LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION (LEC) AND RURAL AND RRENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (RREA) Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP)-Phase 2 (P180498) STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP) 15 May 2024 Draft Rev0 Table of Contents LIST OF ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................................... ii 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 Objective of the SEP .............................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Project Components.......................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 National Requirement for Stakeholder Engagement ...................................................................... 10 2 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS ........................................................................... 11 3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS ................................................................................... 13 3.1 Purpose of Stakeholder Engagement Program ................................................................................ 13 3.2 Proposed Strategy for Information Disclosure................................................................................ 13 3.3 Summary of Consultation Meetings held with Relevant Stakeholders .......................................... 18 3.3.1 September / October 2020 Consultation ..................................................................................... 18 3.3.2 March 2024 Consultation ............................................................................................................. 19 4.1 Initial Round of Consultations ......................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Latest and Ongoing Rounds of Consultations .................................................................................... 21 4.3 Proposed strategy to incorporate the view of vulnerable groups .................................................. 24 5 RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING SEP ACTIVITIES..................................... 24 5.1 Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 24 5.2 Management Function and Responsibility...................................................................................... 24 6 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ............................................................................................... 25 7 MONITORING AND REPORTING ..................................................................................................... 27 ANNEXES ................................................................................................................................................... 28 Annex 1: Subcomponent Moved to LESSAP-3.......................................................................................... 28 Annex 2: Subcomponent Dropped from LESSAP-1 .................................................................................. 29 Annex 3: Meetings held with Government Ministries, Agencies and Local County Superintendents under LESSAP 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 30 Annex 4: Issues Raised and Responses Provided in the Consultation Meetings with National Stakeholders Under LESSAP 2 .................................................................................................................. 37 Annex 5: Specific Concerns and Recommendation provided by Participants during Stakeholder Engagement Meeting under LESSAP 2 ..................................................................................................... 43 Annex 6: Attendance of Consultation Meeting with National Stakeholders under LESSAP 2 ................ 46 ................................................................................................................................................................... 46 Annex 7: Attendance of meetings with Government Ministries and Agencies under LESSAP 1 ............. 49 i Annex 8: Attendance of meetings with Superintendents and Local County Officials under LESSAP 1 . 51 Annex9: Attendance of Meetings with Affected Communities in Montserrado County under LESSAP 1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 53 Annex 10: photos of meetings under LESSAP 1 ..................................................................................... 61 Annex 11: COVID-19 Safety and Health Protocol .................................................................................... 63 Annex 12: Photos of Meetings with National Stakeholders under LESSAP 2........................................... 65 Annex 13: Sample Complaints Form ........................................................................................................ 66 Table 1: Actual Breakdown of Project Components and Subcomponents under LESSAP 2 8 Table 2: Strategy for Information Disclosure ............................................................................... 15 Table 3: Stakeholder Engagement Methods............................................................................. 23 Table 4: Summary of key SEP focal persons and their responsibilities ................................ 25 LIST OF ACRONYMS CSC Customer Service Centre CLSG Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana (Transmission Line) EHS/HS Environment, Health and Safety / Health and Safety EPA Environmental Protection Agency (Liberia) EPML Environmental Protection and Management Law E&S Environmental and Social ESCP Environmental and Social Commitment Plan ESF Environmental and Social Framework (World Bank) ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMU Environmental and Social Management Unit ESS Environmental and Social Standard (World Bank) EU European Union FGD Focus Group Discussion GoL Government of Liberia GRM Grievance Redress Management HSMS Health and Safety Management System LEC Liberia Electricity Corporation LERC Liberia Energy Regulatory Commission LESSAP Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project LIBTELCO Liberia Telecommunications Corporation LLA Liberia Land Authority LMP Labor Management Procedures LV low voltage LWSC Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation ii MFDP Ministry of Finance and Development Planning MGCSP Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs MME Ministry of Mines and Energy MoA Ministry of Agriculture MoH Ministry of Health MoL Ministry of Labour MPW Ministry of Public Works MV medium voltage NES National Export Strategy (Liberia) O&M Operation and Maintenance OGS Off-grid Solar PAD Project Appraisal Document PAI Project Area of Influence PCMU Project Coordinating and Management Unit PCN Project Concept Note (World Bank) PIU Project Implementation Unit PMT Project Management Team RAP Resettlement Action Plan RFP Resettlement Policy Framework RREA Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (Liberia) SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan SHS Solar Home Systems UNDP United Nations Development Program GIZ Energizing Development (EnDev) MoE Ministry of Education (MoE) LEAP Netwok Liberia Energy Access Practitioner Network GoL Government of Liberia NEA National Electrification Analysis iii 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Objective of the SEP The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) provides a framework for stakeholder engagement throughout the life of the project cycle (identification, preparation, appraisal, negotiation, completion). The SEP has been designed so that the project can demonstrate engagement that is effective, meaningful, consistent, comprehensive, coordinated and culturally appropriate in line with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Environmental and Social Standard ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure objectives and requirements, the relevant Liberian legal and regulatory framework, and good international industrial practice. 1.2 Project Components The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project Phase 2 (LESSAP-2 or “the Project”) is to expand the access to electricity services, and enhance the operational performance of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), building upon the work carried out under LESSAP-1 to increase access to electricity and improve operational efficiency of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). Continuing from LESSAP-1, the proposed LESSAP-2 will continue to contribute to the Government of Liberia (GoL) target of increasing electricity access to 70 percent of the country by 2030 from the current rate of 28 percent and turn around the operational and financial performance of the national utility. The Project will target two key areas in Liberia’s energy sector, grid electrification mainly in the Capital Monrovia and economic corridors of Kakata and Bomi counties implemented by LEC, and off-grid solar electrification in health centers and remote communities to be spearheaded by Liberia’s Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA). The grid component to be implemented by LEC will: (a) increase grid electricity access by rehabilitating and expanding medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) distribution network and connect new households and business; (b) reduce commercial losses by replacing all faulty meters and regularizing all unmetered or illegally connected households and businesses as well as implementing revenue protection measures; (c) decentralize the operations (technical and commercial) into districts to bring delivery of quality electricity services closer to consumers and help LEC to better manage commercial losses; (d) automate the technical operations to improve reliability of supply and better integration with Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinée (CLSG) interconnection; and (e) ensure a smooth transition to full-time sustainable management and strengthen the managerial and staff capacity of LEC to ensure its operational and financial sustainability. Some components / subcomponents of LESSAP-1, including solar home systems (SHS), health and educational facilities electrification under the off-grid component (2), household / residential metering, and additional software installation at LEC, will be carried over and scaled up under LESSAP-2. The off-grid component will extend solar photo voltaic (PV) electricity services 4 primarily to remotely located heath facilities. Guided by Liberia’s National Export Strategy (NES), the component will also support a design and implementation of a pilot for a more concessional approach to deploy solar home systems (SHS) to households in very remote and dispersed communities, and support single-community smaller mini-grids in areas where it is feasible. The proposed LESSAP-2 is comprised of the following components and subcomponents: Component 1 Rehabilitation and Expansion of Electricity Infrastructure and Systems and Enhancement of LEC Revenue Protection (IDA US$ 14 million): This component initially involved four subcomponents as part of LESSAP-1. As noted below, subcomponent (1 (c) Establishment of District Offices and Customer Service Centers (CSC)) was dropped from LESSAP-1 (see Annex B). The remaining two sub-components include the following: Subcomponent 1a: Rehabilitation and expansion of the distribution network (IDA US$ 4 million): The subcomponent will complete the installation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System initiated under the first phase to ensure oversight, proactive network problem detection and resolution, adequate network reliability, obtain required power quality data for real time operational decision. The