THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): MOLDOVA WATER SECURITY AND SANITATION PROJECT MOLDOVA Water Security and Sanitation Project (P173076) ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) February 2021 1|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): MOLDOVA WATER SECURITY AND SANITATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Government of Moldova will implement the Water Security and Sanitation Project (the Project), with the involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment MARDE). The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (hereinafter the Bank) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Government of Moldova shall carry out the Project in accordance with the 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 Government of Moldova will 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 Plans (ESMP), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), and Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), at the timelines specified in those E&S documents. 4. The Government of Moldova is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by the Ministry referenced in 1 above. 5. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP will be monitored and reported to the Bank by the Government of Moldova as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the Bank will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 6. As agreed by the Bank and the Government of Moldova, 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. In such circumstances, the Government of Moldova will agree to the changes with the 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 Bank and the Government of Moldova. The Government of Moldova 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 Moldova shall provide additional funds, if needed, to implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts. 2|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Bi-annual, throughout Project MARDE PIU Prepare and submit to the Bank regular monitoring reports on implementation. environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including but not limited to the implementation of ESCP, status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Notify the Bank within 48 hours after MARDE PIU Promptly notify the Bank of any incident or accident related to the learning of the incident or accident. Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public, grant recipients or A report would be provided within a workers. Provide sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, timeframe acceptable to the Bank, as indicating immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to requested address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. Subsequently, as per the Bank’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence. C CONTRACTORS MONTHLY REPORTS Providing monthly ESMPs implementation MARDE PIU As per contracts’ specifications to be signed by PIU or other parties with and OHS issues reports. selected Contractors, all Contractors will be required to provide reports on ESMPs’ implementation and on Occupational Health and Safety issues to their employers. Furthermore, such reports would be submitted to the Bank by PIU upon request, for Component 1 activities with potentially substantial social and environmental risks. The employers of civil works activities under both Components will be required to provide reports on ESMPs’ implementation and on LMP and Occupational Health and Safety issues to PIU on a quarterly basis. Information from these reports will be included in biannual reports to the Bank. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 3|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The PIU has established and includes one MARDE PIU Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment environmental, one social and one (MARDE) shall maintain the exisiting PIU with qualified staff, including communication /gender specialists for E&S one environmental specialist, one social specialist and one due diligence. RDA’s environmental and communication and gender specialist, and resources to ensure the day- social consultants hired before to-day implementation of the project and support the management of commencement of any works activities. E&S risks, including Health & Safety risks and impacts. Project This organizational structure, including implementation will be supported at the regional level through specified specialists, will be maintained MARDE’s subordinate Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), which throughout Project implementation. will complement their capacity with environmental and social consultants funded by the Project. 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT a. ESMF prepared and publicly MARDE PIU a. Prepare an ESMF to identify and assess the environmental and consulted by appraisal. social risks and impacts of the Project and appropriate b. Before launching the procurement mitigation measures and for preparing adequate process for the relevant activities Environmental and Social Management Plans and thereafter ensure that (ESMPs)/ESIAs/ESMP Checklists including its disclosure and contractors and supervising firms public consultations. comply with the ESHS b. Incorporate the relevant aspects of this ESCP, ESS2 specifications in their contracts requirements, and any other required ESHS measures, into through their involvement in the the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents and respective Project activities. contracts with contractors and supervising firms. Thereafter ensure that the contractors and supervising firms comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. 4|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.3 MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS a. Preparation of each MARDE PIU a. Prepare site-specific ESIAs/ESMPs/ESMP Checklists according ESIA/ESMP/Checklist will be to the ESMF, disclose, discuss with stakeholders, finalize to the mandated by the outcome of the World Bank’s satisfaction and prior to tendering of works, and Environmental and Social cause implementation of site-specific ESMPs. Screening, as set forth in the b. Develop and implement procedures for managing service ESMF. As indicated by the ESMF, providers (Labor Management Procedures (LMP). the ESMP will need to be c. Develop and implement Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). completed, including disclosure, public consultations and World Bank approval prior to the launching of the works contacting. b. LMP prepared by appraisal and maintain procedures throughout Project implementation c. SEP prepared by appraisal and maintain throughout Project implementation. 