Language: English

Original: English

PROJECT: Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation

Improvement Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

SUMMARY
Date: June 2015

Team Leader: Eskendir A. Demissie, Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, OWAS2

Co Team Leader: Teferi Menkir, Senior Water and Sanitation Officer, ETFO/OWAS2

Environmentalist: Erika Auer, Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer, ONEC3

Mulumebet Merhatsidk, Senior Socio-Economist Officer, ETFO/OSHD
Olusola Ikuforiji, Consultant Environnementaliste, OSAN3

Sector Manager: Osward M. Chanda, OWAS2

Sector Director: Mohamed El Azizi, OWAS/AWF
Country Manager: Josephine Ngure, ETFO
Regional Director: Gabriel Negatu, EARC
 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF)
SUMMARY

Project Name : Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement

Program
Country : ETHIOPIA
Project Code : P-ET-E00-011

1. Introduction

Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan I (GTP, 2011-2015), which focuses on inclusive
accelerated and sustained economic growth and eradication of poverty, underpins water service
expansion as one of the priority growth-enhancing pro-poor sectors. It has targeted to achieve
98.5% national water supply access coverage (98% for rural and 100% for urban) by the year
2015 based on the Universal Access Plan (UAP) minimum standard. Though the country made
significant strides, the target was not achieved, mainly due to the discrepancy in the original
baseline which led to its rebasing, and the financing gap. According to the performance report
for 2013/14 of the GTP (4th year), access to potable water supply reached 76.7% nationally,
disaggregated at 75.5% for rural and 84.5% for urban areas.

As a successor to the UAP, Government prepared the One WaSH National Program (OWNP),
which provides an overarching framework for all water supply and sanitation interventions. Its
implementation began in 2013 with support from several development partners including the
Bank. The overall program cost was estimated at US$ 2.4 billion for phase 1 in which the Bank
contributed an amount of UA 66.81 million for the rural component. The requirement for the
urban component was estimated at US$ 880 million.

Taking into account the lessons and experiences from GTP-1, Government of Ethiopia (GoE) is
currently preparing the second phase of the GTP covering 2015/16 – 2020/21 (2008-2012
Ethiopian Calendar). GoE will continue to expand access while improving service quality
standards during the GTP-2 period. As part of its focus on sustained human development, the
plan will place increased emphasis on quality of service and keep with the increasing demand for
and consumption of water, particularly in the urban areas, and improving standards of living of
the population. However on the basis of the GTP 1 service standard, GoE intends to achieve a
universal access by the end of the period 2020.

The proposed four towns water supply and sanitation improvement program contributes to the
objectives of OWNP being implemented nationally. The urban component of OWNP is being
implemented through Water Resources Development Fund (WRDF). Furthermore, Government
is mobilising additional resources estimated at EUR 84 million from European Investment Bank
(EIB), French Development Cooperation (AFD) and Italian Development Cooperation (IDC) for
urban on-lending through WRDF. This is in addition to the OWNP channelled through WRDF.
The proposed Bank support will increase the average access from 53% in 2015 to 100% by 2020
based on the GTP2 service standard for the four beneficiary towns. Access in Gode town is the
lowest of all and is currently estimated at 7%. The lack of adequate water supply is one of the
limiting factors for the improvement of social services and health of the population as well as
economic opportunities and growth in multiple sectors. For instance, Adama is highly attractive
for industrial, livestock, and tourism development. It is also a transport hub for the country, as it
is on the main route to the country’s port and connects several parts of the country. Its
development is highly constrained due to lack of adequate water supply. The Government
recently announced the establishment of industrial park in the town and the provision of adequate
water supply would be a critical input for the private sector development.

2. Description of the Programme

The Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Program aims to contribute towards
the improvement of the health and socio-economic development of the population of the four
beneficiary towns of Adama, Bichena, Adwa and Gode through increased assess to sustainable
water supply and sanitation services and improvement in service delivery. The proposed
Program is composed of 4 components namely: (i) Construction of Water and Sanitation
Improvement; (ii) Institutional Capacity Development; (iii) Environmental Management; (iv)
Program Management

Component I: Development of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

The objectives of this component are to increase the supply of potable water and ensure its reach
to the population at an acceptable service standard; and to improve environmental sanitation. The
interventions will include the financing of water diversion or intake structures,
conveyance/transmission systems, drilling and equipping boreholes, service reservoirs, pumping
stations, water treatment systems, and strengthening of distribution systems. For sanitation it will
cover support for improving existing faecal waste management disposal and provision of public
latrines in essential locations such as market centres and other public areas. Further details are
contained in annex 2 of this aide memoire.