subcomponent will also continue the densification and expansion of distribution network. Since the number of communities identified under the first phase was reduced due to the reallocation of funds during the March 2023 restructuring, the proposed subcomponent would intensify the network to include all households in the beneficiary communities and extend supply to the new communities along the corridor. Subcomponent 1.b: Revenue Protection Program (IDA US$10 million): The subcomponent will enhance the installation of an advanced-metering infrastructure (AMI) platform under the first phase to include the connection and monitoring of large commercial customers via Meter Data Management (MDM) and ensure accurate measurement of their consumption and prevent tampering with metering systems. It will also fund the procurement of 50,000 prepayment meters for households that will support the replacement of damaged meters, new connection and regularization of illegal connections. In addition, the subcomponent will support enhancements to the LEC Integrated Management System through the addition of a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Field Service Management System (FSMS), and a mobile add-on to the Enterprise Asset Management module and the implementation of the Asset and Customers Mapping Survey (ACMS) for LEC to have accurate information on the point of sale of electricity due to the outdated and inaccurate customer database. The enhancements to the IMS will enable LEC to work with geographical network data and maintain that data as the network grows, control the dispatch and execution of field orders for meter installation, trouble call resolution, network operations and maintenance, and network design and construction activities. The ACMS and the enhanced IMS will also enable LEC to effectively manage client arrears and non-technical losses and improve operational efficiency. Component 2: Off-grid Electrification of Households, Public Facilities, and Stimulation of Productive Uses in Rural Areas (IDA US$ 13 million; ESMAP grant US$ 3 million). This component will scale up the activities under the first phase off-grid electrification component 5 with a focus on mobilizing private capital. Due to the groundwork laid out in phase one, the second phase would focus on accelerating the off-grid activities and devise methods of sustainability through private sector participation. Subcomponent 2.a: Electrification of public facilities in rural areas (IDA US$ 6 million): a. Subcomponent 2.a (i): Electrification of health facilities: Liberia has about 836 functioning health facilities comprising 38 hospitals, 61 heath centers and 736 clinics. About 95 percent of these facilities have no electricity or rely on costly diesel generators, and for the few that have grid electricity (mostly in the Capital Monrovia), supply is intermittent and of poor quality. Thus, electrification of health facilities has emerged as a priority especially following recent epidemics like Ebola and COVID-19. This subcomponent will focus on the urgent provision of PV services to selected health facilities to enhance the delivery of healthcare services and improve their resilience. It will target health facilities in underserved and remote rural areas in the country which are identified as priority by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in coordination with RREA. • System Design: The facilities will be supplied with standalone or hybrid PV-with- battery energy systems which, depending on type and size of facility, are expected to supply electricity for, among others, (a) medical equipment loads; (b) inside and outside lighting; and (c) office equipment. System designs are standardized, informed by a series of site-specific technical assessments (energy audits), in close coordination between RREA and the MOH, under LESSAP first phase, with eight standardized system sizes based on the level-of-service of facilities. Additional surveys will be carried out in parallel to implementation to further improve targeting and avoid donor overlap. The PV arrays would be mounted mainly on roof tops of buildings or walkways or poles or in empty spaces within the facilities and thus would not require the acquisition of private lands. The lithium-ion batteries used in the designs are safer and easier to manage than other alternatives, with substantially longer operational life and safer for final disposal. However, the batteries will still require special arrangements to ensure proper recycling/disposal after the end of their useful lives. The systems allow for remote monitoring of operations, fault diagnostic and troubleshooting. • Business Model and Financing approach: The subcomponent would finance (a) the supply and installation of the solar PV systems and required electrical appliances, including provision of basic operation, maintenance and safety training for health workers; (b) operations and maintenance of the installed system; and (c) TA for procurement and contract management as well as developing local capacity for repair and maintenance of such systems. The second phase would also explore mechanisms of energy as a service (EaaS) model for increasing sustainability and promoting private sector participation. b. Subcomponent 2.a (ii): Electrification of education facilities: Besides health facilities, the project will also electrify education facilities. Sites will be selected in coordination with the Ministry of Education, with the aim to exploit synergies with ongoing World Bank 6 interventions in the education sector such as Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) - P181455 as well as synergies from proximity to supported health facilities. The designs developed for health facilities will be adjusted based on energy surveys of education facilities, with the aim to develop a set of standardized, modular designs. Operation and maintenance will follow the same approach as the health facilities. Subcomponent 2.b: Deployment of solar home systems for households and off-grid productive uses (IDA US$ 2.5 million, ESMAP grant US$ 1.5 million): The subcomponent will support scaling up the program by providing results-based financing (RBF) to private off-grid solar companies for solar home systems (SHS) for households developed under the first phase and expand it to include larger systems for productive uses enterprises. The RBF is designed to support the affordability of solar PV systems through partial grants for direct price reductions (i.e., grants that directly translate into price reductions for end-consumers compared to prices charged in currently served areas) and indirect price reductions (i.e., grants that cover the increased costs of expanding the supply chain to cover new areas and/or implement new business models). Subcomponent 2.c: Piloting private-sector led mini grids (IDA US$ 4.5 million, ESMAP grant US$ 1.5 million): This subcomponent would support the design and implementation of pilots for reaching dispersed communities through privately-owned mini-grids. LESSAP Phase 1 carried out pre-feasibility assessments of 47 sites. On average, a mini-grid site has a demand of 732 kWh/day and the average demand per connection is 2 kWh/day. Solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids with lithium-ion energy storage with low voltage distribution are considered the most viable supply option. LESSAP Phase 1 also developed standard grant agreements. The pilot provides partial, results-based grants to mini-grids, with the private sector expected to mobilize a substantial share of the financing. Developers would be selected through a call-for-proposals, with flexibility for private sector companies to select among the 47 pre-feasibility sites, or propose their own sites. The pilot would be used to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of mini-grid development in Liberia and its attractiveness to the private sector. The pilot will be developed in close coordination with IFC as well as UNDP’s Africa Mini Grid program. Overall, this sub- component is expected to mobilize US$ 1.5 million in private capital. Component 3: Technical Assistance, training and capacity building of project implementation support (IDA US$ 3 million): This component will cover the cost of strengthening the capacity of LEC Project Management Team (PMT) to manage and monitor implementation activities. It will include financing the cost of specialized consultants (technical, financial, procurement, audit, safeguards, etc.) and project staff to support the PMT, the preparation of technical design and safeguards documents, community engagement and sensitization programs, working on inclusivity and implementation of gender actions plans amongst others. 7 Table 1: Actual Breakdown of Project Components and Subcomponents under LESSAP 2 Project Component Implementing Main Activities WB Financing Agency Component 1 LEC Rehabilitation and IDA US$ 14 million Expansion of Electricity Infrastructure and Systems and Enhancement of LEC Revenue Protection. Subcomponent 1a LEC This subcomponent will IDA US$ 4 million complete the installation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System initiated under the first phase Subcomponent 1.b LEC Revenue Protection IDA US$10 million) Program Component 3: LEC Technical Assistance, (IDA US$ 3 million): training and capacity building of project implementation support Component 2 RREA Off-grid Electrification of IDA US$ 13 million; ESMAP grant US$ 3 million). Households, Public Facilities, and Stimulation of Productive Uses in Rural Areas Subcomponent 2.a: RREA Electrification of public (IDA US$ 6 million): facilities in rural areas (Health and Education facilities) 8 Project Component Implementing Main Activities WB Financing Agency Component 2.b: RREA Deployment of solar home (IDA US$ 2.5 million, ESMAP grant US$ 1.5 systems for households and million): off-grid productive uses Subcomponent 2.c: RREA Piloting private-sector l (IDA US$ 4.5 million, ESMAP grant US$ 1.5 million): 9 Project Locations The grid electrification will be implemented in communities mainly in the capital Monrovia and a few in the economic corridors of Kakata and Bomi county. These communities either have existing electricity or there is an ongoing electrification project because not all areas of the communities would benefit from LESSAP-2. The actual existing networks to be rehabilitated and the distribution line routes for network extension will be determined after the detailed design works are completed. The district offices and CSC will be located on lands within existing LEC substations, where feasible. For areas with no existing substation or where it is not suitable, LEC would arrange with county/district local authorities for suitable public lands within the catchment areas for their construction. Off-grid Solar (OGS): It is estimated that about 300 health facilities will benefit from the OGS, but the selection of the specific health facilities and their locations has not yet been completed. The RREA is collaborating with the MoH to select the health facilities to benefit from the Project. The communities to benefit from the pilot solar mini grids and the SHS will be selected from the report of the NES study which is in the final stages of completion. 