project network : central african backbone (cab) … · a.1 – optical fibre infrastructure...

PROJECT : CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE NETWORK (CAB)

COUNTRY : CONGO

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

Project

Team

Project Team: S. OMAR ELMI, Senior ICT Engineer, OITC.

V. LOSSOMBOT, Financial Management Expert, ORPF2

B. CISSE, Financial Analysist, OWAS1

R. HANNE DIALLO, Procurement Officer, ORPF1

P. NGWALA, Social Protection Specialist, ORTS1

M. L. KINANE, Principal Environmentalist, ONEC.3

S. BAIOD, Consultant Environmentalist, ONEC.3

Regional Director : Mrs. M. KANGA, Director, ORCE

Sector Director : Mr. A. OUMAROU, Director, OITC

Division Manager: Mr. N. WILLIAMS, Division Manager, OITC.3

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

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

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Project Name : CENTRAL AFRICAN BACKBONE NETWORK (CAB)

Country : CONGO

Project Number : P-CG-GB0-002

Department : OITC Division: OITC.3

1 INTRODUCTION

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

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE

2.1. Project Rationale

The project concerns the implementation of the Central Africa Backbone Network (CAB), recommended by the CEMAC Heads of State Summit, to provide member countries with a high-

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

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

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


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

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

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

2.2 Project Description

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

Table 1 Project Components

No.

Component Name

Description

A

ICT INFRASTRUCTURE (EUR 42.610 million)

A.1 – Optical fibre infrastructure construction works over 550 km; A.2 – Monitoring-evaluation of impacts and control and supervision of optical fibre works; A.3 – Establishment of a National Data Centre in Kintele.

B

ICT APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES

(EUR 8.158 million)

B.1 – Establishment of an Emergency Alert System (EAS) ; B.2 - Implementation of an e-Administration standard platform; B.3 – Implementation of an e-Post platform.

C

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

(EUR 6.285 million)

C.1 - Studies; C.2 – Technical assistance to the Posts and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) ; C.3 – Support for operationalization of the Congolese ICT Agency (ACTIC) ; C.4 – Support for the Congolese National Institute of the Blind (INAC) ; C.5 – Support for the Brazzaville Institute of Deaf Youths (IJSB) ; C.6 – Support for the Marien Ngouabi University (UMNG) ; C.7 – Support for women’s empowerment; C.8 – Support for the promotion of vocational training; C.9 – Support for development of the indigenous population.

2.3 Congo’s administrative framework

The DGE, a structure of the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment (MTE), is the country’s administrative supervisory authority for the environment. This department is responsible for planning and managing environmental resources.


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

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

2.4 Description of scope and assessment of sensitivity of host environments

2.4.1 Infrastructure Component

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

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

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

2.4.2 Industrialization Component

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

3. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES

3.1 Negative Impacts

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


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

Table 1 Matrix of Interactions

Components of the Environment

Biophysical Human

Air

Nat

ura

l res

ou

rces

Water Soils

Bio

top

es

Soci

o-e

con

om

ic

asp

ects

Livi

ng

envi

ron

men

t

Her

itag

e an

d

infr

astr

uct

ure

Surf

ace

wat

er

Gro

un

d

wat

er

Soil

Sub

soil

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Emis

sio

n o

f G

HG

s

Air

qu

alit

y

Soil

man

age

men

t

Mea

n a

nn

ual

flo

w o

f th

e

ho

st e

nvi

ron

men

t

Wat

er q

ual

ity

Aq

uif

er c

har

acte

rist

ics

Wat

er q

ual

ity

Sen

siti

vity

to

ero

sio

n

Soil

qu

alit

y an

d u

se

Stab

ility

Flo

ra

Wild

life

Co

nfl

icts

Loca

l eco

no

my

/ jo

bs

Hea

lth

/ S

afet

y

No

ise

Od

ou

rs

Lan

dsc

ape

qu

alit

y

Cu

ltu

ral a

nd

arc

heo

logi

cal

her

itag

e

Mat

eria

l go

od

s

Pu

blic

fac

iliti

es a

nd

infr

astr

uct

ure

PREPARATORY PHASE

Supply of equipment and site installations

mT mT mT

Recruitment and presence of labour MT mT mT

WORKS PHASE

Clearance of the right-of-way, trenches and chambers

mT

mT MT mT mT

Trenches / earth storage and construction of chambers

mT mT

mT mT mT MT mT mT mT

Duct laying and passage of fibre optic cables

MT mT mT

Trench backfilling mT mT mT

Circulation of project vehicles mT mT MT mT

Installation of equipment and solar panels

mT mD

Waste management mT mT mT mT mT

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Connection in the area MD MD MD