Component II: Institutional Capacity Development

This will address the capacity constraints in Water Utilities and the Municipalities, in order to
improve post completion operations, governance and efficiency of sustainable service delivery. It
will include the financing of institutional and capacity assessments, strategic business plan
development, trainings/seminars (tariff setting, customer relation, O&M, water quality,
performance management, corporate and business management, social inclusion and gender
mainstreaming, regulation and private sector and community participation), provision of basic
operation and maintenance equipment including utility vehicles and billing systems where
appropriate.

Component III: Environmental Management

The objective of the component is to ensure compliance with GoE’s and AfDB’s environment
and social policies and environmental sustainability of the catchment around the water sources.
The component will specifically finance the compensation of the project-affected people. The
Government will be responsible for the compensation and any resettlement that may be required
under the program.

Component IV: Program Management

This will ensure effective program implementation and will include the financing of technical
assistances for program management, program operation costs, baseline validation, project end-
line evaluation, and program audit.

3. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

Ethiopian Legislation

The GoE has issued several provisions that have direct policy, legal and institutional relevance
for the appropriate implementation of environmental protection and rehabilitation action plans to
avoid, mitigate or compensate the adverse effects of development actions including water supply
projects.

The Ethiopian Constitution (adopted in 1995) provides the framework and provisions for
environmental protection. The concepts of sustainable development and environment rights are
entrenched in the rights of the people of Ethiopia through Articles 43 and 44 of the Constitution,
which state among others, the right to development and the right to live in a clean and healthy
environment. A wide range of policies and legislation/proclamation build on the Constitutional
requirement for environmental protection and stakeholder consultation.

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE), issued in April 1997, supports the Constitutional
Rights through its guiding principles. The overall policy goal is to improve and enhance the
health and quality of life for all Ethiopians, to promote sustainable social and economic
development through sound management and use of natural, human-made and cultural resources
and their environment as a whole. The policy establishes the Environmental Protection Authority
(EPA) as the body to harmonize sectoral development Plans and to implement the environmental
management program for the Country.

The Proclamation of Environmental Impact Assessment (Proc. No. 299/2002) is the legal tool
that mandates the preparation of EIAs for the specified categories of activities underken either by
the public or private sectors and facilitates environmental planning, management and monitoring.
To put the Proclamation into effect, the EPA issuesd EIA Guidelines which provide details of the
EIA process and its requirements. According to the guidelines, projects/programs are categorized
into three “schedules” based on their potential impacts (i) Schedule 1 include projects which may
have adverse and significant envirocnmenal impacts and therefor require full EIA (such projects
include construction of dams, impounding of reservoirs with a surface area of 100 ha or more,
ground water development greater than 4000m3/day, canalization and flood-relied work,
drainage plans in towns close to water bodies, and programs that cause resettlement of more than
100 families); (ii) Schedule 2 include projects whose type, scale or relevant characteristics have
potential to cause some signifcant environmental impacts and may not require a full EIA
(projects include rural WSS, sewage system and electricity transmission lines); and (iii) Schedule
3 porjects which would have no impact and do not require EIA assessment.
Furthermore, the Proclamation on the Expropriation of Land Holding for Public Purposes and
Payment of Compensation (Proc. No. 455/2005) defines the basic principles that need to be
considered in determining compensation to a person whose landholding has been expropriated
and responsible organs that have the power to determine and pay the compensation. The
proclamation is complementaty to the Ethiopian Land Tenure Policy which strongly supports
that project plans muct include sustainable resettlement strategies to the people who are going to
be displaced as a result of the development plans, and have to be fully convinced, compensated
and obligated to participate in all phases of the project implementation.

Other legal and political provisions that promote environmental and social sustainability and
have a bearing on the proposed Program include Proclamation on Environmental Pollution
Control, Universal Access Program, Proclamations on Ethiopian Water Resources Management,
Proclamation on Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs, The National Policy of
Women, Proclamation on Rural Land Administration and Use, Solid Waste Management
Proclamation, Guideline on Ambient Environment Standards, and the Regional Environmental
Protection Authority, among others.

The Bank’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy

The African Development Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) provides the overarching
framework that promotes social and environmental sustainability of the Bank’s interventions.
The ISS, which consists of an Integrated Safeguards Policy Statement, Operational Safeguards
(OSs), Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures (ESAPs) and Integrated Environmental
and Social Impacts Assessment (IESIA) Guidance Notes, is designed to promote the
sustainability of project outcomes by protecting the environment and people from the potentially
adverse impacts of projects. The Bank requires borrowers/clients to comply with these
safeguards requirements during project preparation and implementation.

The Integrated Safeguards Policy Statements sets out the basic tenets that guide and underpin the
Bank’s approach to environmental safeguards, while the five Operational Safeguards are
intended to better integrate the environmental consideration and social impacts into Bank
operations and specifically aims to avoid/ mitigate/minimise/compensate the adverse effects of
project activities on environment and local communities as well as systematically consider the
impact of climate change on sustainability of the project.

