The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) Concept Environmental and Social Review Summary Concept Stage (ESRS Concept Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 09/20/2023 | Report No: ESRSC03636 Sep 20, 2023 Page 1 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) I. BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Country Region Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Western and Central WESTERN AND CENTRAL P179770 Africa AFRICA Project Name Southern Niger Connectivity And Integration Project Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Transport Investment Project 5/9/2024 7/1/2024 Financing Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Proposed Development Objective The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve transport connectivity and logistics services along the NNC in Public Disclosure Niger to support agricultural value chains and trade within the NNC basin. Financing (in USD Million) Amount Total Project Cost 600.00 B. Is the project being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project Activities The proposed project is being processed as a Series of Projects (SOP). This approach will allow for a programmatic- phased engagement according to the country’s needs, program readiness and availability of resources. This approach will also contribute to lower the interdependency between projects at implementation, hence the associated corollary risks. The first phase comprises two SOPs that we will be prepared and delivered in parallel, in Chad and Niger. Finally, the SOP approach will allow the participation of potential additional countries in the future such as Nigeria and expansion to other sectors. The proposed overarching development objective for the NNC Basin of Integration Program is the following: to improve regional integration and socioeconomic and climate resilience of communities in the NNC Basin. Sep 20, 2023 Page 2 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1 Overview of Environmental and Social Project Settings The Niamey-Ndjamena Corridor (NNC), which connects Niamey to Ndjamena crosses through southern Niger and the northern area of Lake Chad is a strategic backbone for both countries. It hosts an estimated population of 22 million inhabitants who are primarily involved in agriculture and fisheries activities. The main corridor of Niger, the National Road 1 (RN1), serves as the main artery for about 70 percent of the population in this region (18.5 million in 2020), connecting the border of Mali with the border of Chad. This corridor plays an important role for agriculture and intra- regional trade. Similar to the Chad project, the project would finance the rehabilitation of priority road sections (an expected 640 km) on the RN1 section, secondary roads and rural roads that connect the adjacent rural areas to the RN1, which are inaccessible during the rainy season and are highly vulnerable to climate change. The proposed sections are: Dosso – Dogondoutchi; Guidan Roumdji – Tchadoua; Guidimouni – Gouré; Djadjiri – Diffa and Diffa. In addition, the proposed project would finance the development of transport and logistics services along the corridor to support priority agricultural value chains and to increase sub-regional trade (particularly with Chad and Nigeria). The NNC, including the proposed locations that this project would target, is characterized by persistent and widespread fragility and insecurity. The NNC cuts across areas with high security threats which have led to humanitarian crisis, and contain 255,526 refugees and 361,593 IDPs according to the United Nations Agency for Refugees (UNHCR) as of February 28, 2023. Lack of decent community infrastructure such as roads, schools and health centers are part of the root causes of conflict in these regions and the influx of IDPs and refugees has put additional pressure on the host communities. The region crossed by the NNC is also facing a climate change crisis that directly impacts livelihoods, Public Disclosure food security and fragility. D.2 Overview of Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Managing Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts It is expected that the project will be co-managed by the two main line ministries, namely the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Equipment. These ministries have some experience in the implementation of regional and national projects financed by the World Bank including the Enhancing Niger Northeastern Connectivity (P171793), Rural Mobility and Connectivity Project (P164498) andLome-Ouagadougou-Niamey Economic Corridor (P168386). The overall environmental and social risk management performance of these projects has been satisfactory so far, although some weaknesses have been noted, particularly with regard to local monitoring and supervision in remote areas. Based on overall prior experience with transport projects in the country, national capacity to prepare and properly implement safeguard instruments has been challenging, with particular capacity constraints regarding community health and safety aspects (i.e. including labor management procedures, insecurity, SEA/SH risks and incidence monitoring, reporting and follow-ups) and operationalizing the Grievance Mechanism (GM). Niger's legislative framework includes an environmental code and a law on environmental assessments that guarantees the integration of environmental and social considerations at the level of projects and programs. At the institutional level, the National Environmental Assessment Office (BNEE) in the Ministry of the Environment and Fisheries, ensures that the environmental and social dimensions are taken into account at all stages, from preparation to implementation. At the sectoral level, the Ministry of Equipment, which is expected to co-supervise the project, also has an environmental unit for the monitoring and supervision of projects in the sector. However, the country's legislative framework and the capacity of these structures remain limited and strengthening is necessary for greater effectiveness. Financing for Sep 20, 2023 Page 3 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) activities intended to address some of these gaps will be provided under Component 3 - Project Management and Monitoring. Further E&S capacity assessments will be conducted during preparation, and corrective measures, including a timeline, will be proposed and implemented in terms of personnel reinforcement and training. These activities will also be reflected in the ESCP. II. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) High A.1 Environmental Risk Rating High Environmental risk is assessed as High at PCN. This is due to multiple risks associated with the planned activities under Component 1 – Improvement of Infrastructure along the NNC and its feeder roads where the project will rehabilitate priority road sections on the RN1, secondary roads and rural roads that connect the adjacent rural areas to the RN1. Most of these roads are currently in bad repair and are inaccessible during the rainy season. The road rehabilitation will enhance access to areas with high agricultural and commercial potential and connect Niger to Chad and Nigeria and make these roads sections more climate resilient. However, the planned civil works are also likely to generate some limited adverse environmental risks and impacts. Potential risks and impacts that have been identified so far relate to: (i) Resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management (sourcing of raw materials for civil works, water and energy use, GHG emissions, dust, noise, potential contamination of water sources due to spills and run-off of petroleum products, infiltration into storage areas and improper disposal of fuels; (ii) occupational and community Public Disclosure health and safety; (iii) potential loss of vegetation and biodiversity during civil works and preparation of sites, quarries areas for materials and higher demand of fuelwood by workers; and (iv) potential impact of civil works and excavations on cultural heritage. A.2 Social Risk Rating High The social risk has been determined to be High at PCN. Niger faces a range of significant social challenges, including access to land for women, high population mobility (refugees and internal displaced people), high levels of poverty and illiteracy, especially in rural areas and high risks for child labor. In addition, the security situation in Niger is challenging and has been adversely affected by the activities of violent extremist groups, criminality and illicit trafficking. Given that this project will be implemented in some of these conflict affected areas and areas with high numbers of forcibly displaced where it will be difficult to monitor implementation, the most significant social risks foreseen are related to the adequate management of the involuntary resettlement process. Land acquisition is expected to be limited given that there is an existing road platform but it is likely that there will be some negative impacts on private property including crops and small businesses; all efforts will be made to avoid these impacts. As indicated above, the NNC, including the parts that this project would target, cuts across areas with high security threats which have led to humanitarian crisis. The corridor is also a major transportation route for long haul trucking as it connects the border of Mali with the border of Chad and improving these roads may increase the risks of road related accidents, SEA/SH risks and threats to the local communities and access to rural areas in general. The situation is compounded by the fact that implementation support by the Bank to ensure compliance is likely to be restricted by insecurity along the road, especially in the Diffa region and other areas close to the Chadian border. Alternatives including local community based monitoring, satellite imagery and an active GRM implemented by a local NGO will be further explored during preparation and integrated into the final project design and implementation plan. Sep 20, 2023 Page 4 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) B. RELEVANCE OF STANDARDS AND POLICIES AT CONCEPT STAGE B.1 Relevance of Environmental and Social Standards ESS1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts The proposed project is expected to generate positive environmental and social impacts by improving transport connectivity and logistics services along the NNC in Niger to support agricultural value chains and intra-regional trade (including a focus on vulnerable populations, refugees and IDPs). Some road sections have already been identified under Component 1 and for these sections, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will be prepared during project preparation (confirmation of these sections will, however, also be based on E+S assessments and security risk analysis undertaken during preparation). For the sections which have not yet been clearly identified under Component 1 and for the activities under Component 2, an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) will be prepared during project preparation. The various E&S assessments and security risk analysis will provide valuable inputs for the selection of the various road sections that this project would finance. Relevant “chance find” procedures will be included in the ESMF. As part of the environmental and social assessment, a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will also be prepared, consulted upon and disclosed prior to Appraisal. The project will apply the relevant requirements of the Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSGs) for civil works and rehabilitation of infrastructure. The Borrower will monitor the environmental and social performances in accordance with the legal agreement. All other relevant actions related to this ESS will be captured in the ESCP. The project will Public Disclosure also have a Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC). The Project’s ESMF will contain in an annex a CERC section, that includes the CERC triggers and a positive list of activities that are eligible. Areas where “Use of Borrower Framework” is being considered: The project will not use the Borrower’s E&S Framework but will be consistent with relevant national legal requirements. ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will be prepared, validated and disclosed prior to Appraisal. It will clearly describe the key stakeholders and establish an accessible and transparent strategy for ongoing information sharing and communication especially in the challenging FCV context. The SEP will also include the principles for the establishment of an accessible, transparent and confidential grievance redress mechanism (GRM) for the project. Conflict sensitive approaches that might include hiring a local NGO to undertake the communication campaign, alternatives to community consultation that will protect local communities such as phone surveys etc and strong collaboration with local authorities will all be considered, explored and potentially incorporated into the project design and implementation plan. ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions Sep 20, 2023 Page 5 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) The project is likely to include direct workers and contract workers. A Labor Management Procedure (LMP) that specifies the terms and conditions of employment, non-discrimination and equal opportunities, workers' organizations, measures against child and forced labor, grievance redress mechanism for labor disputes, occupational safety and health measures for the workers (direct and contract) and provisions to prevent and manage SEA/SH will be prepared prior to project approval based on a version that has already been approved for another project. To ensure the health and safety of workers during the construction and operational phases of the project, the Borrower will develop and implement a Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) plan consistent with World Bank Group's Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG) for construction activities. The plan will include procedures for incident investigation and reporting, recording and reporting of any non-compliance, emergency preparedness and response procedures and continuous training and awareness to workers that will be proportionate with the project scope. The Borrower will ensure that the ESS2 requirements are incorporated into: (a) the contracts between the Borrower and the Contractor and any entity supervising the Project’s civil works; and (b) the contracts between the Contractor and any Contractors’ subcontractors. All workers will be required to sign a Code of Conduct that will be enforced by the supervising entities. These elements will be clearly outlined in the ESMF, C-ESMP and the ESCP. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management The rehabilitation of the road section will likely impact Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management due to the consumption of energy, water and raw material. As part of the ESIA, the Borrower will identify relevant measures for improving the efficient consumption of energy, water and raw materials, as well as other resources. It is anticipated that emissions will be generated by construction vehicles and dust will be generated Public Disclosure by digging activities during project implementation/construction. Those most likely to be affected are workers and people living within the proximity of construction/rehabilitation sites. The implementation of mitigation measures such as dust suppression and vehicle maintenance will be incorporated into the contractor's ESMP. Noise may be generated from the use of construction machinery and vehicle movements. The relatively short-term and nature of the works suggest that noise levels will not be excessive or cause long-term nuisances. The construction works will however, present short-term nuisance to the neighbors to some of the project sites. The Environmental and Social Management instruments to be prepared will include mitigation measures to minimize and manage the noise levels such by applying standard restrictions to hours of site work where appropriate. Construction/ rehabilitation activities will generate solid waste which will primarily include excavated soil and solid wastes. The waste generated by the construction/rehabilitation works will largely be disposed of at approved sites according with national laws and regulations. In addition to applying the resource efficiency requirements of this ESS, the Borrower will adopt measures specified in the EHSGs and other GIIP to support efficient use of raw materials, to the extent technically and financially feasible. ESS4 Community Health and Safety The Project will finance: (a) the rehabilitation of an estimated 640 km on the RN1 section, secondary roads and rural roads that connect the adjacent rural areas to the RN1; and (b) the development of transport and logistics services along the corridor to support priority agricultural value chains and to increase sub-regional trade, particularly with Chad and Nigeria (activities will for example include electric two- and three-wheelers and financing of markets, storage, and distribution centers). The influx of workers into a project area (this will be confirmed during preparation Sep 20, 2023 Page 6 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) of the project) can lead to adverse social impacts, such as SEA/SH, sexually transmitted and communicable diseases, especially in rural areas and in a region with complex compounded challenges. An ESIA will be undertaken for the identified locations under Component 1 to provide some critical background information. The ESMPs will also include labor related clauses and ensuring compliance will be the responsibility of the contractors. As SEA/SH risks are rated as High for the project (see the above), an SEA/SH risk assessment will be conducted during the project preparation as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). An SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan will be prepared with mitigation measures based on the plan of another project. These measures may include (will be confirmed during project preparation): i) a code of conduct (CoC) outlining prohibited SEA/SH behaviors and applicable sanctions; ii) accountability and response framework within the project's Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) with specific procedures to manage SEA/SH complaints safely and confidentially, including a referral protocol to ensure the timely referral of survivors to a holistic package of GBV support services; iii) regular trainings for workers; iv) regular consultations with women and girls conducted in safe places in small, separate groups led by a woman animator; and v) awareness raising activities to inform communities about GBV risks, prohibited behaviors within CoC and reporting procedures for SEA/SH incidents. Regarding security risks, a detailed Security Risk Analysis (SRA) will be undertaken during preparation to provide more information regarding the security context and whether any mitigation measures can be incorporated into the project design and/or alternatives to direct supervision during implementation could be adopted. A Security Risk Management