Solar energy supply MD mD MD MD

Implementation of ICT tools MD MD MD MD MD MD

Maintenance and monitoring MD MD MD

Key : Negative low

Negative high

Positive low

Positive high

m: minor

M: major

T : temporary

D : definiftive

3.1.1 Preparatory Phase

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

3.1.2 Works Phase

1. The biophysical environment

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


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crossing land wildlife and cattle, (iii) a risk of water pollution through the drainage network and its outlets.

2. Socio-cultural Environment

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

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

1. Socio-economic Environment

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

3.1.3 Operational Phase

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

3.2 Positive Impacts

During the works phase, the project’s beneficial impacts will be socio-economic, with job opportunities offered to the local rural youths: (i) direct jobs on the construction sites, and (ii) indirect jobs related to the development of some commercial activities around the workers’ camps (sale of agricultural and handicraft products, food sale).

During the operational phase, the beneficial impacts of the use of optical fibre on the physical environment will all be related to the works financed by the project: (i) the establishment of a maintenance system to sustain the optical fibre cable network: (ii) provision of sustainable electrification using solar panels and equipment at the women’s centres and community digital centres will help, no matter how small, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The project’s beneficial impacts on the biological environment will concern opening up of information and the early warning system, as well as agricultural services, which will enable forestry officers to widen their knowledge of the areas they manage in collaboration with the other sector services.

3.3. Mitigation and Improvement Measures

Before the works phase

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


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concern: (iv) a mechanism for preferential recruitment of local staff; (v) application of safety regulations (installation of check-points, road signs, etc.) for local residents and users; (vi) application of labour regulations and the wearing of personal protective gear (gloves, anti-dust masks, anti-noise helmets, etc.) by the site workers.

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

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

During the works phase

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

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

During the operational phase


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

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

3.4 Residual Impacts

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

3.5 Cumulative and Transboundary Impacts

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

4. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

4.1 Project-related environmental risks

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

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


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

4.2 Climate Change

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

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

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

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

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

5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

5.1 Organization of environmental and social surveillance and monitoring

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


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or technical assistance for project control and monitoring, which also includes an Environmentalist, (iv) DREs, which are the field structures of the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment (MTE), and the General Delegation for Major Works (DGGT).

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

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

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

Figure 1 Organization of the CAB Congo Project


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6 PROGRAMME COST

The ESMP total cost comprises ISC campaigns, the various plans under the contractor’s responsibility, provisions for repairs of property and other networks, as well as the fees of the Environmentalist of the Project Owner and that of the Principal Contractor. It amounts to nearly CFAF 260 million, or nearly EUR 396 500. The breakdown by worksite is presented in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Breakdown of ESMP Costs

Items

Sites and Highways Costs

Ouesso-Sembé-Souanké-Ntam

Ouesso -Pokola-Bomassa

Kintele National Data Centre

CFAF

ISC campaigns 50 000 000 26 000 000 0 76 000 000

Diversion/road sign plans 3 000 000 5 000 000 0 8 000 000

HSE plan 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000 15 000 000

Waste management plan 6 000 000 6 000 000 2 500 000 14 500 000

Provision for network repairs 0 10 000 000 2 500 000 12 500 000

Sub-total 64 000 000 52 000 000 10 000 000 126 000 000

PCU-CAB/Congo environmental focal point 22 000 000 22 000 000 22 000 000 66 000 000

Monitoring of the Principal Contractor’s E&M Unit

42 000 000 18 000 000 8 000 000 68 000 000

Total 128 000 000 92 000 000 40 000 000 260 000 000

MPT

PCU-CAB Congo / Assistance to Project

Owner/Environmental Officer

General Delegation for Major Works

Supervision / Environment Unit

DGE/MTE

Contractor/ Environmentalists

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

DRE/Brazzaville DRE /Ouesso

PROJECT Optical Fibre National Data Centre

GC + Optical Fibre

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

Equipment of Women’s Centres, Community Centres Installation of Solar Panels


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7. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

The ESMP was prepared using the participatory approach, which had been initiated from the validation of terms of reference by the groups concerned.