As part of the requirements for OS 1, the proposed Program was assessed as environmental
category 2 and required the preparation of an Environment and Social Management Framework
(ESMF), which establishes a mechanism to determine and assess future potential environmental
and social impacts of the Four Towns Program. The safeguard policies triggered by the Four
Towns program are highlighted and described:
Safeguard Policies Triggered Yes No TBD
Environmental and Social Assessment (OS 1) X
OS 1 is triggered because of the Program’s planned construction activities which are likely to
pose environmental and social risks associated with the physical, biological, socio-economic
and health and safety profile of the sub-project areas.

These risks will be managed through implementation of mitigation measures resulting from
site specific Environmental and Social Impacts Assessments (ESIAs)/Environmental and
Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
Involuntary Resettlement: Land Acquisition, X
Population Displacement and Compensation (OS 2)
The Program is expected to entail limited land acquisition and possible resettlement.
Majority of the land in the affected project area are agricultural lands owned and managed by
communities in the rural kebeles/Woredas. The details of the land to be acquired and number
of people to be compensated will be addressed in the site specific ESIAs, ESMPs and RAPs.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (OS 3) X
The planned construction activities may impact the ecosystem service on which the local
population depend in terms of sustenance, livelihood and/or primary income. The associated
risks will be avoided/mitigated in accordance to the measures elaborated in the site-specific
ESMPs.
Pollution Prevention and Control, Hazardous X
Materials and Resources Efficiency (OS 4)
Potential environment and social impact due to emissions of pollutants and waste is
anticipated during the construction phase of the Program. These will be managed as per
measures recommended in the site-specific ESMPs.
Labour Conditions, Health and Safety (OS 5) X
The Program’s construction works will require the establishment of workforce. The
Contractor shall comply with the Labour laws and Best Practice Occupational Health and
Safety requirements. Occupational safety risks will be mitigated through the selection and
effective use of mechanical and protective equipment

The Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Program was assessed as category I
according to the Climate Safeguard Screening tool because of the program’s vulnerability to
climate risk. Following field assessment of climate risks and possible adaptation measures for
each sub-project was undertaken using the Bank’s Adaptation Review and Evaluation
Procedures (AREP) under the Bank’s Climate Safeguards System (CSS).
4. Environmental and Social Baseline Information

Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa, with an area of 1.1 million km 2
and a biophysical environment consisting of a variety of ecosystems, biodiversity and water
resources. The altitude ranges from 4,620m above sea level at the highest peak, Ras Deshen, to
110m below sea level in the Danakil Depression. A large portion of the country consists of high
plateaus and mountains varying in altitude between 2,000 and 3,000 meters, with a number of
rivers originating from these highlands. The East African Rift Valley separates the northern and
southwestern highland from the southeastern highland. In contrast with these highlands, hot and
semi-arid to arid lowlands lie in the Eastern and Western parts of the country.

Ethiopia has five major climatic zones, which reflect the different altitudes characterizing the
country including:
(i) Wurch and High Dega – Altitudes of 3200 and above, cold climate, and an annual rainfall of
1000-1600mm, grassland vegetation

(ii) Dega – Altitudes of 2400 – 3200, average annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm, vegetation is
mostly coniferous trees and shrubs,

(iii) Weyna Dega – Altitudes of 1500 – 2400, annual rainfall of 800 and 1600 mm, temperate
climate, most densely populated (70% of the country’s population);

(iv) Kolla – Altitudes of 500 – 1,500, annual rainfall of 200-800 mm, vegetation is that of a dry
savanna, low population density (10% of the total country’s population; and

(v) Berha – found in arid lowlands with an annual rainfall of less than 200mm and high
temperatures; predominantly nomadic groups occupying less than 5% of the country’s
population.

According to Ethiopia’s Climate Resilience Green Economy Vision report, future projections of
temperature and rainfall show an upward trend. Climate models suggest that Ethiopia will see
further warming in all seasons of between 0.7oC and 2.3oC by the 2020’s and between 1.4oC and
2.9oC by the 2050s. Rainfall is also projected to increase by 0.4 -1.1% between the 2020’s and
2050’s.

The Four Towns WSS Improvement Program will be implemented in four towns of the country,
Adama, Adwa, Bichena and Gode, these towns are located in the Oromiya, Tigray, Amhara and
Somali regions respectively (see Fig. 1). The table below captures the biophysical and socio-
economic environment profile of the respective beneficiary towns.
Figure 1: Map of Ethiopia and Sub-Project Location
Beneficiary
ADWA
Town

BICHENA

ADAMA

GODE
Table 1: Biophysical environment and Socio-economic Profile of the Beneficiary Towns.
Adama Adwa Bichena Gode
Region Oromiya Tigray Amhara Somalia
Biophysical Environment
Climate Tropical climatic zone Kiremt (rainy season), Weyna Dega with Berha
with four major climatic Bega (dry season), Belg bimodal rainy seasons in
seasons of “Weyina- (small rains) Meher (a March and July.
Dega” with some part of spell between the long
Dega and Kolla and small rains).