1.3 National Requirement for Stakeholder Engagement The Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML) as well as the Environmental Protection Agency Act (EPA Act) and the EPA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Procedural Guidelines provides for the participation of stakeholders at all levels of project cycles to ensure that their concerns and inputs are considered as part of the design, planning, project implementation and decommissioning. The law provides provision for public hearing, provides the platforms for complaints by aggrieved persons, and the opportunity to make comments and provide suggestions on project matters. Several sections of the EPML underscore the need for public consultation, public hearings, and identification of affected persons. For instance, Section 11 of the EPML, among other things, requires a project proponent or applicant to conduct public consultations to be termed as "scoping" with the objective to Identify, inform and receive input from the effected stakeholders and interested parties and ensure public participation early in the ESIA process. According to Sections 17 and 18 of the EPML, public consultations are an integral component of the EIA and resettlement action plan (RAP) requirements and the guidelines identify the following principal elements: • Developers are required to conduct public consultation during the preparation of an ESlA. • The formal ESIA document is made available for public review and comments. Documents to which the public has access include project briefs, ESIA terms of reference, draft and final ESIA reports, and decisions of the appropriate authorities regarding project approval. 10 Consultations should identify key issues and determine how the concerns of all parties will be addressed. The public will be allowed to access information and the ESIA is to be disclosed before project appraisal on the World Bank external website and on RREA/LEC websites in English. Involvement of the public in the ESIA and their relevant ESS instruments commences with the launch of the ESIA process and continues throughout the project cycle. Detailed below are the different requirements for public involvement throughout the ESIA process. After the submission of an application for an environmental impact assessment permit, the project proponent should publish a “notice of intent” that states the information that may be necessary to allow the stakeholders or any interested party to identify their interest in the proposed project or activity. This information should include: the nature of the project, its related activities, its timeframe and its site of operation and the area that may be impacted. Before preparing the ESIA document, the project proponent should conduct public consultations with the potential affected stakeholders. This procedure is called the “scoping process” which aims to: 1) inform the stakeholders about the project’s details, its potential impacts on the physical, biological and socio-economic environments, and the mitigation measures that can be taken to minimize these impacts; and 2) get the stakeholders’ input on various related issues. By achieving this, the scoping process is also a guiding tool for the project proponent and its consultants. It helps them to identify the project’s impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives, which will form the essential part of the ESIA document. The scoping process consists of publishing the project’s details in the affected district’s media, holding public meetings to consult directly with the affected communities and stakeholders, and incorporating the views of these stakeholders in the scoping report which is submitted to the EPA. On the completion of the ESIA study report, the public is invited again to participate in the ESIA review through public consultation meetings. The public’s views on the ESIA are taken into consideration by the EPA when deciding about approving or rejecting the project. In some cases, the EPA also decides to hold a public hearing about the project in order to strengthen public participation. These cases include but are not limited to requests by the public for a public hearing, controversy about the project or expiry of the period stipulated for receipt of comments. 2 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS This section identifies key stakeholders who will be informed and consulted about the Project, including individuals, groups, or communities. It also identifies disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups who may have limitations in participating and/or in understanding the project information or in participating in the consultation process. The SEP, including the stakeholder list, is a “living document” which will be updated regularly throughout the life of the Project as appropriate. For the purposes of effective and tailored stakeholders’ engagement, stakeholders of the proposed project(s) can be divided into the following three core categories: 11 • Affected Parties – persons, groups and other entities within the Project Area of Influence (PAI) that are directly influenced (actually or potentially) by the Project and/or have been identified as most susceptible to change associated with the Project, and who need to be closely engaged in identifying impacts and their significance, as well as in decision-making on mitigation and management measures; • Other Interested Parties – individuals/groups/entities that may not experience direct impacts from the Project but who consider or perceive their interests as being affected by the Project and/or who could affect the Project and the process of its implementation in some way; and • Vulnerable Groups – persons who may be disproportionately impacted or further disadvantaged by the Project(s) as compared with any other groups due to their vulnerable status , and that may require special engagement efforts to ensure their equal representation in the consultation and decision-making process associated with the Project. For the LESSAP-2, the following affected, interested and, disadvantaged groups have been identified: Affected Parties: • People living near facilities to be constructed by the Project. • People who will be accommodated or temporarily residing within health facilities (i.e., patients, nurses, hospital staff, etc). • People whose land is acquired by the Project (i.e., land acquisition for the installation of solar panels if they cannot be mounted on rooftops). • People whose livelihoods are affected by the Project in the communities. (i.e., tree crops) Other Interested Parties: • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) • Ministry of Public Works (MPW) • Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) • Liberia Land Authority (LLA) • Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) • Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) • Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LIBTELCO) • Ministry of Labor (MoL) • Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) • Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) • County and District Environmental Committees • Civil society organizations 12 • Community-based organizations • Energizing Development (EnDev) • Ministry of Education (MoE) • Liberia Energy Access Practitioner Network (LEAP Network) Disadvantaged/Vulnerable Individuals or Groups: • Persons with disabilities • Children with special needs • Women/girls • Orphans • Elderly • Single-headed households 3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS 3.1 Purpose of Stakeholder Engagement Program This SEP is designed to establish an effective platform for productive interaction with the potentially affected parties, disadvantage groups, and others with interest in the implementation outcome of the Project. The purpose of the SEP is to provide meaningful stakeholder engagement in a manner that provides stakeholders with opportunities to express their views on project risks, impacts and mitigation measures, throughout the project cycle. It is an essential aspect of good project management and provides opportunities to: • Provide project related information and materials to affected and interested parties; • Solicit feedback to inform project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; • Clarify project objectives and scope, and manage stakeholders’ expectations; • Assess and mitigate project environmental and social impacts and risks; • Enhance project benefits; and • Address project grievances. 3.2 Proposed Strategy for Information Disclosure While advancing the stakeholders engagement strategy and information disclosure under the Project, RREC/LEC will employ a variety of methods of communication to reach the majority of stakeholders. These could include project information brochures, newspaper publication, the project website, flyers, posters, LEC local offices, social media, etc. Outreach and engagement measures will be adjusted as necessary to accommodate government requirements. The World Bank will also continue advising the client on various approaches to engage stakeholders without raising health risks, as was required for LESSAP-1 consultation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The SEP will also routinely release information on the project’s environmental and social performance, including opportunities for consultation. 13 The following are key ESF ESS instruments to be disclosed: • Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) • Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) • Labor Management Procedures (LMP) • Environment, Safety and Health / Health and Safety (ESH/HS) Action Plan Initially, it was anticipated that the Project may involve some resettlement activities. However, under LESSAP-1 no such resettlement issues were associated with the Project and it also appears to be unlikely any resettlement will be required under LESSAP-2. However, in the unlikely event that this changes, then ESF ESS instruments would be expanded to include Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). Table 1 summarizes the information to be readily accessible to different stakeholders, interested, affected and vulnerable groups, and which will facilitate informed participation. All information will be disclosed in English, Liberia’s working language, unless in the case of communities in which English is not the working language, in which case relevant local language(s) will be used in a manner that is culturally appropriate. 