Indeed, it draws on basic documents, digitized topographic maps and field visits, as well as on discussions with representatives of various technical services of the Ministries concerned, NGOs, private operators, socio-professional groups, local residents of the road and even railway sections, local authorities, village chiefs and opinion leaders. Prior to each meeting, the project’s content was presented to the group consulted highlighting the economic, social, cultural and environmental challenges, as well as mitigation and improvement measures. Thus, the opinions and comments of the population and target groups have been incorporated in this summary.

Public consultations were organized on the Ouesso-Souanké-Ntam and Ouesso-Pokola-

Bomassa highways from 5 to 18 October 2013. Community meetings took place in each

village through which OF will pass, in the presence of village chiefs and notables, in most

cases. People expressed their main concerns and expectations, and showed support for the

project within a development perspective. The minutes of these meetings are available and

can be consulted at the PCU-CAB.

Each time, the population showed its support for the project within a development

perspective. The consultations helped to analyze the positions, interests and influence of the

various stakeholders and proposal of strategies for their involvement and participation in

project implementation. Their expectations and suggestions are summarized in Table 3

below. They have been taken into consideration in the project. Their questions and concerns

were discussed. A summary of the answers given is presented in Table 4 below.

Table 3 Expectations of the people consulted

Expectations/Suggestions

- Safety measures for children and cattle with respect to the trenches that will be dug; - Project support at social level, especially with integration and direct or indirect jobs for youths mainly.

- Preparation of a positive and negative impacts grid for better understanding by the population; - Installation of safety mechanisms around the trenches; - Project support at social level, especially with youth employment; - At the crossing of villages, optical fibre to be laid within 48 hours following trench digging to limit risks of

accident; - Securing the optical fibre at the level of bridges to prevent cases of cable theft or vandalism; - Recruitment of local labour.

- Information on compensation procedures; - Recruitment of local labour.

Table 4 Answers Given

Concerns of the Communities Answers Given

Risk of destruction of property, crops and graves

Even though the project is located in the road right-of-way and zero risk does not exist, if after the execution technical study, the optical fibre passage happens to be outside the road right-of-way and property has to be affected, there are legal provisions for compensation of people affected by projects declared of public utility.

Risks of accident with respect to the trenches

This is the most significant risk during the works. Emphasis will be laid on sensitization during the works; crossing mechanisms will also be created to minimize risks of falling. Migration corridors for cattle will be created.

The project’s long-term potential The project does not have any long-term impacts on the environment. The main


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negative impacts on the population, biodiversity and the environment

inconvenience will be observed during the works, especially as concerns the trenches.

Interconnection of villages

The installation of interconnection terminals has been planned along the optical fibre route. Their location has not yet been specified, but will take into account the communities and areas to be covered. These terminals are not directly accessible to the population, but will enable telecommunications operators to get connected so as to offer their services to the population.

Recruitment of local labour

Trenches will be dug with the participation of local labour, which will be recruited along the route and in agreement with contractors responsible for project implementation.

Social works accompanying the project

The latter in itself is a social project that will help to develop telecommunications media (telephone, Internet, television, etc.) through increased community centres, access to digital communication tools, facilitation of access to telephone networks, and opening up of villages in terms of telecommunications and promotion of distance learning and telemedicine.

Final optical fibre passage route This will be known after validation of the execution technical study to be conducted by the contractor.

Involvement of local women in the project

The presence of employees for the project’s duration will allow many women to carry out several activities, including catering. They could also, after the project, set up secretarial offices, Internet cafés, and telephone booths.

Specific project benefits The project in itself is already a means of opening up localities in terms of telecommunications, since it will help to develop telecommunications media (telephone, Internet, television, etc.) through increased community centres, access to digital communication tools, and facilitation of access to telephone networks.