Mean Annual rainfall: 800 - 1000 mm 350 - 600mm 2,961 mm 39 mm - 361 mm.

Mean Annual temperature: 19 – 22oC 25- 27oC. 15.6 – 19.4oC 28.8oC

Geographic Location Ranges from 8027.5’N - 14°10′0″N, 38°54′0″E 11027’ Latitude and Latitude 5053’ N and
8035.7’N and 39013.5’E 38012’ Longitude with an longitude 43036’ E and
to 39019’E elevation of 2541 masl. approximately at average
altitude of 275 m.a.sl.
Landscape/Topography Mostly Flat Rolling to mountainous Undulated ridges Flat plain. A very gentle
topography with scrubs, characterize the western slope is observed along
bush and bare land cover. part of the area while the north-south direction.
eastern and the southern
part is more or less flat
plain plateau like
landscape.
Water Resources/Hydrology Awash and Mojo Rivers. Mai Enta and Mai Shana Suha, Minase and Muga, Wabi Shebele River
springs. Mariam Shewito perennial rivers that flow catchment, with a
stream into Abay River as drainage area of
tributaries. 127,300km2 into Gode
Fauna Monkey, Ape, Hyena, Apes, Porcupines, Monkey, Hyena Hyena, leopard, foxes,
and local birds. Hyenas, Foxes reptiles, birds. etc
Socio-Economic Profile
Population 471,100 (51% female) 65,000 (53% female) 29,000 (52% female) 56,000 (50%)
Economic Activities: Subsistence agriculture Mixed farming (crop and 3% engaged in farming Agriculture farming
Agriculture: comprising crop livestock production. activities (crop production and
 production 21% employed by the animal husbandary
government
Farming Practice Rain-fed with some Traditional faming based 21% earn their income
traditional and modern on animal traction and from a range of other
irrigation practices along human labour sources including
the Mojo River. remittances, pension and
Other Income Activities daily labour
- Trade, small-scale 25% own private
industry and urban Industrial sector (Textile, businesses Informal sector (small-
agriculture. marble, blanket, mining 3% employed by scale trading activities
and small-scale commercial enterprises
industries), Government 27% of households
Commerce involved in informal
sector (weaving, vending
of local beverages)
Crops Teff, Wheat, Chick Pea, Teff, Wheat, finger Teff, Wheat…etc Teff, Wheat…etc
Haricot bean, Maize, millet, sorghum and
Barley, Lentil and Field barely maize
pea
Education Around 189 educational 107 educational 7 educational institutions 12 educational
institutions institutions institutions

Health Infrastructures 105 Public and Private 2 health centers, one 1 health centre, 3 private
Health institutions (100% hospital, six clinics, 9 clinics and 2 drug 1 health centre
coverage) drug shops and 2 vendors
pharmacies (95% health
coverage)
Prevalent Diseases: -Helmentiasis (water- -Malaria and respiratory- -Intestinal Parasite and Intestinal diseases and
borne disease) tract infections Fever Malaria
Water Supply Coverage (current 51% (Awash River) 96% (Midimar Dam) 69% (Borehole 7% (Wabi-Shebelle
source) River)
5. Procedures to Assess Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Developing
ESMPs

Ethiopia’s EIA guidelines categorize programs/projects into three schedules based on their
potential impacts: Schedule 1, 2 and 3. The water supply and sanitation sub-projects fall under
Schedule 2 hence requiring ESIA studies to elaborate their level of impacts. This corresponds
with the African Development Bank’s Operational Policy on Environmental Assessment, which
has categorised the Four Towns Program a Category 2.

The Environmental and Social Management Framework has been recommended since the
environmental and social assessments and other safeguard measures can only be confirmed
during the program’s implementation. The ESMF is expected to cover the unknowns, to help in
the screening, and to recommend mitigation measures. The screening and review process aims at
categorizing the sub-projects into the appropriate environmental and social categories,
determining whether a particular subproject will trigger a safeguard policy, and what mitigation
measures will need to be put in place. Screening will also help to propose whether a sub-project
will further require a full-fledged Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), ESIA and/or ESMP. The
screening process is as follows;

Step 1: Screening of Project Activities and Sites: The Executing agency (MoWIE through
WRDF) and Implementing Agencies - Regional Water Resources Bureaus (RWBs) safeguard
staff will carry out the initial screening in the field, by completing the Environmental and Social
Screening Form. The screening form formalizes a rapid field investigation to screen on-site
whether any environmental and social issues may require specific attention and supplemental
environmental assessment work.