1.4 MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS Prior to the preparation of procurement MARDE PIU Based on the ESMPs prepared, incorporate the relevant E&S documents. requirements, along with the Labor Management Procedures, into the Supervise contractors throughout Project ESHS specifications of the procurement/bidding documents. Ensure that implementation. these requirements are incorporated in Civil works and installation of equipment contracts and that the contractors comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES MARDE PIU Implement the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) that have been Throughout Project implementation. developed for the Project. Develop Contractor’s Code of Conduct for each works contract. 5|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS Grievance mechanism operational prior to MARDE PIU Establish, maintain, and operate grievance mechanisms for relevant engaging Project workers and maintained types of Project workers (direct and contracted), as described in the LMP throughout Project implementation. and consistent with ESS2. Ongoing throughout project PIU shall monitor number of received complaints. implementation 2.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MEASURES Ongoing throughout project MARDE PIU Ensure that all Contractors adopt and implement occupational health and implementation safety (OHS) measures as detailed in ESMF/ESMPs. . ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 6|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 3.1 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MARDE PIU MANAGEMENT: Develop and implement measures and actions to manage water use, air Throughout Project implementation pollution and dust suppresion, noise, waste and hazardous materials, obsolete equipment, as well as to strengthen the O&M practice and energy efficiency, which shall be set out in the ESMF/site-specific ESMPs/ESMPs Checklists Ensure that all potential replacement of asbestos-cement pipes or structures is based on health and safety measures as detailed in the ESMF/ESMPs and compliant with the WB Good Practice Note on Asbestos. Ensure resource efficiency is considered when preparing Terms of Reference for technical assistance and strategic or planning documents. Ensure environmentally sound environmental results by considering cost-effective and innovative technology selection for the management of sludge generated from the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Prepare and implement a sludge management plan, including handling and final disposal of the sludge generated from the operation of the WWTPs. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: Develop and implement Throughout Project implementation MARDE PIU measures and actions to assess and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Project activities, which shall be set out in the ESMF and site-specific ESMPs including in relation to Project workers and any risks of labor influx. 7|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 4.2 GBV AND SEA/SH RISKS: Prior to commencement of works. MARDE PIU Ensure preventing and mitigating risks of sexual exploitation and abuse Enforcement throughout Project and sexual harassment as specified in the ESMF/ESIA/ESMP and Code of implementation. Conduct attached to the civil works contracts. Ensure that site-specific ESMPs/ESMP Checklists include actions to prevent and mitigate risks of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA/SH) in line with ESMF and enforce their implementation. This includes but is not limited to development and adherence to Code of Conduct for all employees, GBV-sensitized grievance mechanism, carry out GBV service providers mapping, awareness raising of all employees and community members on GBV risks and mitigation measures. 4.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES: Prior to initiating construction works and MARDE PIU Adopt, implement, and monitor emergency response measures maintained throughout the Project prepared in ESMP. implementation ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 RESETTLEMENT PLANS: Prepare, adopt, and implement RPF prepared by appraisal. MARDE PIU resettlement plans (RAPs) in accordance with ESS 5 and RAPs to be prepared immediately once the consistent with the requirements of the Resettlement Policy sub-project designs are ready. To be Framework (RPF) that has been prepared for the Project, and implemented and completed before the thereafter adopt and implement the respective RAPs before commencement of the sub-project works. carrying out the associated activities, in a manner acceptable to the Bank Throughout Project Implementation ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 IMPACT ON CRITICAL AND NATURAL HABITATS: If subprojects will During the subproject selection and MARDE PIU take place in protected areas, including water protection zones with preparation of ESMP. natural habitats and biodiversity value, opinion / advice will be sought from Environmental Authorities whether the subprojects will impact Throughout Project Implementation critical habitats. In addition, all respective ESMPs will include appropriate mitigation and management measures to avoid risks and negative impacts. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES Currently not relevant to the project ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 1.0 – November 2019 Currently not relevant to the project. Prior any commencement of works and MARDE PIU However, Chance Finds procedures will be part of all contracts involving maintained throughout construction. any excavation works under the project. Throughout Project Implementation ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES Currently not relevant to the project ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 SEP PREPARATION: Prepare and disclose the Stakeholder Engagement SEP prepared and publicly consulted by MARDE PIU Plan (SEP). appraisal. 10.2 SEP IMPLEMENTATION: Implement the SEP. The SEP may be Throughout Project Implementation MARDE PIU amended and updated (and redisclosed) as needed during Project implementation. 10.3 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: GRM in place before the MARDE PIU Develop and implement a grievance mechanism for the entire Project. Project effectiveness. The SEP includes a commitment to communicate to stakeholders the Maintenance throughout Project establishment of the grievance mechanism to ensure that affected implementation. Maintenance of stakeholders are aware of its existence and familiar with the process for grievance database. Report the submitting grievances to such grievance mechanism. summary of grievances annually. 10.4 COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Conduct community capacity building to Throughout Project implementation MARDE PIU heighten awareness of risks and to mitigate impacts as outlined in the SEP, training section of the (Project Operational Manual) POM, and the Project’s annual Training Plan. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) CS1 Training will be required for MARDE PIU staff and stakeholders on: Three months after World Bank Board MARDE PIU • stakeholder mapping and engagement approval followed by a minimum one • specific aspects of environmental and social assessment annual refresher training. • ESMF, ESMPs/ESMPs Checklists • RPF and RAP administration and implementation • LMP oversight • OHS measures • Any other topics as relevant 9|Page