What will become of the non-operational and abandoned Ntam post office

The Ntam community and multi-purpose tele-centre will be maintained, pending its effective operation

Which firm will recruit workers? Of what age bracket will they be?

The relevant age bracket is that of the majority in Congo, in order not to be liable to UNICEF penalty against child exploitation for gainful work. Thus, Congolese citizens having attained majority and with proven skills will be recruited, within the limits of available positions.

Is the optical fibre installed for the Government or for companies? Is optical fibre like electricity where everybody has his/her meter for use?

The fibre deployment project on the Ouesso-Ntam section seeks to interconnect Congo and Cameroon. The optical fibre does not operate like electricity. It is laid underground and only big operators use it to improve service quality for users registered in their customer files. This infrastructure’s operation by households is not yet effective in Congo.

Radioactive effects of optical fibre passage

The fibre is made up of glass or plastic, and transmits information through totally inert beams of light. It does not, in the current stage of knowledge, have any consequence as regards radioactivity and human health.

Impacts on watercourses during optical fibre laying

The fibre will be laid on the bridge.

During the identification, preparation and appraisal missions, all the stakeholders were consulted in terms of public authorities (MPT, MTE, MPFIFD, etc.) and the private sector (MTN Congo, Airtel Congo, Azur, etc.). Discussions with the latter helped, for example, to define the content of technical assistance to ARPCE provided for in the “Institutional Support and Capacity Building” component, to ensure minimal conditions for competition in the sector through reduction of high tax burdens, in particular.

During project implementation, all partners will be consulted regularly through local radio stations, the public media, and in village meetings. The ESMP summary is also published on the AfDB website.


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9. CONCLUSION

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

The project is deemed acceptable at the environmental and social level. It holds certificates issued by the DGE/MTE.

10. REFERENCES AND CONTACTS

ESIA Report: Construction of the Ketta-Djoum multinational road, Phase 2

ESIA Report CAB Congo

Contacts: For further information, please contact:

Mr. Kurt LONSWAY, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])

Mr. Samatar OMAR ELMI, OITC.3 ([email protected] )

Mr. Modeste KINANE, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])

Mr. Salim BAIOD, Environment and Climate Change Division, ([email protected])

mailto:[email protected]




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Annex 1: Environmental and Social Management Matrix

Prescribed Measures Activities Implementation

Actors Monitoring and

Supervision Actors

Ouesso- Ntam Ouesso-Bomassa Univ Kintele Included Costs

Avoid storing excavated soil near watercourses and marshy shallows;

Information and sensitization of staff;

Contractor

Project management /DRE/MTE

PM/included in the cost of works

Speed up optical fibre laying operations at the crossing of and near watercourses;

Waste management plan/Establishment of a storage, recovery and treatment system for various solid wastes generated by the project.

3 000 000 5 000 000 0

Prohibit all disposal of solid waste from the project in or near watercourses.

Waste management plan 3 000 000 3 000 000 500 000 PM /Waste management plan

Prohibit trench and chamber digging at or near gullies and earth and backfill embankments;

Take these measures into consideration in project design

Contractor Project management

PM / included in the cost of works

Reuse excavated soil for trench backfilling; Information and sensitization of staff

Reduce exposure time for excavated soil to minimize soil loss.

Reduce exposure to road risks Road signs/diversion plan Contractor Project management 3 000 000 5 000 000 PM/Diversion plan

Locate cattle migration corridors Identification and delineation of non-reported migration corridors

Contractor

Project management /Min. Agric and Livestock


Speed up optical fibre laying operations at crossing of cattle migration areas

Sensitization of staff Project management / Min. Agric and Livestock

Total trench backfilling after duct laying Trench digging and backfilling within 24h at crossing of cattle migration corridors

Principal Contractor

Prohibit chamber construction in cattle migration corridors

Securing of chambers after construction Principal Contractor

Seal off chamber entrances

Inform people on the exact route of the optical fibre, progress, as well as the terms of recruitment and payment of local workers

Organization of population information meetings and broadcast of press release in community radio stations and places of worship

Contractor

20 000 000 4 000 000

Speed up optical fibre laying operations at the crossing of residential areas

Establishment of a system for registering and managing people’s complaints and claims relating to the project