Step 2: Assigning the Appropriate Environmental and Climate Risk Categories: The completed
environmental and social screening form will provide information on the assignment of the
appropriate environmental category to a particular sub-project.

Step 3: Carrying out Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: Ethiopia’s guidelines for the
ESIA/EIA process include (i) application, (ii) pre-screening, (iii) screening, (iv) scoping, (v) EIA
report, and (vi) review and decision by the “Competent Agency” in this case, the MoWIE
environment. The ESIA studies of the four towns will focus on issues requiring the
implementation of specific mitigation in cases where specific environmental and social issues are
identified and where a change in the design or sitting of the sub-program is not possible
including among others:
 Potential conflicts between upstream and downstream users,
 Impacts on a bio-physical ecosystem,
 Impacts on land without physical displacement or significant impacts on livelihoods,
 Potential for heavy traffic at construction phase through inhabited areas,
 Construction in water bodies (pipeline river crossings, water works in river beds-intakes),

The WRDF Environment Staff supported by MoWIE Environmental and Social Impact Unit will
determine whether (a) the application of simple mitigation measures outlined in the
Environmental and Social Checklist will address the potential impacts, (category 2 or Schedule
2); (b) no additional Environmental Assessment will be required (category 3 or Schedule 3); or
(c) a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will need to be carried out, using
the national EIA guidelines (Category 1 or Schedule 1).

For the Climate Risk, the Bank has already categorised the program as Category 1 in terms of
Climate Risk and the Bank’s Climate Adaptation Review and Evaluation Procedures (AREP) has
been applied in the assessment of adaptation measures to be incorporated in the project design.

Step 4: Review, Approval and Disclosure of Subproject Information: The results and
recommendations presented in the environmental and social screening forms and the proposed
mitigation measures presented in subproject or site-specific ESIAs, ESMPs and/or RAPs, as
deemed appropriate, will be reviewed by WRDF Environmental Unit and validated by MoWIE.
This shall include the results of the AREP and adaptation measures selected.

In compliance with Bank’s guidelines and in the national EIA legislations, the applicable
documents (EIA, EMP and/or RAP) must be made available for public review at a place
accessible to local people (e.g. at a district council office, at the Ministry of Environment), and in
a form, manner, and language they can understand.

Step 5: Public Consultation: This will involve notification (to publicize the matter to be
consulted on), consultation (a two-way flow of information and opinion exchange) as well as
participation involving interest groups. Public consultation will include the following steps:

 Identification of interested parties (beneficiary neighboring communities, communities

potentially affected by the sub-program, downstream water users, local authorities,
regional authorities);
 Initial step of consultation, before further environmental assessment work is undertaken:
one initial meeting with each of the identified parties, presenting the sub-program and
seeking input on the scope of work for further environmental assessment work;
 Second step of consultation, after further environmental assessment work is complete:
presentation of the results of the environmental assessment, including presentation of
identified impacts and proposed mitigations, seeking input on these proposed
environmental management measures; this second step will include dissemination to
identified interested parties of a brief summary of the environmental assessment in local
language.
On average, it is estimated that 2 to 5 meetings will be required for each of the above two steps
of consultation as a Schedule “2” sub-program. Consultants in charge of the ESIAs in
collaboration with RWBs and MoWIE (through WRDF) Safeguard specialists will undertake the
consultation with the responsible stakeholders at region or town level.

Step 6: Integration of environmental and social provisions in tendering documents

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) will ensure that the recommendations and other
environmental and social management measures and adaptation measures from subproject/site-
specific safeguard instruments are integrated in bidding documents and works to be performed
by contractors.
 Step 7: Environmental Monitoring and Indicators: This describes the processes and activities that
need to take place to characterize and monitor the quality of the environment in the project sites.

The table below highlights the roles and responsibilities of Program stakeholders with regards to
the environmental and social screening and review process.

Table 2: Environmental Management Process - Implementation Responsibilities

Level Responsibilities
Implementing  Contract consultants for ESIAs of subprojects based on ToRs prepared for each
Agencies (RWBs): subproject and reviewed by the relevant institutions.