14 Table 2: Strategy for Information Disclosure Method of Location Information to be Target Topic of Project Stage Documents to Responsibility Document disseminated Stakeholders Consultation be disclosed Disclosure Preparation for PCN, ESMF, Newspaper EPA and Project details All affected and Project PCMU/PIU, design stage LMP, SEP publication, LEC/RREA offices (activities, E&S interested concept, including the Radio impacts, and parties, including benefits and ESMU GRM, RPF, and announcement Affected mitigation) vulnerable anticipated E&S (LEC/RREA) ESCP. Phone calls Community groups impacts Emails exchanges information Formal/informal centers meetings Billboard/signbo What is the ard timetable? Press Release Jingle and spot messages Facebook World Bank, LEC/RREA, and EPA websites Workshops and conferences Distribution of project brochures and Flyers 15 Method of Location Information to be Target Topic of Project Stage Documents to Responsibility Document disseminated Stakeholders Consultation be disclosed Disclosure Implementation ESMPs, RAPs, any Newspaper As ESMPs and Grievance People most Site-specific PCMU/PIU, Phase updates to the publication RAPs become Mechanism likely to be E&S impacts LMP, SEP and available; every Committee directly including land ESMU 1. Project reports on six months for (GMC)-functions affected by E&S acquisition (LEC/RREA) project World Bank, LEC Preparation reports on the and responsibility impacts implementation and EPA Website Phase GRM and including the GRM project Compensation Workshops/Tow implementation methods and n Hall meetings criteria County/Affected Community information centers 2. Construction N/A N/A Documents and COVID-19 safety People most Site-specific PCMU/PIU, Phase notifications to and health likely to be E&S impacts, be disclosed in protocol directly including timing ESMU advance prior affected by E&S and mitigation (LEC/RREA) tosite-specific Sexual impacts of impacts construction Exploitation and works, and Abuse Including throughout site- contractor specific Gender Based workers and construction Violence PIU staff, where a change in timing, work Labor and working method, or conditions other (including signing circumstances of Code of affecting E&S Conduct) impacts and mitigation may Traffic and road occur. safety 16 Method of Location Information to be Target Topic of Project Stage Documents to Responsibility Document disseminated Stakeholders Consultation be disclosed Disclosure Community health and safety Temporary shutdown of power due to line repairs Installation of transformers and meters 17 3.3 Summary of Consultation Meetings held with Relevant Stakeholders 3.3.1 September / October 2020 Consultation In September and October 2020, LEC and RREA safeguard teams jointly held face-to-face consultation meetings with relevant Government Ministries and Agencies, local county officials and affected communities, relative to LESSAP-1. The main objectives of the consultation meetings were to introduce the proposed project to stakeholders, solicit inputs from stakeholders on the design of the LESSAP-1, and to gain their support for the Project. A total of ten (10) consultation meetings were held with Government Ministries and Agencies in Monrovia. The safeguard team also consulted with the Superintendents and local officials of Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties, in their respective county capitals (See Annex 3: for list of government ministries, agencies and county superintendents consulted and issues/concerns raised and responses provided). In addition to the above, four (4) affected communities (Whein Town, Cooper Farm, Slipway and Logan Town) were consulted in Montserrado County, one of the beneficiary counties of the proposed project. A total of two hundred and nineteen (219) participants attended the consultation meetings held with these four communities. This was an initial consultation for the appraisal stage of the Project. At the time of the consultation, the exact location/communities that would be affected by the Project were not identified. Hence, the four communities were randomly selected. However, during the meeting with local county officials, some members of other communities within the four counties also participated in the meetings. (see Annex 1 for issues/concerns raised and responses provided at the community meetings – also summaried below; see Annexes 5 through 7 for lists of persons who attended the various meetings). Detailed follow-up consultation covering all the counties was conducted during project preparation and implementation. The main issues or concerns raised by stakeholders from the above-mentioned consultation meetings can be summarized, as follows: the stakeholders unanimously welcomed the proposed project and expressed their support. Notwithstanding this expressed support, stakeholders requested continuous consultation and coordination between the project implementing agencies (LEC and RREA) and relevant line ministries and agencies including affected communities to ensure the successful implementation of the Project. The stakeholders also requested that the implementing agencies (LEC and RREA): share the project appraisal document and other relevant documents with them; adhere to national laws and policies at all stages of project planning and implementation; develop a plan to maintain and operate the solar PV systems to be installed at health facilities; prioritize local employment; avoid involuntary resettlement and, where unavoidable, compensate for properties affected; and promote gender equity with sex disaggregated data to monitor and measure the success of the proposed project. 18 3.3.2 March 2024 Consultation On May 3, 2024, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) jointly organized a one-day launch event for the proposed Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project-Phase 2 (LESSAP) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) program. The event was held at the Corina Hotel on Tubman Boulevard in Monrovia, Liberia. The consultation was held at the level of the national stakeholders with formal letters sent to twenty- three (23) key stakeholders including 15 ministries and agencies and private partners under the off-grid. The joint team prepared a Concept Note for the program outlining the purpose and objectives of the stakeholder engagement meeting. During the event, an overview of LESSAP 1 was presented covering implementation statistics, challenges, and opportunities. This was also followed by a presentation on LESSAP 2, including background, objectives, target communities, and implementation approaches. The purpose of the meeting was to gather information, perspectives, and feedback from stakeholders involved in the proposed Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project-Phase 2 (LESSAP) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) program. The specific objectives were as follows: • Introduce the project to national stakeholders, relevant Government ministries and agencies, off-grid companies, potential customers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders • Demonstrate the benefits and features of LESSAP 2 to stakeholders • Solicit feedback and opinions that will help to shape the project design, planning, project implementation and decommissioning. • Manage expectations and misconceptions about the outcomes of the LESSAP 2 project. • Identify and where possible, address potential Conflicts and/or risks that may arise during implementation of LESSAP 2 The consultation meeting was conducted in two folds; both face-to-face and via virtual link. The meeting brought together a total of fifty (50) participants with 39 participants at the face-to-face meeting while 11 participants joined virtually. On the whole, the participants were overwhelmed and very supportive of the project as they indicated that the project will contribute towards improving the life of its beneficiary. The key issues or concerns raised by stakeholders during the consultation meetings can be summarized as follows. 1. Stakeholder Support: Stakeholders unanimously welcomed the proposed project and expressed their support. 2. Continuous Consultation and Coordination: Stakeholders requested ongoing consultation and coordination between the project implementing agencies (LEC and RREA) and relevant line ministries and agencies, including affected communities, to ensure successful project implementation. 3. Specific Requests to Implementing Agencies: 19 o Share project concept notes and relevant documents with stakeholders. o Adhere to national laws and policies throughout project planning and implementation. o Prioritize local employment. o Avoid involuntary resettlement; if unavoidable, compensate affected properties. 4. Additional Suggestions and Advocacy: o Holistic adoption of a sustainable management plan for all donor and nationally funded projects. o Prioritization of gender considerations throughout the project lifecycle. o Advocacy for Productive Use of Electricity (PUE) to reduce energy poverty. o Support for clear and stable energy policies to encourage long-term investment. o Adaptation of appropriate technologies for Liberia’s unique context. o Addressing higher financing costs for off-grid companies implementing Result- based Financing projects. o Donor coordination in the energy sector through stakeholder meetings and joint planning. o Legal agreements (easements or servitudes) to protect IPP infrastructure from LEC grid projects. Details on concerns raised by participants as well as responses provided during the stakeholder engagement meetings is provided in Annex 2 to 3. Also Annex 4 contains lists of persons who attended the meeting. 20 4 PREVIOUS AND ONGOING STRATEGY FOR CONSULTATION Timing and advanced planning of engagements are key elements that ensure the consultations are relevant. Table 2 briefly describes the methods that will be used going forward (post-COVID-19) to consult with each of the stakeholder groups. It is envisaged that ongoing stakeholder engagement will continue to align with the project cycle. The project cycle does not necessarily occur in a linear way for all stakeholders and project as indicated in Table 2. This SEP will be continuously updated throughout the project implementation period as and when required, to reflect changes to project design, activities and implementation arrangements. The SEP is meant to clearly lay out: • Type of Stakeholder to be consulted • Anticipated Issues and Interests • Stages of Involvement • Methods of Involvement • Proposed Communications Methods • Information Disclosure • Responsible authority/institution To ensure adequate representation and participation of the different stakeholders, the Project will rely on different consultation and disclosure methods and techniques. 4.1 Initial Round of Consultations During the initial project consultations conducted in September and October 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 Pandemic, which necessitated that the GoL impose strict measures to limit public gatherings, meetings and people’s movement. Alternative means of managing consultations and stakeholder engagement were, therefore, adopted in accordance with the local laws, policies and new social norms in effect to mitigate prevention of the virus transmission. (see Annex 8, COVID-19 Safety and Health Protocol). These alternate approaches for stakeholder engagement included: restricting consultations to small groups where smaller meetings were permitted, but otherwise making reasonable efforts to conduct meetings through online channels (e.g., WebEx, Zoom, Skype, community radio stations, etc.); diversifying means of communication and relying more on social media, chat groups, dedicated online platforms & mobile Apps (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp groups, project websites, etc.); and employing traditional channels of communications such as TV, radio, dedicated phone-lines, SMS broadcasting, public announcements when stakeholders did not have access to online channels or did not use them frequently. 4.2 Latest and Ongoing Rounds of Consultations On May 3, 2024, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) jointly organized a one-day launch event for the proposed Liberia Electricity Sector 21 Strengthening and Access Project-Phase 2 (LESSAP) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) program. The event was held at the Corina Hotel on Tubman Boulevard in Monrovia, Liberia. Before the consultation meeting, the RREA and LEC Safeguard team sent formal letters to key stakeholders, outlining the purpose and objectives of the meeting. During the event, an overview of LESSAP 1 was presented, covering implementation statistics, challenges, and opportunities. This was followed by a presentation on LESSAP 2, including background, objectives, target communities, and implementation approaches. The strategy employed interactive and facilitator-led presentations, covering project goals, timelines, benefits, and risks. Stakeholder input was actively incorporated through in-person, virtual, and written sessions. A total of 50 participants attended, representing government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, and energy project developer and investors. The purpose of the meeting was to gather information, perspectives, and feedback from stakeholders involved in the proposed Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project- Phase 2 (LESSAP) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) program. The specific objectives were as follows: 1. Diverse Perspectives: Ensure that a diverse array of perspectives is considered during decision-making. 