Principal Contractor PM / included in the cost of works

Avoid trench digging at entrances to schools and, where necessary, provide for temporary crossing mechanisms

Compliance with contractual payment clauses

Principal Contractor PM / included in the cost of works

Complete trench backfilling after duct laying Principal Contractor PM / included in the cost of works

Negotiate with communities or owners in case of property damage in and outside the road right-of-

Principal Contractor /PCU-CAB Congo

0 2 000 000


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Supervision Actors


way;

Lay additional ducts inside trenches for future needs Principal Contractor PM / included in the cost of works

Sensitize people on the risks and dangers of trenches and chamber pits

HSE plan 1 500 000 1 500 000 1 500 000

Project support for management of injuries at trenches during the works.

HSE plan 3 000 000 3 000 000 3 000 000 PM / included in the cost of works

Sensitize staff on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention; Education talk with staff

Contractors /PCU-CAB Congo

Project management/Min. Health and Population

20 000 000 12 000 000 0

Encourage employees to voluntarily screen for STI/HIV/AIDS

Condom distribution to staff

Organization of a voluntary screening campaign for staff

Assess property likely to be affected by the project after delineation of the exact route

Delineation of the optical fibre route

Contractor /PCU-CAB Congo

Property identification and assessment commission


Compensate for and repair the various property or networks concerned outside the road right-of-way, in accordance with the regulations in force

Identification and assessment of the value of property likely to be affected

MTE/DGGT

10 000 000

-

Inform the administration and competent authorities in case of damage to a non-reported grave or traces of archeological interest;

Compensation before property destruction

Min. Culture and Arts/ Min. Land Tenure and State Property

By-pass urban centres to minimize the risk of property destruction.

Fibre laying in the right-of-way of bypass roads

DGGT

Collaborate with DGGT for delineation of the optical fibre route;

Working sessions with the MINTP for delineation of the road right-of-way and validation of the fibre route;

PCU-CAB MTE/DGGT PM / included in the cost of works

Collaborate with operators and users of various networks located in the works right-of-way; and repair and rehabilitate the networks

Location of various networks in the optical fibre route right-of-way;

Contractor/ PCU-CAB/Network operators concerned

DGGT 0 0 0

Adopt the practice of horizontal directional drilling at the crossing of the road and the widely used tracks

Develop deviations on the widely used tracks and roads

MPT

HSE plan /Apply the 4 rules in case of network damage: Stop, Inform, Develop and Welcome Help

Contractor / PCU -CAB/DGGT

Principal Contractor 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000

Strengthen the duct and cable protection system at crossing of water courses;

Collaborate with DGGT to delineate the optical fibre route

Contractor / PCU -CAB Congo/DGGT

MPT PM included in the cost of works

Installation of chambers at regular intervals and on both sides of the most important water courses;

Information and sensitization campaign for the population on road signs and network preservation: meetings, programmes in local radio stations.

Contractors/MPT DRE/MTE PM / included in the cost of works


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Supervision Actors


Sensitization of the population on preservation of the optical fibre network;

PCU-CAB Congo 5 500 000 1 500 000

Delineation-staking out of the network (network signalling beacons after trench backfilling) ;


Laying of the standardized warning mesh (30 cm above the earth surface) ;


Establishment of a network monitoring and maintenance system;

PM / included in the operating budget

Preparation of an as-built drawing of the optical fibre network after the works


Equipment and PTC connection to the high-speed optical fibre network;

Installation of terminals at junctions leading to CDCs

PCU/CAB Congo MPT PM/ project cost

Facilitate the connection of other CDCs to the optical fibre

Installation of interconnection terminals at crossings of various villages

CAB Project Principal Contractor PM/ project cost

Gradual recruitment of local labour in the various localities along the route

PM / included in the operating budget

Increased terminals to facilitate interconnection of various localities of the study area to high-speed optical fibre

Installation of solar panels for electrification of Women’s Centres and CDCs

PM / included in the project cost

Installation of equipment in CDCs PM/ project cost

64 000 000 52 000 000 10 000 000

project network : central african backbone (cab) … · a.1 – optical fibre infrastructure...

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