 Designate focal staffs (at least 2 in each region and in the two city administrations) that
will take responsibility for environmental screening and generally for environmental
management and get trained accordingly- this staff will ultimately prepare Environmental
and Social Screening Forms and supervise the implementation by contractors of the
Environmental Guidelines for Construction Contractors

 Designate technical supervisor of works, who, in the absence of the environmental focal
staff mentioned above, will supervise the implementation by contractors of the
Environmental Guidelines for Construction Contractors,

 Prepare (see above) environmental screening forms for all sub-programs and submit them
to the Ministry of Water and Energy and to the African Development Bank,

 Supervise the implementation of environmental mitigation measures at construction and

operation phases, including those related to land occupation and compensation

 Supervise the implementation of monitoring measures

 Provide an annual environmental monitoring report to the review of the Ministry of

Water and Energy

Construction  Implement Environmental Guidelines for Construction Contractors

contractors
ESIA Consultants  Develop ESIAs where required (Category B2 or A sub-programs)

Regions and  Participate in the provisions of training for regional, woreda and community experts
Regional EPAs
 Participate in the finalization of the screening forms based on the framework proposed
in this ESMF

 Review and clear screening forms submitted by implementing agencies or consultants

 Supervise the development by consultants of ESIAs where required, review Terms of

Reference, review draft ESIAs, participate in public consultations

 Supervise the monitoring of environmental mitigations implemented by construction

contractors

 Supervise the implementation of this ESMF in the entire regions

MoWIE, WRDF  Supervise and monitor the overall implementation of ESMF and RPF

 As required, update the ESMF and RPF

 Review TORs and ESIAs for schedule 1 and 2 sub-programs

 Facilitate and provide training for regional water bureaus’ and other institutions’
environmental and social specialists.

AfDB  Review the draft ESMF and SESA

 Review ESIAs for sub-programs

 Monitor the overall implementation of ESMF and SESA, including the review of annual
environmental reports provided by the MoWIE

6. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts, Climate Change Risks and Mitigation &
Adaptation Measures

Positive Impacts

The Program is expected to bring considerable positive impacts to the population in the four
towns by contributing to increased and sustainable access to water supply that will improve
health and socio-economic livelihoods as well as address capacity constraints of water utilities
that will facilitate improved governance and efficiency of sustainable service delivery. .
Specifically, the proposed water supply and sanitation improvement program will directly benefit
over 635, 000 (50% women) people in the urban and rural communities of Adwa, Adama,
Bichena and Gode towns through promoting (i) socio-economic development of the towns, (ii)
educational enrolment and attendance for children, (iii) household health status, (iv) time savings
to engage in other productive activities (women), (v) climate resilience status of the population
and environment.

Additionally, the program will leverage the Government of Ethiopia’s commitment to fully
address the outstanding compensation issue of the 1997 Midmar Dam project. The Midmar dam
was constructed in 1997 by the Tigray Regional Government as a source of water supply for
Adwa town. Though built long ago, the dam has a pending resettlement and compensation issue
that has not been finalized. Through the preparation of the proposed Program and consultations
with stakeholders in Adwa Town, the Regional State of Tigray has initiated the process for the
compensation of the PAPs to fully secure the environmental sustainability of the dam.

Negative Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Compensation: The principal negative impact envisaged
from the program is connected with limited land acquisition that may arise from the construction
phase of the program. The proposed water infrastructures will be located on cultivated
agricultural lands, which could adversely affect the individual family land use and thereby
livelihood of these farmers and their family. The Government of Ethiopia has a comprehensive
Land Tenure Policy that ensures full compensation of people affected by development projects.
Accoring to Zonal and Woreda administrative officers, households displaced by projects are
provided with not only financial compensation but also technical, regulatory and capacity
building support to engage in alternative livelihood options. The Environmental Management
Component for the proposed Program will ensure compliance with the GoE and the Bank’s
policies on resettlement and compensation. These and other impact mitigation measures will be
reflected in the ESMP/RAPs to be developed and implemented in each of the four towns. These
guiding documents will be developed before the commencement of any physical works of the
sub projects using a participatory community consultation approach.

Soil Erosion – Site clearance and removal of vegetation precedes construction activities. This
makes the soil susceptible to erosion. In addition, soils can be affected due to soil pollution
resulting from wasters from machinery chemicals (oils and lubricants). The proposed mitigation
measures will include scheduling construction activities involving earthworks for dry season to
reduce soil erosion, refilling the exposed or excavated soil soon after completion of works and
avoiding or minimizing compaction of soils.

Impact on Water Quality – Increase in suspended particles due to construction works; risk of
human contamination from construction camps; and competition for water will affect the water
quality especially where investment projects are close to natural water bodies. Mitigation
measures shall include strict monitoring of construction methods and protection of watercourses
during construction.

Impact of Groundwater Extraction – Groundwater extraction may impact and change the
hydrological regime when schemes are constructed. This risk will be mitigated by strengthening
the utilities capacity for periodic monitoring of groundwater level of the wells in the impact zone
as well as establishing an efficient water management system.

Public Health - The increased production of drinking water may lead to an increased generation
of wastewater and will affect the sanitation in the sub-project areas. This will be
avoided/minimized by educating communities on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.

