Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Government of the Republic of North Macedonia Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP), ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) January 2021 1|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Republic of North Macedonia Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Republic of North Macedonia through the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) as the main implementing agency is expected to implement a Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP). The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“the Bank�) has agreed to provide financial support for the realization of the LRCP project. 2. The LRCP project will include and support the following types of activities: upgrading of dirty roads/streets; reconstruction of the existing local roads/streets; rehabilitation of the existing local roads/streets; introducing road safety measures like pedestrian paths along one or both sides of the streets/local roads, electrification, drainage. Main aim of this project is to support implementation of the National Transport Strategy by construction of existing local dirty roads/streets and reconstruction/rehabilitation of the existing ones, improving their safety and mobility and reducing the accidents. The project will enhance the competitiveness and socio-economic development of the eighth planning regions in the country and increase the capacity of connection with the neighbouring countries and with the main populated areas in RNM. The MoTC is proposing allocation of additional funding of (37 million euros) by the World Bank for the implementation of the Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP). 3. The MoTC will implement measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). 4. Where the ESCP refers to specific plans or other documents, whether they have already been prepared or are to be developed, the ESCP requires compliance with all provisions of such plans or other documents. In particular, the ESCP requires compliance with the provisions set out in the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that has been developed for the Project, and the Labor Management Procedures (LMP), specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessment documents (Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and ESMP Checklists), Occupational, that will be developed for the Project. 5. The table below summarizes the measures and actions that are required as well as the timing of the material measures and actions. The Republic of North Macedonia is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by a Ministry, agency or unit referenced in paragraph 1 above, including the Project Implementation Unit (PIU). 6. Implementation of the measures and actions set out in this ESCP will be monitored and reported to the World Bank through the MoTC as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the Bank will monitor and assess progress and completion of the measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 7. As agreed by the Bank and the Government of North Macedonia, this ESCP may be revised from time to time during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of Project changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to the assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, the MoTC will agree to the changes with the participating municipalities and the World Bank and will update the ESCP to reflect such changes. Agreement on changes to the ESCP will be documented through the exchange of letters signed between the WB and the MoTC. The MoTC will promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 2|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts ESCP Monitoring and Reporting REGULAR REPORTING: Every six months during the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) within the Prepare and submit regular monitoring reports on the Project’s implementation in MoTC environmental, social, health and safety performance of conjunction with the Project’s the Project, including implementation of the ESCP, and progress reports, or more frequent Funding from the Project budget any E&S due diligence document prepared or to be depending on the Progress review prepared and implemented (ESMP or ESMP Checklist; findings depending of the type of the project) for the Project, in form and substance acceptable to WB. INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS NOTIFICATION: Any incident or accident shall be PIU Project Manager Notify within 24 hours of its occurance any incident or registered immediately and will be accident related to the project or that has an impact on reported to the Task Team Leader of Funding from the Project budget. it, and that has or could have a significant adverse effect the Bank within 24 hours on the environment, the affected communities, the public, or the workers included, for example, occupational accidents that could result in serious injury, minors, injuries, falls, vehicle accidents, larger spills of chemicals, oils, fuels, etc. The MoTC will provide report in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank not later than 15 calendar days after the occurrence of the incident. Report will provide sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken to address it and include any information provided by any Contractor/Subcontractor or supervising engineer. Incident and accidents reporting requirements will be 3|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts incorporated into the project implementation and procedures manuals. SUMMARY ASSESSMENT ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Establish an Environmental and Social Specialist MoTC organizational structure (PIU) with qualified staff to shall be hired before support management of environmental and social risks commencement of first works. In the Funding from MoTC budget of the Project. One Environment and Social Specialists is meantime, MoTC should have open required to be engaged as permanent stuff within the contract with the environmental and PIU. social consultant 1.2 SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENTS ESMF was prepared, discussed and PIU AND MANAGEMENT PLANS: disclosed prior to Project appraisal. Prepare, update, adopt, and implement, the ESMF should be implemented Funding from the Project budget Environmental and Social Management Framework. The throughout the project timeframe. ESMF guides preparation of environmental and social due diligence documents proportional to sub project risk and impact, specifically ESMP and ESMP Checklists. RPF will guide the potential land acquisition and the site- specific. RAP will be prepared if needed. SEP will be prepared as an tool for identification and engagement and solicit feedback by different stakeholders on project and sub-project level but as well 4|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts as to identify and manage social and environmental risks and impacts from the LRCP project and proposing appropriate mitigation measures for implementation during the project realization. 