2. Engagement Alignment: Align the project’s engagement plan with the needs, expectations, and concerns of stakeholders. 3. Regulatory Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, especially for large-scale projects with potential environmental and social implications. 4. Negotiations and Design: Facilitate negotiations related to compensation, impact mitigation, and project design. 22 Table 3: Stakeholder Engagement Methods Stakeholder location and date Project Phase Targeted Group Engagement Method Description and Use Responsibility Project All Stakeholders LEC/RREA and WB The SEP, LMP, ESMF, RPF and March 2024 ESMU (LEC/RREA) Preparation Website ESCP will be published on the LEC/RREA and WB websites to solicit feedback Project Communities near the Face-to-face meetings Announcement of March 2024 ESMU (LEC/RREA) Preparation project areas: commencement of major project community leaders, (Focused Group activities, GRM, potential E&S community members Discussion with impacts and risks and other stakeholders community leaders) Project General public and Distribution of printed Will be used to convey general ESMU (LEC/RREA) Preparation and interested stakeholders public materials such as information on the Project and to Throughout the Implementation Project information provide regular updates on its duration of the leaflets, brochures, fact progress to local, regional and Project sheets, etc. national stakeholders. Project General public, including Community public Distribution of project Throughout the ESMU (LEC/RREA) Implementation affected and interested meetings, email, phone, information to government duration of the stakeholders, NGOs, written communication agencies, organizations and Project development partners companies. Invite stakeholders to public meetings. 23 4.3 Proposed strategy to incorporate the view of vulnerable groups The consultation activities will be based on the principle of inclusiveness, transparency and accountability to build trust and allow project stakeholders to assume ownership of the project, i.e., engaging all segments of the local society, including disabled persons, women/girls and other vulnerable individuals, as specified above and identified during the project. If required, logistical assistance will be provided to enable representatives from remote areas, persons with limited physical abilities and those with insufficient financial and transportation means to attend stakeholder meetings scheduled by the Project. In cases where vulnerable status may lead to people’s reluctance or physical incapacity to participate in large-scale community meetings, the project will hold separate small group discussions with them at an easily accessible venue as a way for the Project to reach out to the groups who, under standard circumstances, may be insufficiently represented at general community gatherings. 5 RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING SEP ACTIVITIES 5.1 Resources Funding for the SEP implementation is included as part of project cost under Component 3 (Technical Assistance for institutional reform, capacity building of sector institutions, and implementation support to LEC), which will fund all Technical Assistance (TA) and communication strategies conducted at the Central level, regional counties and district levels. Preliminary funding estimated at US$ 43,680 has been set aside for SEP implementation. 5.2 Management Function and Responsibility A project implementation team has been established to drive project implementation including oversight of the SEP implementation. Currently, there is an existing safeguard team comprised of E&S specialists from LEC and RREA implementing and monitoring existing World Bank funded projects. The same safeguard team will handle the E&S aspects of the Project based on experience, lessons learned, and knowledge gathered from existing projects. The Environmental Specialist and Social Safeguard Specialist of the ESMU of LEC / RREA and the project coordinators of LEC /RREA will implement and monitor the SEP relative to their components. Roles and responsibilities of the LEC / RREA team are summarized in Table 3 and discussed below. The coordinator of the Project Coordinating and Management Unit (PCMU1) based at LEC is responsible for overseeing the overall coordination of activities of the SEP. The project has two components – the distribution component will be done by LEC while the solar electrification component will be implemented by RREA. The safeguards specialists of LEC (ESMU / RREA) and the project coordinator(s) of LEC and RREA are responsible for timely updating and the successful implementation of the SEP. The LEC and RREA successfully implemented the World Bank funded Liberia Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project (LACEEP, and its additional financing LACEEP-AF) and Liberia Renewable Energy Access Project (LIRENAP), respectively, and presently maintain 1 The PCMU is responsible for overall coordination of all donor funded projects and interfacing with the energy stakeholders (Government and the donors), 24 internal units and staff (ESMU for LEC and a senior Safeguard specialist for RREA supported by a Social Development Officer) for managing E&S impacts of the projects. The ESMU at LEC currently has eight E&S development officers that are led by Environmental Specialist. The position of Gender and Social Safeguard Specialist is presently vacant but is expected to be filled once the ongoing procurement process is completed. Through the LACEEP and similar donor-funded projects, the ESMU with oversight of the PCMU coordinator has built some capacity to mitigate social and environmental safeguards risks. The same PCMU/ESMU of LEC and RREA is responsible for the preparation and implementation of Components 1 and 2 of the Project to capitalize on the available capacity in dealing with safeguards matters. However, the safeguard team’s (both in LEC and in RREA) knowledge and familiarity of the World Bank ESF ESSs still needs to be further enhanced and supported. In view of this capacity gap, capacity building interventions covering ESF ESSs will be designed and delivered. Based on experience working with current World Bank funded projects on project activities/components as defined in the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) the anticipated risk for the project is expected to be Moderate. Table 4: Summary of key SEP focal persons and their responsibilities Institution/Focus Responsibilities person/Unit Project Coordinators of LEC • Provide oversight, guidance and support to the SEP process of their & RREA respective components E&S Safeguard Specialists • Facilitate the implementation of SEP in the ESMU of LEC and • Incorporate SEP guidelines in contractor’s agreements RREA • Organize and conduct national, county and district level training on SEP and GRM • Develop and ensure effective implementation of GRM • Facilitate monitoring and coordinate monitoring activities • Keep record of all E&S issues PCMU • Overall oversight responsibility for the implementation of the SEP and coordination with National and Local Governmental authorities • Ensure effective implementation of SEP at county and district level • Coordinate district and county level capacity building and training 6 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM Objective The main objective of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is to assist in resolving complaints and grievances in a timely, efficient, and effective manner that satisfies all parties involved, to the extent possible. The GRM will operate in a manner that is proportionate to the risks and impacts of the project, and will be accessible and inclusive to all stakeholders . Specifically, it provides a transparent and credible process resulting in outcomes that are fair, effective and lasting. It also builds trust and cooperation as an integral component of broader community consultation that facilitates corrective actions. The PCMU/PIUs at LEC and RREA have informed 25 project-affected stakeholders about the GRM for the Project. To date, 29 Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) have already been established at the local project levels for ongoing World Bank financed projects (LACEEP, LACEEP-AF and LIRENAP). The knowledge and experience gained from working with the GRCs established by LEC and RREA will be updated where applicable, to conform to resolving grievances on LESSAP-2. For the LEC distribution component, existing GRC members, if confirmed by the affected communities, will continue their roles as members of the GRCs. The RREA GRM/GRCs are being formed as exact locations of the off grid become known. Project related grievances can have a detrimental impact on the community, the environment, or on the complainant’s quality of life. Stakeholders may also submit comments and suggestions regarding how best to resolve a grievance. The GRM provides complaint resolving measures for any dispute, appropriate redress actions and avoids, wherever possible, the need to resort to judicial proceedings. A two-tier grievance resolution mechanism has been adopted to receive and resolve grievances of the Project. The first tier requires establishing grievance redress committees at the local/community level to serve as the first instance for receiving and resolving project related grievances in a timely manner without cost to the complainants. The second tier requires establishing a grievance redress committee at the project level (PCMU/PIU) at LEC and RREA to receive and resolve grievances that cannot be resolved at the local community level. Grievances are handled at the local community and project/ levels, including a dedicated hotline which has been established. Complainants who still feel aggrieved with decisions reached by the grievance redress committees at the community and project levels have an option to seek remedy in a competent court of law. Process of Handling Grievances Grievances are handled at the project level by the PCMU/PIU. Grievance redress includes the following steps: Step 1: Submission of grievances either orally or in writing For submission of grievances either orally or in writing to a local/community GM committee or a GM officer in the PCMU/PIU, a toll-free phone line and email has been established. Walk-ins may either register a complaint in a grievance logbook or inserting a written grievance into a suggestion box at LEC/RREA offices. To ensure the GRM is accessible to all stakeholders, particularly in rural areas and those that are vulnerable, specific measures are available during consultations and reflected in this SEP. The GRM also allows for anonymous grievances to be raised and addressed. Step 2: Recording of grievances within 24 hours Grievances received are recorded and classified based on the complaint typology and the complainant lodging the complaint to provide more efficient response and providing the initial response within 24 hours by the GRM officer. The typology is based on the characteristics of the complainant (e.g., vulnerable groups, persons with disabilities, people with language barriers, etc.) and also the nature of the complaint. 