Climate Change Risks and Adaptation Measures

The Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Program was assessed as category I
according to the Climate Safeguard Screening System because of the program’s vulnerability to
climate risk, thus requiring the implementation of adaptation measures to increase the resilience
of communities and the infrastructure to be constructed/rehabilitated to withstand the impacts of
climate change. Assessment of the climate risks and adaptation measures was based on the
Bank’s AREP procedure and the Ethiopia’s climate resilient green economy strategy (2011).
Some of the adaptation measures considered in the project design include (i) catchment
protection through afforestation and awareness activities (ii) strengthen groundwater and surface
water monitoring including water quality monitoring, and (iii) Capacity building and training of
town water utilities and community on water conservation and water-use efficiency.
7. ESMF and ESMP Implementation and Monitoring Program

Appropriate implementation of the proposed mitigation and enhancement measures requires

establishment of an appropriate environmental and social monitoring and reporting system. It is a
very essential part of the project implementation and helps capture unforeseen environmental and
social impacts of the project. Monitoring and reporting of environmental parameters will timely
signal of potential problems and allow for prompt implementation of effective corrective
measures. Specifically, the purpose of the ESMF Monitoring plan are to: (i) alert the PCU by
providing timely information about the success or otherwise of the environmental and social
management process outlined in this ESMF in such a manner that changes can be made as
required and ensure continuous improvement to the proposed Program environmental and social
management process; and (ii) make a final evaluation in order to determine whether the
mitigation measures incorporated in the technical designs and the ESMP & other safeguard
instruments have been successful in such a way that the pre-project environmental and social
condition has been restored, improved upon or is worse than before, and to determine what
further mitigation measures may be required.

The ESMP will outline the institutional arrangements and cost estimates for environmental and
social management during the implementation, operation and decommissioning of the projects.
The MoWIE (WRDF) safeguard specialists with assistance from Regional Water Bureau (RWB)
safeguard officers will monitor the implementation of the ESMP.

Capacity Building and Training Gaps

Lessons learnt from other operations (particularly the OWNP) and preliminary capacity needs
assessments undertaken during project preparation and appraisal suggests significant
shortcoming in the capacities of RWBs and local Woreda officers to effectively implement the
ESMF and SESA.

Accordingly, the Four Towns WSS Improvement Program will: (i) conduct capacity assessment
of each region and implementing agencies at each level (Woreda and kebele) to take inventory of
existing capacity and identify gaps, and (ii) based on the findings of the assessments tailored
capacity building packages will be provided.

Capacity building and technical assistance for appointed safeguard staffs will be valuable in
strengthening their skills to screen, review and monitor environmental issues in the sub-projects
in compliance with requirements of the Ethiopia’s legislations and the AfDB safeguard policies.
The capacity building program is also important in relation to the development of general
environmental management and monitoring capabilities within the Region.

Hence, a training workshop to be delivered to experts working at National, Regional (RWB and
EPA), Town (Water Boards Utility) and Woreda levels to implement the EMP should include:

 Review of the Ethiopian environmental policies, laws, regulatory and administrative

frameworks,
 Review of the AfDB’s safeguards policies,
  Screening process (with one practical exercise on a real site),
 ESMP and environmental guidelines applicable to construction contractors,
 Environmental and social screening process (with one practical exercise on a real
site),
 Assignment of environmental categories,
 Carrying out of the environmental work as discussed in the ESMF and SESA,
 Review and clearance of the screening results and separate ESIA reports.
 Public consultation,
 Environmental monitoring and evaluation in the context of the WSS improvement
program, and
 Environmental guidelines applicable to construction contractors,

Cost for technical assistance and capacity building is estimated at USD 33,880.

Monitoring plan: a monitoring plan (comprising process and result monitoring activities) will be
developed as part of the ESMP for each sub-project in order to measure the effectiveness of the
mitigation measures. The monitoring and reporting procedures will ensure early detection of
conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures and will furnish information on the
progress and results of mitigation. A number of environmental and social monitoring indicators
and parameters will be used to track the performance of the ESMF (see table 3 for propose ESM
plan). The monitoring component will involve some cost implications. Monitoring costs is
estimated at USD 40,000
 Table 3: Proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan

Major Impacts Performance indicators

Responsible body Frequency of Frequency of Cost in Birr
for monitoring measurement reporting per year
1. Land Acquisition and - On time payment of Wereda and Kebele Two to three times At of every 50,000.00
loss of income compensation before administrations before the initiation of assessment
construction construction
2. Rivers, streams and Water quality analysis of -Town/regional Any time such During project 10,000.00
springs as well as the nearby streams/ Water Resources problem is anticipated construction
Ground water surrounding water bodies Office or occurs or
pollution from especially groundwater -Water Supply and biannually during the
spillage of fuel, oil, Sewerage Authority rainy and dry seasons.
grease, etc.
3. Water table drawn - Changes to Results of Regional water Every 6 months Twice a year 50,000.00
and depletion water table level and bureau and Water (during rainy and dry
amount produced from Supply and season)
well Sewerage
Authorities of each
town
4. Soil erosion and - Erosion rate -Town/regional At the time of heavy After every rainy 50,000.00
degradation - Formation of gullies Agriculture Offices rain during season.
enhancement caused - Silt accumulation and EPAs construction and
by construction work -MoWIE operation
Environmental and
Social experts
5. Clearances of - Change in type and EPAs and Once a year Once a year 50,000.00
vegetation cover due diversity of flora and Agriculture offices
to construction work. fauna species and the of each town
implementation of
reforestation program.
Table 3: Cost for ESMF Implementation