1.3 MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS: ESMPs and ESMP Checklists should Local Governments should prepare ESMP and Development of site - specific ESMPs and ESMP be prepared, disclosed prior to ESMP Checklists with the support of PIU ESS Checklist, as well as implementation of the following commencement of bidding process documents: for specific sub-project. ESMP and ESMP and ESMP Checklist should be implemented • Environmental and Social Management ESMP Checklist should be integral by contractor and supervising engineer. Framework (ESMF) part of bidding documents for the • Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) site-specific documents. The Framework documents and SEP should be • Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) framework documents are prepared implemented by PIU and respective municipalities during the preparation and advanced drafts are consulted Funding from Project funds, MoTC funds and before appraisal. municipal funds 1.4 MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS: Prior to the preparation of bidding PIU MoTC will develop and implement procedures for procurement documents. managing Contractors and subcontractors. Incorporate the obligation of prepared an Prior to signature of contracts Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) plan/Labor Management Procedures (LMP) into the contractual Implementation of the management agreements with contractors and subcontractors. tools and instruments required throughout Project implementation 5|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts Environmental and Social obligations will be included in all bidding documents including the contractual agreements. 1.5 PERMIT, CONSENTS AND AUTHORIZATIONS: Obtain or Before any commencement of works Municipality/Contractor assist in obtaining, as appropriate, the permits, or initiation of activities that require consents and authorizations that are applicable to the permits, consents and/or Project from relevant national authorities, pursuant to authorizations. applicable national laws. ▪ Decision for approval of the Elaborate EIA by the Throughout Project Implementation relevant Municipality; ▪ Approval for reconstruction/rehabilitation of the local road/street by the competent Authority; ▪ Approval for non-hazardous waste disposal at a specific location on the territory of the municipality. 1.4 REPORTING TO WB: MoTC will submit semiannual Semi-annual PIU (Project Manager, ESS) Environmental and social performance reports to the Throughout Project Implementation World Bank on ESMF/RPF implementation, and subsequent ESMPs and ESMP Checklists, and very important how the implementation of proposed environmental and social measures have been applied. 1.5. MAINTANANCE MANUAL: MoTC will prepare guidelines During implementation MoTC, on environmental best practices for road maintenance activities. Funding from Project Funds ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 6|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES: Develop Prior to performing work maintain and implement, throughout Project PIU implementation, labor management procedures LMP to be applied throughout consistent with national legislation and ESS2, and Project implementation Funding from the Project budget ensure they are available to Project workers and all sub- contractors engaged. The Labor management procedures (LMP) will address all issues identified in ESS2, including the applicable requirements regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity. 2.2 OHS MEASURES: Develop and implement occupational Contractual obligation Project Manager (PIU) health and safety measures (OHS), including emergency Maintained throughout Project Funding from project resources preparedness and response measures, project workers implementation training to heighten awareness of possible risks (PPE, OHS measures should be finalized first aid, firefighting equipment, etc.), injuries and to before commencement of works at mitigate impacts on local communities. any of the sites. LMP to be applied throughout Project implementation 2.3 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS: Mechanism is operational one Project Manager (PIU) Develop and maintain a grievance mechanism for any month after the effectiveness of the Project-related labor and employment matters, easily project and information about it is Funding from project resources and contractor accessible and promptly disclosed to Project workers, in disseminated to project workers and budget line with ESS2 and labor laws in North Macedonia. The it should be maintained throughout grievance mechanism could be used as well by the local the whole period of Project implementation. 7|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts community in order to raise their concerns from project implementation in their vicinity. Mechanism is available throughout duration of contract ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 MANAGEMENT OF WASTE AND HAZARDOUS Contractual obligation PIU will obligate contractors to develop and MATERIALS: The Contractor will develop and Maintained throughout Project implement Contractor’s Waste Management implement measures and actions defined in implementation Plans as well as to implement Employer’s ESMPs. Contractor’s Waste Management Plan where all waste Before commencement of works at sources should be described, temporary storage of all any of the sites. Contractors will develop Waste Management streams separated before and final disposal. All waste Plans satisfactory to the Employer and implement streams that will be generated on spot should be scope them, along with all requirements set forth in the of the Plan (inert waste, non-hazardous and eventually Employer’s ESMPs, throughout contract life. hazardous waste). Contractor also should implement all measures prescribed within the ESMP or ESMP Checklist regarding the management of waste and hazardous materials. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: The Contractor will Contractual obligation PIU will obligate contractors to develop and Develop and implement measures and actions in Maintained throughout Project implement site-specific measures for ensuring Community Plan to manage risks related to Community implementation. community health and safety. Health and Safety including traffic and road safety risks Before commencement of works at and risks related to the use of security personnel. any of the sites Contractors will develop measures for community Throughout project implementation health and safety, satisfactory of the Employer, and implement them thought contract life. 8|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN: As part of its bid the During second year of successful Contractor is required to submit a implementation preliminary TMP, which will ultimately form part of the ESMP. Before work commencement updated TMP will be submitted to ESS. 4.2 CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS: During civil works PIU will obligate contractors to undertake Conduct training for the community designed to community awareness-raising of the planned heighten awareness of risks and to mitigate impacts Throughout project implementation works. specified in this section were civil works will be implemented. Contractors will conduct community awareness- This will be conducted as part of the Stakeholder raising. Engagement Plan ESS 5: Land Acquisition , Restriction on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement 5.1 RESETTLEMENT PLANS: Prepare, adopt, and implement RPF already prepared. PIU, Municipalities resettlement plans (RAPs) in accordance with ESS 5 and RAPs to be prepared immediately consistent with the requirements of the Resettlement Policy once the sub-project designs are Framework (RPF) that has been prepared for the Project, and ready. To be implemented and thereafter adopt and implement the respective RAPs before completed before the carrying out the associated activities, in a manner acceptable to the Bank commencement of the sub-project works. Throughout Project Implementation ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 IMPACT ON CRITICAL AND NATURAL HABITATS: If sub During the sub project selection and PIU ESS projects will take place in protected area, opinion / preparation of Environmental and advice will be sought from MoEPP whether the sub Social management Plan. Funding from municipal and project funds project will impact critical habitats. In addition, all 9|Page Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts respective ESMP will include discussion on natural and critical habitats risks and impacts. 6.2 BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS: Prior any commencement of works PIU will obligate contractors to implement Contractors will be required to follow the and maintained measures for mitigating biodiversity impacts by recommendations for maximum biodiversity throughout construction. adhering to Employer’s ESMPs. conservation in the immediate vicinity of the project site and avoid occupying larger areas for carrying out Throughout project implementation Contractors will comply with the requirements of construction activities as required by the ESMPs or Employer’s ESMPs. ESMP Checklist (depending of the type of the project activities). Training will be organized for contractors. ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 CHANCE FINDS: Chance find procedures will be part of Prior any commencement of works PIU will include change find procedures into all contracts involving any works under the project. and maintained construction contracts and enforce them. throughout construction. Throughout Project Implementation Contractors will comply with change find procedures. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 SEP PREPARATION: Prepare and disclose the Completes not later than Project Project Preparation Team and PIU Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). appraisal Funding from the Project budget 10.2 SEP IMPLEMENTATION: Implement the SEP. The SEP During Project preparation, at PIU may be amended and updated (and redisclosed) as commencement and throughout needed during Project implementation. Project life cycle Funding from the Project budget 10 | P a g e Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts 10.3 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: Have in place before the PIU (Project Manager) effectivness of the project Develop and implement a grievance mechanism for the Maintenance throughout project Funding from the Project budget entire Project. implementation. Maintenance of The SEP includes a commitment to communicate to grievance database. Report the stakeholders the establishment of the grievance summary of grievances annually mechanism to ensure that affected stakeholders are aware of its existence and familiar with the process for submitting grievances to such grievance mechanism. CS: Capacity Building and Training CS1 MoTC should hire full time Environmental and Social Environmental and Social Specialist MoTC Specialist (ESS) to PIU. should be hired before commencement of first works. In Funding from MoTC budget the meantime, MoTC should use services of external environmental and social consultant CS2 Relevant Municipal Staff and Ministry Staff training on: Throughout Project PIU ESS - SEP Implementation, at minimum once - RAP preparation and implementation a year. Funding from the Project budget - ESMP and ESMP Checklist preparation and The trainings for municipalities oversight should be organized during - LMP oversight preparation of environmental and - And other topics as relevant social due diligence documents such as ESMPs, Checklists and RAPs. 11 | P a g e Local Roads Connectivity Project for Republic of North Macedonia ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – October 2019 Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN October 2019 Summary of the Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Timeframe Responsibility / Authority and Project’s Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Resources/Funding Committed Impacts C3 Training for the contractors on implementation of Throughout of the project PIU ESS environmental and social due diligence documents implementation, before commencement of works Funding from the Project budget 12 | P a g e