26 Step 3: Investigating the grievance and Communication of the Response within 7 days based on the nature of the grievance. Step 4: Complainant Response In the event that a complaint is resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, it is deemed to be closed. However, where a complaint remains open and unresolved, a complainant will be given opportunity to appeal to the Grievance Redress Committee established at the PCMU/PIU. Once a complaint has been received, by any and all channels, it will be recorded in the complaints logbook or grievance Excel sheet (grievance database). Once all possible redress has been proposed and if the complainant is still not satisfied then the complainant will be advised of their right to legal recourse. Quarterly summaries and internal reports on public grievances, enquiries and related incidents, together with the status of implementation of associated corrective/preventative actions, are collated by responsible staff and referred to LESSAP-2 senior management. The quarterly summaries provide a mechanism for assessing both the number and the nature of complaints and requests for information, along with the project’s ability to address those in a timely and effective manner. 7 MONITORING AND REPORTING The PCMU/PIU maintains a Stakeholder Engagement Log that chronicles all stakeholder engagement undertaken. The Engagement Log includes location and dates of meetings, workshops, and discussions, and a description of the project-affected parties and other stakeholders consulted. Monitoring reports presented to the Management Team include Stakeholder Engagement Logs as well as feedback from the GRM. Annual reporting of the SEP is included as part of the project monitoring report. The Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialists in the ESMU (LEC/RREA) are responsible for monitoring the SEP in accordance with the requirements of the legal agreement, including the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and ESF ESS10 (Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure). The team monitors and documents any commitments or actions agreed during consultations, including changes resulting from changes in the design of the Project or the SEP. The SEP will be periodically revised and updated as necessary in the course of project implementation to ensure that the information presented is consistent and is the most recent, and that the identified methods of engagement remain appropriate and effective in relation to the project context and specific phases of the development. Any major changes to the project related activities and to its schedule will be duly reflected in the SEP. 27 ANNEXES Annex 1: Subcomponent Moved to LESSAP-3 The following subcomponent will be moved to LESSAP-3 • Subcomponent 1(a). Distribution Network Rehabilitation, Densification and Expansion (US$30 million equivalent): The subcomponent will support the rehabilitation and expansion of the distribution network in communities with existing and ongoing construction of electricity infrastructure primarily in Monrovia and surrounding counties. Where feasible, dedicated feeders would be constructed to public facilities (health, educational, water treatment, etc.) and industries. The physical works would involve the installation of MV and LV poles (with footprint ≤0.6m), MV/LV line materials (conductors/cables & accessories) and distribution transformers along existing public right-of-way (R0W) of roads, streets, avenues, etc. reserved by the Ministry of Public Works for the use of utilities. Activities under subcomponent 1a are subdivided into the following broad areas: o Rehabilitation and Expansion of Distribution Network in Communities with Existing Electricity Infrastructure: This subcomponent will seek to: (a) expand the distribution load capacity by about 50MVA and improve quality and reliability of supply by rehabilitating and constructing about 250km MV/LV lines and replacing all damaged or overloaded transformers with higher capacity ones (250 in total). o Densification and Expansion of Distribution Network in Communities with ongoing Bank-financed Liberia Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project (LACEEP, P133445): This proposed subcomponent will intensify the network to capture all households in the beneficiary communities and extend supply to the new communities along the corridor. It is expected that about 65km of MV lines and 350km of LV lines would be constructed, 450 transformers installed and new connections to about 80,000 households and businesses would be completed. 28 Annex 2: Subcomponent Dropped from LESSAP-1 The following subcomponent was dropped from LESSAP-1 • Subcomponent 1(c). Establishment of District Offices and Customer Service Centers (US$4.5 million equivalent): This subcomponent will support the construction of the physical infrastructure (offices, customer centers, stores etc.) as well as vehicles and tools required for the establishment of district offices and Customer Service Centers (CSCs). A typical district office will have office/working space for the district manager, district engineer/district technical officer and staff, commercial officer and staff, etc.) and will require approximately 0.5acre of land. These district offices will be located on lands within existing LEC substations at Stockton Creek, Garnerville, Paynesville, Kakata and Kle and will not require land acquisition. The CSCs would be constructed in ten selected communities in the districts but located far from the district offices. The customer service centers will be for fault reporting, and LV and service connection repair works in their catchment areas. LEC is arranging with county/district local authorities to local suitable public lands available within the catchment areas for the CSCs. The physical structures for the district offices and CSC will be comprised of 20- footer containerized office structures that can be deployed quickly and do not require serious civil construction works. 29 Annex 3: Meetings held with Government Ministries2, Agencies and Local County Superintendents3 under LESSAP 1 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support 1. Ministry of Mines and September 15, Strongly in • The Ministry of Mines and Energy welcomed the Energy 2020 favor project and stated that it should be involved in the implementation of the project, (ex. information sharing, consultations, meetings, etc.) as all energy related information in Liberia emanates from the Ministry. • Consideration for communities within Monrovia, that are not yet connected to the existing LEC grid connection 2. Ministry of Health Sept. 18, 2020 Health In support of • The Ministry of Health indicated that the Health the project Infrastructure Implementation Unit should be adequately consulted and involved at the planning and implementation stages of the proposed project • The Ministry of Health already has ongoing discussions with few other donor institutions to provide support to projects targeting access to solar PV energy for health care facilities in rural areas • The Ministry also said that it had a challenge with the maintenance and sustainability of previous 2 A letter requesting a meeting with the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning were served but the meetings were not held after several follow-ups done by LEC and RREA safeguards team. 3 Also, meeting with the Superintendent of Montserrado County was not held but same will be subsequently re-scheduled. 30 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support solar PV systems installed at health facilities in Liberia • That public healthcare services are free of charge and the government may not be able to generate revenue from the use of solar PV energy services to cover maintenance under the proposed project • Health centers and hospitals are the facilities with high energy consumption needs to run laboratory services, operation rooms, maternal & child health services, pharmacies, etc. • Clinics have low power consumption need and they constitute majority of healthcare facilities in Liberia. 3. Environmental Protection September 20, Environment • The EPA welcomed the project and requested that Agency 2020 the framework document (RPF & ESMF) be shared with them for their input/comment before public disclosure. • An updated ESIA procedural guideline (2017) contains section on RAP procedure which can aid in the preparation of the RPF. • The magnitude of project impact cannot be properly assessed and considered at this stage of the project as Moderate because the project details and specific sites are not known. 4. Liberia Land Authority Sept. 8, 2020 Land use, land In support of • Welcomed the project and thanked the LEC and governance the project RREA for the meeting. and • Need for continuous consultation with all administration stakeholders regarding the proposed project. 31 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support • Outsource the distribution component to locals as it is done with the Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (CLSG) project in Nimba • Sustainability of the project in rural areas • Minimize Resettlement Impacts • Appointed a focal person from LLA to coordinate with LEC and RREA during implementation of the project 5. Ministry of Public Works Sept.16.2020 Zoning/Right Partially in • Welcomed the project but stated that it will only of Way use and favor participate in any form of meeting upon access submission of LESSAP Project documents for it review and inputs. • The role of the Ministry of Public Works should be clearly defined, including budgetary allotment for its activities on the proposed project. 6. Ministry of Agriculture Sept.16.2020 Tree & Cash Strongly in • Welcomed the project and stated that an updated crops impacts favor price list for tree crops compensation be considered • Project documents be shared for its review and inputs. • Priority should be given to agriculture sectors as a mean to boost food security, production and sustainability 7. Ministry of Internal Affairs Sept. 10, 2020 Local In support of • copies of the project documents should be shared Governance the project with the Ministry • project should develop plans to maintain and rehabilitate solar PV systems to be installed at various health centers or facilities 32 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support • Appointed Mr. Emmanuel Whenyou, as focal person from MIA to coordinate with LEC and RREA during implementation of the project • Volunteered to send letters to the Superintendents of the five counties where the project will be implemented, to inform them about LEC and RREA engagement meetings with them. • Emphasized the need for continuous consultation 8.. Liberia Water and Sewer September 10, Water and Strongly in • Welcomed the project and emphasized the need Corporation 2020 Sewer/ favor for flow of communication, consultations and competing coordination at every stage of the project interest for • LEC should adhere to all existing Agreements right-of-way entered into between their respective Institutions use for public utilities 9. Liberia Telecommunication Sept. 10, 202 In support of Welcomed the project and intimated that the LEC Corporation competing the project and LIBTELCO should combine national resources interest for to achieve the following goals: right-of-way • develop an infrastructure sharing model for LEC use for public and LIBTELCO; utilities • Design LEC’s pole infrastructure and high voltage network to accommodate LIBTELCO fibers. • set up fiber network and national data center to monitor usage of power and at the same time allow LIBTELCO to use the same infrastructure. • Need for Continuous Consultation between LEC and LIBTELCO 33 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support 10. Ministry of Gender, September 11, Gender, In support of • The Ministry of Gender welcomed the project and Children and Social 2020 Children and the project indicated that light is security for women and girls. Welfare Social • Nurses in rural areas sometimes used their mobile Protection phones at night to attend to pregnant women giving birth at their health facilities. • project should seek to empower women and sustain their livelihood • There should be sex or gender disaggregated data to monitor and measure the success of the proposed project • Emphasis should be given to the National Gender Policy of Liberia • There should be continuous consultation • Project documents or information should be shared with the Ministry 11. Superintendent of Margibi Sept. 23, 2020 local • The Superintendent of Margibi County welcomed governance/ the project and said that nearly all healthcare direct project facilities in Margibi County are in need of power. beneficiaries? • The proposed project should provide electricity to The same both private and public owned health facilities in applies to the Margibi County. other counties • The local county leadership is in support of the where the proposed project project will be implemented. 