Ministry of ICT and Innovation RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) Negotiated version 19 October 2021 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 1 Revision Control Revision: Para /Sect Change Description The above section must be fully completed at each revision upon document approval. It should provide details on pages revised, date of the revision and paragraph with clear indication approval of known authority. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 2 CLIENT: REPUBLIC OF RWANDA/ MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES: RWANDA INFORMATION SOCIETY AUTHORITY AND DEVELOPMENT BANKOF RWANDA ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Republic of Rwanda will implement Rwanda Digital acceleration project (P173373), herein referred to as Project, through Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) and Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). The International Development Association (IDA) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), have agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Republic of Rwanda shall implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out material measures and actions, any specific documents or plans, as well as the timing for each of these. 3. The Republic of Rwanda shall also comply with the provisions of any other E&S documents required under the ESF and referred to in this ESCP, such as Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Labor Management Plan (LMP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and the timelines specified in those E&S documents. 4. The Republic of Rwanda is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by RISA or another entity, such as its contractors and sub-Contractors. 5. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP shall be monitored and reported to the WB by the Government as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the WB will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 6. As agreed by the WB and the Government, 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 assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, RISA or its delegate(s), on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, will agree to the changes with IDA and AIIB, 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 IDA and RISA or its delegate(s), on behalf of the Government of Rwanda. The RISA or its delegate(s) will promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 7. Where Project changes, unforeseen circumstances, or Project performance result in changes to the risks and impacts during Project implementation, the Government of Rwanda shall provide additional funds, if needed, to implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts, which may include environmental, health, and safety concerns or labor influx and gender-based violence incidents. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 3 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENTS Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources MONITORING AND REPORTING 1 Regular Reporting: Quarterly, throughout Project implementation RISA Prepare and submit regular monitoring reports to the WB on the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including but not limited to the implementation of the ESCP, status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). 2 Incidents and Accidents: Notify the WB within 24 hours of becoming RISA Promptly notify the WB of any incident or accident related to the Project which aware of the incident or accident has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers including fatalities or impact on A detailed report on such incidents or accidents physical and cultural resources. Provide sufficient details regarding the incident or shall be provided to the WB within a timeframe accident, indicating immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to acceptable to WB. address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. A report of the incident shall be submitted, detailing summary findings of the Root Cause Analysis (RCA). An incident register shall be maintained at all work sites, throughout the duration of the project. 3 Contractors Monthly reports: Monthly, within reports due to the WB within 5 RISA All contractors shall be required to provide monthly monitoring reports on ESMP, days of receipt from contractors labor management procedure, occupational health and safety and GRM implementation. These reports shall be submitted by the contractors to RISA and by RISA to the WB. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 Organizational structure: Recruit one additional social specialist at RISA RISA Establish and maintain an organizational structure with qualified staff and not later than two months after project resources to support the management of E&S risks including one environmental effectiveness specialist and one social specialist. Among other responsibilities, this team will spearhead environmental, health, social, security and safety risk management in The organizational structure, will be maintained the Project. throughout Project implementation. 1.2 Environment and Social Management Framework(ESMF): Prior to Project approval RISA Prepare, disclose and implement an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) consistent with ESS1. 1.3 Environmental and Social Assessment: The assessment will be conducted prior to RISA RISA shall conduct and implement the Environmental and Social Impact commencement of project activities and the Assessment (ESIAs) and ESMPs for subprojects in accordance with the Project ESMP contained in it will be implemented ESMF, the ESSs and in a manner acceptable to the WB and the Rwanda throughout the Project lifespan. Development Board (RDB). ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 4 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources 1.4 Management tools and instruments: ESMP and ESIA shall be submitted to the WB RISA Screen Project components and activities for E&S risks and impacts in for approval before launching the bidding accordance with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), process for the respective Project component. Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and Labour Management Procedures(LMP) prepared for the Project, and, site specific Once prepared, tools and instruments apply instruments such as Environmental and Social impact Assessments/ throughout Project implementation. Management plans (ESIAs/ ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), Labor Management Plans (LMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), will be prepared, and implemented in compliance with the requirements of the applicable Environmental and Social Standards. 