Plan (SRM) will be prepared by the Borrower. The contractor’s ESMP will also include the security plan for the project sites. ESS5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Public Disclosure Land acquisition is expected to be limited given that there is an existing road platform but it is likely that there will be some negative impacts on private property including crops and small businesses. While all efforts will be made to minimize the impacts, a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will be prepared for the road sections that have already been identified under Component 1. The ToRS for the RAP will be submitted to the Bank for clearance. The RAP will identify any permanent and temporary impacts as well as any negative impacts on livelihoods. For impacts relating to the activities to be financed under Component 2, an RPF (which may be updated from another Transport project) will be used to provide guidance for screening and addressing impacts related to the small economic support infrastructure that will be financed (e.g., markets, storage and distribution centers). Given the high level of insecurity in the project area, the Bank team will also explore with the Borrower whether elements of conflict sensitive design such as reducing the right of way or avoiding/protecting any sacred sites could be integrated in order to reduce these impacts. In addition, during preparation, the Bank team will also explore alternative ways to supervise the implementation of the RAP process with the Borrower given that travel to the project sites might be restricted. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources The proposed activities (construction and rehabilitation) could involve potential loss of vegetation and biodiversity during civil works and site preparation, quarrying areas for materials and increased demand for firewood by workers. Impacts or damage on biodiversity or other resources, will be assessed before the start of the works and relevant instruments such as a Biodiversity management Plan (BMP) will be prepared as needed. This assessment should consider real threats to biodiversity, for example, habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, overexploitation, Sep 20, 2023 Page 7 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) uprooting of trees and cutting of shrubs, hydrological changes, pollution and incidental take, as well as projected climate change impacts. It will determine the significance of biodiversity or habitats based on their vulnerability and/ or sensibility at local or national levels and will also take into account the differing values attached to biodiversity and habitats by project-affected parties and other interested parties. ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities This standard is not considered relevant as there are no Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities currently identified in the project area. Should the presence of indigenous communities be confirmed through further screening during implementation, the necessary assessments, consultations and instruments will be undertaken per the requirements of this standard. ESS8 Cultural Heritage While the project will mostly finance rehabilitation of existing road platforms and therefore the need for new construction will be minimal, the ESIA will confirm, through consultation with the communities and national heritage institution, whether there is any tangible or intangible cultural heritage in project areas. Based on these consultations, mitigation measures to protect this cultural heritage will be reflected in the ESMF. Site specific ESIAs for the road sections that have not yet been identified will also include an assessment of the potential existence of cultural heritage. These mitigation measures will also be reflected in the contracts for the contractors. If needed, Public Disclosure training will be also be provided to them. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries This standard is not considered relevant at PCN. The project will not use a financial intermediary. C. Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas No III. World Bank Environmental and Social Due Diligence A. Use of Common Approach No Financing Partners Not applicable. Sep 20, 2023 Page 8 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) B. Proposed Measures, Actions and Timing (Borrower’s commitments) Actions to be completed prior to Bank Board Approval: Instruments to be elaborated by the Borrower by project Appraisal: - Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for each section identified under Component 1; - Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the sections not yet clearly identified under Component 1 and for the activities under Component 2 - Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the sections that are already identified under Component 1 - Update existing Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) for the sections not yet clearly identified under Component 1 and for the activities under Component 2 - Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) - Draft of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) - Labor Management Procedure (LMP) based on another project’s recent instrument - SEA/SH Action Plan included in ESMF - Security Risk Assessment (SRA) and Security Risk Management Plan (SMP) Possible issues to be addressed in the Borrower Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP): - PIU composition. structure and timeline - Preparation of ESIAs/RAPs (for the activities that are not yet defined and where framework documents are prepared, accordingly) - Operationalization of GRMs Public Disclosure - CERC requirements C. Timing Tentative target date for preparing the Appraisal Stage ESRS 13-Oct-2023 IV. CONTACT POINTS World Bank Task Team Leader: Anne Cecile Sophie Souhaid Title: Lead Transport Specialist Email: asouhaid@worldbank.org V. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Sep 20, 2023 Page 9 of 10 The World Bank Southern Niger Connectivity and Integration Project (P179770) The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects VI. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Guillermo Diaz Fanas, Anne Cecile Sophie Souhaid Practice Manager (ENR/Social) Pia Peeters Recommended on 27-Jun-2023 at 16:18:3 EDT Safeguards Advisor ESSA Nathalie S. Munzberg (SAESSA) Cleared on 20-Sep-2023 at 08:22:8 EDT Public Disclosure Sep 20, 2023 Page 10 of 10