ESMF Proposed Action Concerned Institutions Costs (US$)

Training and Capacity Building MoWIE (WRDF), RWBs, Town Utilities, 33,800
local Woredas & Kebeles
Screening and Reviewing MoWIE (WRDF), RWBs 40,000
ESMP and AREP Preparation MoWIE (WRDF), RWBs 40,000
Monitoring Activities MoWIE (WRDF), RWB, Regional EPAs, 40,000
Town Water Boards, Utility, Woredas,
Kebeles,
Total Costs 160,000

The estimates reflect the level of cost but the actual costs will be determined during the
implementation phase, when the specific number of people required for training will be
identified and the level of technical assistance required.

8. Public Consultations and Public Disclosure

Consistent with the African Development Bank and Government of Ethiopia’s consultation
requirements, the project preparation and appraisal as well as initial ESIA preparation studies
have involved various levels of consultation with different stakeholders and potential project
affected populations.

Consultations were based on stakeholder analysis and were preceded by disclosure of adequate
project information and environmental and social information to ensure that participants are fully
informed. Specifically, the stakeholder consultation process aimed at (i) disseminating
information about the scale and scope of the project to ensure all stakeholders have a good
understanding of the project, (ii) to enhance ownership of the project by the community, and
local leadership, (iii) to understand the concerns and expectations of all affected and interested
parities; and (iv) to understand and characterise potential environmental, social and economic
impacts of the project.

Generally, stakeholders have expressed broad support and positive attitude towards the program,
as the proposed interventions will address the poor water supply, health and economic challenges
faced in the towns. Some of the concerns raised by stakeholders included (i) compensation for
land loss due to construction activities, (ii) the need for Woredas, affected by construction
activities, to benefit from the water supply interventions, among others. The recommendations of
the consultations were adequately reflected in the project design and in the project
documentation.

Consultations have been held with various stakeholders including relevant government agencies,
development partners, and officials at the regional and national level throughout the development
of the program. The key stakeholders of the program include MoWIE (including the WASH
coordinating unit, WRDF, etc), Ministry of Finance (MoFED), Regional Water Bureaus (for
each town), the Ministry of Forest and Environment (Environmental Protection Agency), Town
Water utilities, local official and representatives at the Woreda and rural Kebele levels and
several development partners financing the water sector in Ethiopia (WB, DFID, EU, AFD, IDC,
UNICEF, Finland, etc).

The consultation and public participation is a continuous process during the project cycle, further
consultations will be held accordingly throughout the program implementation.

9. Conclusion

The proposed Four Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Program is expected to
bring considerable benefits to communities and businesses within the sub-project areas as well as
adjoining settlements. Anticipated benefits include increased access to safe water supply,
improvement in public health status and sanitation conditions, time and energy savings
particularly for women and children, among others.

This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is meant to ensure that the
implementation of the Program will be carried out in an environmentally and socially sustainable
manner. The ESMF provides the project implementers with an environmental and social
screening process that will enable them to identify, assess and mitigate potential environmental
and social impacts of sub-project activities, including the preparation of site-specific
Environmental Assessments (EIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP)
where applicable, in accordance with Ethiopia’s proclamations and policies, as well as AfDB
safeguard policies particularly Environmental Assessment (OS1).

The ESMF recognizes existing gaps and weaknesses for implementing the ESMF under this
project and realizes the importance of strengthening the capacity of key implementing
institutions The capacity development will provide an enabling environment to address
environmental and social issues by MoWIE (WRDF) and the Regional institutions to implement
the ESMF.

Consequently, in view of the long-term socio-economic benefits that can be gained, there are no
significant environmental and social justifications for not proceeding with the proposed
Programme in the form in which has been presented. The potential benefits from the Program far
outweigh the negative impacts and inconveniencies that accompany project implementation in as
much as the recommended mitigation measures and mechanisms are duly considered and
implemented.

Contacts:

Eskendir A. Demissie, Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, Water and Sanitation
Department Division 2 (OWAS2), African Development Bank, Zimbabwe Country Office,
Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected] Tel: +263 4752917 Ext. 7040