1.5 Management of Contractors: Prior to the preparation of procurement RISA Incorporate the relevant aspects of the ESCP, including the relevant E&S documents. documents and/or plans, and the Labor Management Procedures, into the ESHS specifications (including GBV code of conduct) of the procurement documents Contractors shall then be supervised with contractors and sub-contractors. Thereafter ensure that the contractors and throughout Project implementation. sub-contractors—including contracted workers, community workers and primary supply workers, as appropriate—comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts and sub-contracts. C-ESMP in place prior to commencement of Project works. Contractors All contractors and sub-contractors shall be required to prepare and submit to the project Implementation Unit for approval and subsequently implement the approved Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMPs). 1.6 Permits, Approvals and Authorizations: Permits, approval and authorization shall be RISA, RDB, RTDA The Project design shall avoid traversing ecological sensitive ecosystems acquired prior to Project commencement in RURA, and National parks, Forests reserves, Parks, Protected wetlands, and buffer zone affected areas. relevant Districts around water bodies. The project shall endeavor to utilize mainly road reserve for fiber optic cables and construction of antennae masts or towers. These permits Monitor compliance with this obligation shall include but not be limited to the following: throughout Project implementation. Right of Way authorization from Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) and relevant Districts shall be obtained prior to commencement of Project implementation works. Environment and Social Impact assessment certificate from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Permits to transport and manage hazardous waste like E-waste from Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA). ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 5 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources 1.7 Environmental and Social Monitoring: Annually, quarterly RISA RISA is responsible to monitor and report on implementation of the ESCP and Monitoring report will be sent as part of the project Implementation Progress report If needed, and in consultation with the WB, RISA will hire an independent E&S Mid-term review, Six months prior project Consultant to conduct midterm and final project E&S performance and compliance closure audits ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 Labour Management Procedures: Prepare the LMP prior to project Board RISA Prepare, disclose, and implement the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) approval, Incorporation of relevant provisions of consistently with the requirements of ESS2 Labor management procedures and Activities to be implemented by Implementing Entities will be implemented in line incorporation of GBV risk mitigation measures with the requirements of ESS2 into the bidding documents and maintained throughout Project implementation Workers employed/contracted by Private Companies will apply own policies provided they are consistent with ESS2. These policies shall be assessed for their Constitute a worker’s GRM prior to consistency with ESS2 and adequacy with the Project Labor Management commencement of project works Procedures and national Labor laws prior to entering implementation contract or agreements. Project Consultants/contracted/sub-contracted staff (contracted workers, community workers and primary supply workers) will be managed in accordance with Contract terms and conditions provided they are consistent with ESS2. Contract terms and conditions shall be assessed for their compliance with the Project labor management procedures and ESS2. The Project shall establish a workers’ GRM, including with elected workers’ representatives. Overall Project labor management procedures will be integrated in the Project Implementation Manual. 2.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism for Project workers: Grievance mechanism shall be operationalized RISA Establish, maintain, and operate a grievance mechanism, as described in the prior to engaging Project workers and Labour management procedures and consistent with ESS2 and Rwanda Labour maintained throughout Project implementation. law 2.3 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Measures: Contractor’s OHS Measures in place as part of RISA Prepare, adopt, and implement occupational, health and safety (OHS) measures the C-ESMP before commencement of Works specified in the ESMP. and enforced throughout Project implementation 2.4 Emergency Preparedness and Response: Prior to commencement of construction and RISA As part of the OHS measures specified in 2.3, include measures on emergency maintained throughout Project implementation. response and preparedness and ensure coordination with measures under 4.5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 6 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 Management of waste and hazardous material: Not later than six months from project RISA Establish working agreement with the E-waste Treatment Plant and recycling effectiveness established by government and managed by Enviroserve Rwanda Green Park (ERGP). The agreement shall focus on supporting the E-waste through collection centers under establishment in every district for transport and treatment in alignment with national E-waste guidelines and requirements of E&S documents and ESS3. 3.2 Resource Efficiency and pollution prevention and management: Prior to signing contractor contracts and RISA Resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management measures shall be maintained throughout Project implementation covered under the ESMP prepared under 1.3. Further, all contractor contracts shall include requirements for proper disposal of all liquid and solid waste (including plastic trash) and construction waste, sanitation management, including management of any associated dust emission, and management of potential pollution of water sources, soil, noise impacts during construction and operation. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 Traffic and Road Safety: Measures to be included in the Project ESMP RISA Adopt and implement measures and actions to assess and manage traffic and and C-ESMPs prior to the commencement of road safety risks in the ESMPs to be developed under action 1.3 and in the site- the Project works and implemented throughout specific traffic management plans (to be prepared as part of the C-ESMP) Project implementation especially for fiber optic installation. 