12. Superintendent of Grand local Strongly in • Emphasized the need for the proposed project to Cape Mount County governance favor provide broad support for gender mainstreaming September 25, and direct in every aspect of the project, and this includes 2020 project 34 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support beneficiary. employment opportunity, gender equality and The same equity. applies to the • That at least 40% of households that will be other counties electrified under the project should be female where the headed. project will be • Selection of health facilities for the purpose of the implemented. project should be done in consultation with project communities at local level. • Private health facilities that provide critical services to the communities should be considered. • Avoid involuntary resettlement and if avoidance is impossible, compensate for private properties affected by the project. 13. Superintendent of Bomi Sept. 24, 2020 local Strongly in • The Superintendent and local county officials of County governance/ favor, but Bomi County welcomed the proposed project and direct project with indicated the need for vigorous information beneficiaries? reservations dissemination of the project to avoid The same misunderstanding, misinformation and applies to the misinterpretation of the project development other counties objectives. where the • Whenever possible, local workforce should be project will be prioritized for employment during the implemented. construction of the project. • Contractors should consider Corporate Social Responsibility as one of their deliverables • Training of local work force in basic maintenances and repair of electrical appliances and service should be considered as a deliverable for 35 No Stakeholder Date of Thematic Area Level of Feedback/Recommendation meeting support contractors. By so doing, the local Liberian workforce will be learning by doing, coaching, teaching and mentoring. • selection of health facilities for the proposed project should be done in consultation with communities at the local level. • Need for GM through which concerns/complains will be channeled for redress 14. Superintendent of Grand Sept. 24, 2020 local • The Superintendent and local county Bassa governance/ officials of Grand Bassa County welcomed County direct project the proposed project and intimated that beneficiaries? there is huge need for electricity in The same Buchanan to run local government applies to the institutions and also boom the local other counties economy where the • fishery activities incur huge cost of storage for project will be preservation of sea foods implemented • The County Authority of Grand Bassa is poised to collaborate and give its support to make the project successful in areas of preventing power theft and carrying out community awareness 36 Annex 4: Issues Raised and Responses Provided in the Consultation Meetings with National Stakeholders Under LESSAP 2 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided 1. What is the precise goal of this The goal of the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP) project? Phase 2 is to increase access to electricity and improve the operational efficiency of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and also support the implementation of off- gid components that will be implemented by RREA. This project, funded by the World Bank, focuses on rehabilitating and expanding electricity infrastructure, enhancing distribution networks, and extending access to electricity. The second phase of LESSAP aims to further strengthen Liberia’s power sector and contribute to the country’s development and resilience. 2. Who are the Project The implementing agencies for the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and implementers? Access Project (LESSAP) Phase 2 are the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA). These organizations play a crucial role in executing the project, which aims to increase access to electricity and improve the operational efficiency of Liberia’s power sector. The second phase of LESSAP is funded by the World Bank and focuses on rehabilitating and expanding electricity infrastructure, enhancing distribution networks, and extending access to electricity 3. How are the Project To promote effective communication, collaboration, and information sharing among implementers going to stakeholders, the implementers will employ several strategies: promote and ensure adequate communication, collaboration • Stakeholder Engagement Workshops and Meetings: Regular workshops and and sharing of information meetings will be organized involving key stakeholders, including government among stakeholders agencies, local communities, and development partners. These gatherings will provide a platform for sharing project updates, addressing concerns, and fostering collaboration. • Communication Channels: Implementers will establish clear communication channels, such as newsletters, project websites, and social media platforms. These channels will disseminate project information, progress reports, and 37 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided relevant announcements to stakeholders. • Community Outreach: The project team will engage with local communities through awareness campaigns, town hall meetings, and community forums. This approach ensures that community members are informed about project activities and can actively participate in decision-making processes • Capacity Building: Implementers will enhance the capacity of LEC staff, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders in effective communication and collaboration. Training programs will focus on skills related to stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and information sharing. • Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations, such as non- governmental organizations (NGOs), development agencies, and private sector entities, will facilitate knowledge exchange and resource sharing. Partnerships can enhance the project’s impact and sustainability. • Feedback Mechanisms: Implementers will establish feedback mechanisms to receive input from stakeholders. Regular surveys, suggestion boxes, and online platforms will allow stakeholders to express their views, raise concerns, and provide feedback on project implementation. By adopting these strategies, LESSAP Phase 2 aims to create a supportive environment for all stakeholders involved in Liberia’s electricity sector. 4. Are there any studies The Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP) Phase 2 has conducted on potential undergone environmental and social assessments to evaluate its potential impacts environmental, social, health on local communities. Here are some relevant findings: and cultural impacts of the 1. Appraisal Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS): project on local communities? • The World Bank conducted an ESRS for LESSAP Phase 2, which includes an assessment of environmental and social aspects. While the ESRS does not provide detailed studies, it outlines the project’s objectives and context1. 38 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided 5. Does the Project have The proposed project incorporates sustainability considerations to ensure long-term sustainability plan? impact with emphasis on the followings: 1. Operational Sustainability: o LESSAP Phase 2 aims to improve the operational efficiency of LEC. By enhancing LEC’s capacity that will contribute to the sustainability of electricity services, thus, reducing losses, enhance revenue collection, and promote financial stability. 2. Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Expansion: o The project focuses on rehabilitating and expanding electricity infrastructure. Upgrading existing facilities and extending the distribution network enhance the reliability and longevity of the system to ensures sustained electricity supply to communities. 3. Community Engagement and Ownership: o It will engage local communities through awareness campaigns, workshops, and community forums that will fosters a sense of ownership and encourages responsible use of electricity. 4. Environmental Considerations: o While specific studies are not detailed in the provided documents, the project aims to minimize adverse environmental impacts, and Implementers will prioritize environmentally friendly practices during construction, operation, and maintenance. 5. Capacity Building and Training: o It will include capacity-building programs for LEC staff and relevant stakeholders to enhances skills related to project management, maintenance, and customer service to ensures sustained project outcomes. 6. Monitoring and Evaluation: 39 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided o Implementers will monitor project performance and assess its impact over time to help identify areas for improvement and ensure project sustainability. 6. What will be the roles and In the second phase of the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access support of the off-grid Project (LESSAP), there is a focus on supporting off-grid companies that will include companies during the the followings: implementation of the Project? ? 1. Off-Grid Support o During the project implementation, off-grid companies will play a crucial role in expanding energy access beyond the traditional grid. Their specific activities include: ▪ Solar Home Systems: These systems involve the installation of PV panels, inverters, and batteries in selected health facilities, education centers and individual households. ▪ Mini-Grids: Off-grid companies may establish stand-alone systems for households, public institutions, and communities in remote and dispersed areas of Liberia. ▪ They will contribute to the project’s success by providing innovative solutions for energy access in underserved areas. 7. What are the Project’s gender The project will mainstream gender through by integrating gender considerations mainstreaming guidelines? systematically throughout the project lifecycle wit focus on the following: 1. Understand the existing gender dynamics related to energy access, use, and decision-making. 2. Incorporate gender-responsive activities into project design and implementation. Examples include: o Promoting women’s participation: Ensure women’s involvement in decision-making processes related to energy. 40 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided o Addressing gender-specific needs: Design energy solutions that meet women’s practical requirements (e.g., clean cooking solutions). o Reducing gender-based violence: Consider safety concerns related to energy access. ▪ Supporting women-led microenterprises: Encourage income- generating activities in the energy sector. ▪ Capacity-building: Train project staff and partners on gender mainstreaming. 