Daniel MHG- DC 0991145040 ulemusamabukunsi@gmail.com Sambakunsi Patrick Neno – DC 0884754820 manyowapatrick@gmail.com Manyowa Rodrick Mbilizi BT- DAO 0888194830 rmbilizi@gmail.com Mayamiko Neno DAO 0888447990 mayamphatso@gmail.com Mphatso Sungani Neno- DAO 0881976622 chilenjesunga@mail.com Chilenje Davier Zuweta WB – Lilongwe 0992482586 Jzuleta1@worldbank.org Walter Chikuni Zomba District Council 0992626469 chikuniw@yahoo.com Mphatso Blantyre –DAO 0888383826 mmbalukwa@yahoo.co.uk Mbulukwa Kafuwa Patrick Agriculture – Neno 0881072093 Msiyambiri2004@ymail.com Msiyambiri Francis Nkoka World Bank 0999484483 fnkoka@worldbank.org Odete World Bank 0998967312 omuenfuma@worldbank.org Muxunfuma Komana World Bank 0998966855 klubinda@wolrdbank.org Rejoice Lubinda Mercy World Bank 0999202753 mchimpokosera@worldbank.org Chimpokosera Mseu Linda Msiska BT- DAO 0881193491 lindamsiska@gmail.com Abubaka Ntcheu D. Council 0999313084 abunkhomag@gmail.com Nkhoma Donnex Ntcheu D. Council 0993295382 donemtambo@yahoo.com Mtambo Godfrey CADECOMO Mangochi 0998263729 godfreychisunkha@gmail.com Chisunkha Gideon Zumani Emmanuel 0999039898 zumani@gmail.com International 56 Morson Machinga DC 0999381101 morsonmagombo@ymail.com Magombo Willy H. Machinga DC 0882616647 willykatimbah@yahoo.com Katimba Henry LICODO 0888982624 ljmahemba@gmail.com Machemba Obed Edom Irrigation & Water 0991755117 Obednyan30@gmai.com Soko Dept. Alex Mchenga COM Development 0881391623 Amchenga95@gmail.com Kumbukani MOAIWD 0888140045 Kumbu85@gmail.com Mndalira Goodwill MOAIWD 0999211661 g.mkatsonga@gmail.com Katsonga Linda Water & Irrigation 0888381611 lindachiumya@yahoo.com Chimombo Dept. Flora Mvuta Community Devt 0999369325 floramvuta@yahoo.com Slyvia Ambali Environment 0992445000 sylambali@gmail.com Morgan Public Works 0999412350 kapondamorgan@gmail.com Kaponda Isaac Ali Agriculture 0999320893 Isaac.ali9@gmail.com Cleopas Agriculture 0888720493 cleopaslameck@gmail.com Lameck Christine Agriculture 0999938625 chidaya@yahoo.com Madinga Maxwell BT- DC 0999942117 mbulanje@yahoo.co.uk Mbulanje Thokozire M. BT- DC 0882730502 buthokozire@yahoo.com Ngwira Agness BT-DC 0888856901 agnapwanga@gmail.com Napwanga Henry World Bank 0999890047 hchimbali@worldbank.org Chimbali Meeta Sehgal AGRI – World Bank +12022946360 msehgal@worldbank.org Andrew SRWB 0999027295 Andrew-kacheyo@srwb.mw Kacheyo Owen Mahlow Projects Engineer - 0999022051 owenmahlon@gmail.com BWB Z. Magombo PSO – NHBG 0888202900 zachmagombo@gmail.com Lucy Howa CD – NWF 0881007372 lucyhowa.nwf@gmail.com Elyna John D.C – CARE MW 0881432520 Elyna.john@care.org Aubrey Sidik Resilience Officer – FAO 0888386856 Aubrey.sidik@fao.org 57 Consultation meeting held with some members of the District Executive committee for Ntcheu on 30th October 2019 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 ANNEX 7: Views of stakeholders Consulted Comment How the comment has been addressed/Response 1 Funding to District Councils should be done through a This recommendation has been separate account rather than a Pool account as was the taken into consideration and it case during the implementation of SRBMP-1. The use of is proposed that during the pool account resulted in money for project activities being implementation of MWASIP a diverted to other activities and this resulted in problems separated account should be when it came to accounting for the money. In some cases used for ease of accountability the money was being funded late as a result the implementation of the project activities was negatively affected. 2 Disbursement of funding to District Councils should be This recommendation will be performance based as this will bring seriousness in the taken into consideration when implementation of project activities. In addition, this will implementing MWASIP. assist in monitoring areas that have problems when implementing the project and corrective measures will be employed immediately. 3 During the implementation of SRBMP-1 there was an ISP This recommendation will be for catchment management activities. This resulted into a taken into consideration when lot of financial resources being spent on oversight activities implementing MWASIP. rather than the actual implementation of catchment management activities. It is therefore proposed/recommended that District Councils should have a project coordinator (employed under MWASIP) who will be coordinating all project activities at District level as compared to use of ISP. This project coordinator should have clear terms of reference which are both clear and agreeable by District Councils to minimize conflicts when it comes to project implementation. 4 Workers employed under the project may be subjected to Under the MWASIP, these injuries or diseases caused by their working environment. issues have been highlighted in As such there is need to consider compensating such the Labour Management individuals when that happens. In addition, workers under Procedures (LMP) that has been the project need to be provided with Personal Protective prepared as one of the ESF Equipment (PPE). Documents. In addition, where a project activity will require an Environmental and Social Management Assessment (ESIA) or Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), issues of occupation safety and health, including use of PPE, will be adequately covered and 66 Comment How the comment has been addressed/Response PAPs will be compensated accordingly. 5 During implementation of SRBMP-1, some beneficiaries of The project will develop some Grants were using the money for Income Generating guidelines for the beneficiaries Activities some of which were contributing to of the Grants as recommended. deforestation of the catchments the project was meant to save such as charcoal selling. There is need, therefore, to develop some guidelines on activities that these grants may be used for. 6 During the implementation of SRBMP-1, it was difficult to All the ESMPs that will be implement ESMPs due to inadequate resources. What developed under the project plans are there to ensure that this does not happen under will have an indication of the the MWASIP? cost implication for their implementation. Such being the case the Project Management Support Unit for the MWASIP will ensure that these resources are made available for the implementation of ESMPs by implementing District Councils including Environmental Affairs Department , 7 There are a lot of irrigation projects that are being Under the MWASIP we have implemented in Malawi and people who lose their land developed Resettlement Policy due to implementation of irrigation activities are not Framework which will guide the compensated. What will happen to make sure that all the preparation of project specific project affected people are compensated. Resettlement Plans (RPs). The RPF and project specific RP will detail how PAPs will be compensated; Eligibility for Compensation; including Grievance Redress Mechanism. All the PAPs will be compensated before implementation of the project activities. 8 Utility companies such as Central Region Water Board and The dams that will be Lilongwe Water Board are regarded as commercial constructed will be entities. How will the District Councils and surrounding multipurpose as such communities be collaboratively be involved in the surrounding communities will management of the proposed dams considering that the use the dams for fishing and interests are different? Wouldn’t the formation of Water irrigation. Users Association be part of the solution? Water User Associations will be formed and trained to manage 67 Comment How the comment has been addressed/Response the small multipurpose water sources developed under the project. 9 The project should ensure that child labour at during The Labour Management implementation of project activities is avoided. Procedures (LMP) discourages the use of Child Labour when implementing project activities in accordance with Employment Act (2000) and other labour related pieces of legislation. 10 Need for first aid kit The project will provide first aid kits for each site activities 68