4.2 Community Health and Safety: General requirements shall be included in the Prepare and implement measures and actions in the ESMPs prepared in ESMF and implemented throughout Project RISA accordance with the ESMF, in a manner acceptable to WB, to assess and manage implementation specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Project activities including, potential misconduct by Project workers, risks of labor influx, response to emergency situations 4.3 Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Prior to launching calls for bids, and shall be RISA Risks: implemented throughout Project Prepare and implement GBV action plan, as part of ESMPs in line with the Good implementation Practice note on Gender Based Violence in a manner acceptable to the WB. This ESMP including GBV action Plan will be adapted in the Constructors CESMP, put in the bidding documents, budgeted and implemented 4.4 GBV and SEA Risks during project implementation: Throughout Project implementation RISA The GBV Risk mitigation measures shall be operationalized, including updating the SEP, prior to launching calls for bids, and shall be implemented throughout Project implementation 4.5 Security Personnel: Before involvement of public or private security RISA Before any public or private security personnel becomes involved in the Project personnel. implementation, prepare a Security Management Plan consistent with ESS4 and acceptable to the WB. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 7 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources 4.6 Emergency Preparedness and response: Prior to commencement of Project works and RISA Develop and implement measures as part of ESMPs to address emergency maintained throughout Project implementation. events and ensure consistency with measures under 2.4 4.7 Community Sensitization: Prior and throughout Project implementation RISA, RURA, Raise public awareness of the Project, the risks involved, especially on E-waste ERGPREMA collection, transport, and disposal and recycling, and the Project risk management plan through stakeholder engagements, public hearings, radio talk shows and community meetings in accordance with ESS4 and ESS10. ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1. Resettlement Policy Framework: Prior to the WB approval of the Project. The RISA Prepare and implement the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), consistent RPF will be implemented throughout Project. with ESS5 and in a manner acceptable to the WB. 5.2 Resettlement Plans: The required RAPs shall be submitted for the RISA Before carrying out activities that involve land acquisition and resettlement, WB approval prior to commencing Project prepare, adopt, and implement resettlement action plans (RAPs) in accordance activities that involve land acquisition and with ESS5 and consistent with the requirements of the Resettlement Policy resettlement. Framework (RPF) that has been prepared for the Project. Thereafter adopt and implement the respective RAPs, in a manner acceptable to the WB. 5.3. Monitoring and Reporting: As necessary, prior to Commencement of RISA Ensure that monitoring and reporting on land acquisition and resettlement resettlement activities and throughout the entire activities as well as on restoration of livelihoods and vulnerable households are implementation period of these activities. carried out separately or are covered in regular reports. 5.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism: GRM to be established prior to commencement RISA/Districts Establish and maintain a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GM) to address of any Project activities GM and maintained community related complaints in accordance with the RPF, RAP, ESMF and throughout Project implementation. SEP. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 Biodiversity Risk and Impacts: The ESIA shall be conducted and submitted RISA Screen Project activities (including civil works) to avoid any significant loss or with an ESMP for the WB approval, prior to degradation of natural habitats and to avoid damaging any protected areas or commencement of Project works and critical habitats, in accordance with the Program ESMF and ESS6. implemented throughout Project implementation. Biodiversity-related risks and impacts shall be comprehensively assessed and managed as part of the ESIA to be conducted in the Project sites. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES Not applicable in the context of Rwanda ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 Chance finds Throughout Project implementation RISA Chance finds procedure shall be included in the ESMP and ESMF for the Project and implemented in accordance with ESS8 and in a manner acceptable to the WB. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 8 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 9.1 Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS): 1. The review and update of existing ESMS is BRD Review, update, adopt, and maintain existing Environmental and Social ongoing and is expected to be completed and Management System (ESMS) to address project related risks and Management approved by the Bank before project funds are disbursed to the BRD. Once established, the ESMS is maintained and operated throughout Project implementation. 9.2 FI organizational Capacity: Two Environment and Social Safeguards BRD Establish and maintain an organizational capacity and competency for Specialists at BRD shared with other projects implementing the ESMS with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. The E&S shall be responsible for day-to-day E&S specialist will be assigned for E&S management. management. The structure will be maintained and operated throughout Project implementation. 9.3 Senior management Representative: BRD Designate a senior management representative to have overall accountability for Senior management representative for E&S environmental and social performance of FI subprojects. accountability will be designated and maintained throughout project implementation ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 Stakeholder Engagement Plan preparation and Implementation: Prior to appraisal RISA Prepare, disclose, and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan before project appraisal (SEP) and on confirmation of project design develop and Throughout Project implementation. disclose the stakeholder engagement plan 10.2 Project Grievance Redress Mechanism: Prior to start of implementation of activities. RISA and BRD Adopt, maintain, and operate a grievance mechanism consistent with ESS10 Throughout Project implementation and in a manner acceptable to the WB. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) CS1 PIU and contractor will be inducted on: At the beginning of the Project and upon RISA and BRD - Stakeholder mapping and engagement selection of contractors and sub-contractors - Specific aspects of environmental and social assessment and ESMP implementation - Emergency Preparedness and Response - Workers and community health and safety - Information on World Bank’s Safeguards Incidents Reporting requirements - Implementation of Labor Management Plans - Risk assessment and management - GBV and SEA ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 9 Material Measures and Actions Timeframe Responsible Entity /Authority/ Resources CS2 Project workers: After recruitment RISA Project workers will be trained on occupational health and safety including on use of PPEs and emergency prevention, COVID-19 prevention, and preparedness and response arrangements to emergency situations. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR RWANDA DIGITAL ACCELERATION PROJECT (P173373) 10