8. Will the proposed project be Politics is part of human nature which makes it difficult to divorce human activities void of political interferences? from political interferences. However, the project is a politically neutral project with the main objective to reduce poverty. Hence, the implementing agencies of the project will endeavor as much as possible to avoid or minimize political interference at all stages of the project, through clearly defined roles, guidelines and principles. 9. How will the project determine The Constitution of Liberia and other Liberian Laws provide the basis for fair and just appropriate compensation compensation for individual’s property(ies) affected by development project for mechanisms for individuals public use, such as the proposed project. Hence, in consultation with all relevant whose properties will be stakeholders, a just and transparent compensation mechanisms will be determined affected by the project? for affected properties. 10. What are your suggestions to Building on experiences from ongoing World Bank funded projects implemented in address the problem with Liberia (LIRENAP, LACEEP, and LACEEP-AF), we can safely say that the compensation involuntary resettlement? Do measures will be just, adequate and satisfactory. But in the case where there’s a you have previous experiences gap, measures will be taken to address them in the best interest of all parties. with it? 11. Is there any mechanism to Yes, the project will have Grievance Mechanisms (GMs) at various levels, and this mitigate misunderstanding and will include: Community, District, County and National levels. Each level of the GM will strive to satisfactorily address concerns or complaints related to the project 41 No Issue/Concern Raise Response (s) Provided address concerns amongst activities. Additionally, there will be pragmatic information dissemination project stakeholder? campaigns on both local and national media outlets to inform the public about the project activities. 12. What criteria did the project The five referenced counties are within the major economic corridors of Liberia and proponents use to select the they were selected given their proximity to the existing and planned electricity grid five counties as beneficiaries of of the country. The project approach is to first provide access to electricity to these the project (Margibi, Bomi, five counties which will indirectly boom economic development across other parts Cape Mount, Grand Bassa of the country. Subsequently, the electricity network will be expanded to reach Counties)? other counties in Liberia, based on the availability of additional funding. 14. What opportunities are there The proposed project, when approved, will create both direct and indirect job for youth and women opportunities but not everyone will be employed. Also, through the availability and empowerment? productive use of electricity, the project will empower local communities to sustainably manage and expand their business network, generate more revenues, and elevate themselves to higher standard of living. With the completion of the project, women who are generally affected by inhaling smoke causing respiratory problems from cooking with wood and charcoal will be safe, as more women will then use electricity for cooking. Additionally, contractors operating in the project communities will be encouraged to recruit local workforce, including the youth, whenever possible. 15. What is the Project plan on In accordance with the National Gender Policy of Liberia, the project will gender, does the Project have mainstream gender and where applicable, the project may develop a Gender Action specific gender policy/plan? Plan (GAP) to ensure that gender issues are adequately addressed throughout the project life cycle. 42 Annex 5: Specific Concerns and Recommendation provided by Participants during Stakeholder Engagement Meeting under LESSAP 2 NO. NAME INSTITUTION CONCERNS RAISED RESPONSE/LEC & RREA 1. Steven Payma Rural Renewable What are the plans to • The LEC has some private sector Energy Agency incorporate the private incorporated in the energy sector, as sector or actors into the evident in the Bong, Nimba, Fish Town, and energy sector? Pleebo corridors, as those connections are currently managed by private firms. An example is the Jungle Energy Power (JEP) operating in Nimba and Bong. 2. Albert Toukolon Ministry of Public • What are the • Consultants and contractors are currently Works challenges being recruited for the project, E&S encountered instruments have been compiled, and the during the engineering design has been reviewed and implementation approved. As construction work has not of LESSAP? yet begun, we are unable to say what • It is challenges will be faced in implementing recommended the project. that roles and • Recommendation is noted. responsibilities be allotted to key stakeholders for such engagement in order to have them in attendance. 3. Anthony N. Borlay Ministry of Gender • What strategy has • The project is non-discriminatory; the Children and Social been deployed to benefit of the project is cut across every Protection incorporate individual in the project corridor. marginalized • Recommendation is noted. groups in the project corridor? • It is recommended to recruit females on the project for capacity building as part of the project's beneficiaries. 4. Lily Olive Saab LEAP Network • What are the • There is always coordination and plans to work information dissemination with mini-grid with the mini-grid developers whenever the entity wants to developer when start operation in off-grid areas. LEC starts to • Capacity building under the project shall operate in off- benefit all implementing parteners. grid areas? • The level of success of the project can only • How does be described at the end of its capacity building implementation. tend to benefit all implementing partners of the project. • How do you describe your level of success in the implementation of the project. 5. Jocelia J. Taplah Ministry of Public Stakeholder engagement Recommendation Noted. Works should be a holistic approach that incorporates all government entities and partners. 6. Thomas M. Parker Ministry of Education Is there a plan to include The project is non-discriminatory, and its women beneficiaries beneficiaries are gender-balanced. under the project? 7. William B. Toe Ministry of Mines & Will electricity be Project materials and connections will be provided Energy affordable enough to on a free basis. Thus, project beneficiaries are serve the poor, as they responsible for purchasing their electricity as they have no source of can afford. income? 8. Desmond T. EPA What are the The environmental impacts are identified during Thompson Environmental Impacts the conduct of the environmental and social of the project? impacts assessment. After that study is conducted, the impacts of the project will be known. 9. Stanley Mccauley RREA Recommends the Recommendation Noted. establishment of an assest management policy that will serve as a guiding tool for safeguarding assests in the energy sector. Annex 6: Attendance of Consultation Meeting with National Stakeholders under LESSAP 2 Annex 7: Attendance of meetings with Government Ministries and Agencies under LESSAP 1 49 50 Annex 8: Attendance of meetings with Superintendents and Local County Officials under LESSAP 1 51 52 Annex9: Attendance of Meetings with Affected Communities in Montserrado County under LESSAP 1 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 Annex 10: photos of meetings under LESSAP 1 61 62 Annex 11: COVID-19 Safety and Health Protocol Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Liberia mandated safety and health measures that affected the way LESSAP-1 engaged with communities and other stakeholders to manage E&S risks. Since engagement is at the core of this Project’s Performance Standards, Key safety and hea lth protocols to consider for stakeholder engagement process to support communication and sharing of information included the following: • No more than 50 participants in the same space/venue during meetings. • Consider replacing face-to-face meetings with virtual meeting, if applicable. • Consider if the meetings can be scaled down so that fewer people can attend. • Hold meetings in open space or outside whenever possible. • Ensure temperature checks of participants before the start of meetings (anyone with a temperature above 37.5 must be repeated two (2) times for more accurate result. If reading still shows above 37.5 must not be allowed to attend the meeting and should seek medical 63 advice). • Ensure compulsory use of face mask by everyone during meeting. • Provide hand washing buckets during the meetings. • All participants must avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. • Ensure that every participant practices frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water while at the meeting. • Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the meetings, and ensure that participants practice good hygiene. • Ensure that anyone that appears unwell or who has COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath) does not attend the meetings. • Ensure that meeting site/venue is regularly cleaned and disinfected. • Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 1.5 meters distance between meeting participants. • Ensure continuous COVID-19 health and safety risk awareness. • Emergency healthcare provider number(s) must be displayed during meetings for any emergency case. • Collect and record daily attendance of everyone during meetings for contact tracing in event of suspected case. • Safeguard team members conducting meetings should wear gloves and face mask. In accordance with the above guidelines and national health protocols, community meetings were held with adherence to safety procedures. In most meetings, face masks were distributed to participants whereas in others social distancing was observed. Also Focus Group Discussion (FGD) meetings were held with community leaders (Youth Groups, Head of Women Organization, Zonal/Town Chief, etc.) between 10-25 participants, which was in keeping with COVID-19 prevention protocols. 64 Annex 12: Photos of Meetings with National Stakeholders under LESSAP 2 Presentation by REA Social Development Speciaist during the event The Event participants posed for picture LEC Environmental Specialist during Q&A session 65 Annex 13: Sample Complaints Form Name of Community/Hospital (Grievance Office): ___________________________________ Grievance Number: _____________ 1. Date grievance/complaint was brought How complain/grievance was brought? e. Other (Specify) 2. a. written b. oral c. through GRM focal point, d. phone calls directly to LEC 3. Name of complainant/aggrieved person 4. Phone no. of complainant 5. Community/Address of complainant 6. Gender of complainant/aggrieved person 1. Male 2. Female 7. ID of complainant/aggrieved person (PAP ID #) 8. Name of community representative present 9. Nature of Grievance/Complaint: e. Other (Specify): a. Unfair Compensation b. Disputed Ownership of Property c. Lack of Consultation d. Property Affected by Project Activities 10. Summary of Discussion: 11. Date of commencement of investigation 12. Was complainant present? 1. Yes 2. No 13. Was field verification of grievance/ complaint 1. Yes 2. No conducted? 66 14. Findings of field verification/complaint: 15. Summary of decision taken: 16. Was agreement reached? 1. Yes 2. No 17. If yes, please detail agreement: 18. If no, please detail disagreement: 19. Please state other issues raised, if any: 67 20. Signed: investigator (community leader/LEC/RREA) 21. Signed: complainant 22. Signed: independent observer (witness) 23. Date investigation was concluded Page 2 of 2 68