ANSWERS

PROJECT LOCATION
Sokoto State is situated in the North-western part of Nigeria. It is located between
latitudes 11° 30” to 13 ° 50” N and longitudes 4° 00’’ to 6° 00’’E.

Project Components
The project is to be implemented under four (4) reinforcing components.
Component 1: Support to Quality Health Infrastructure Provision, USD
91.92M
 Sub-component 1.1: Construction of Medical College Faculties and Allied
Structures in Sokoto State University
 Sub-component 1.2: Construction of 2 Medical College Hostels in Sokoto
University
 Sub-component 1.3: Construction of a Teaching Hospital Complex and 3
Premier Hospitals
Component 2: Support to Quality Health Services Delivery, USD 36.86
 Sub-component 2.1: Equipping of the teaching hospital and three premier
hospitals
 Sub-component 2.2: Equipping of Medical College Faculties and 2 Medical
College Hostels in Sokoto State University
 Sub-component 2.3: Provision of ICT Infrastructure and Enhancement of
Skills of Service Providers.


1. Environmental and social management plan (ESMP) is an instrument that

details:
(a) The measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project
to eliminate or offset adverse environmental and social impacts, or to reduce them
to acceptable levels; and
(b) The actions needed to implement these measures.

The environmental context against which this Environmental and Social

Management Plan is designed, is based on the national objective of enhancing
environmental, social and economic benefits to affected persons in the project area
as well as on the desire for sustainable national development and compliance with
Nigerian environmental laws (Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ACT 86,
CAP E12, LFN 2004 and associated regulations as well as on the African
Development Bank Integrated Safeguard Systems.
The Environmental and Social Management Plan for this project aims at ensuring
the following:
 That environmental, social, health and safety factors are carefully managed
throughout the project cycle.
 That the project complies with regulatory stipulations and guidelines;
 That there is sufficient allocation of resources on the project budget so that
the scale of ESMP-related activities is consistent with the significance of
project impacts;
 That environmental performance is verified through information on impacts
as they occur;
 That institutional arrangements required to implement the environmental
impact mitigation and enhancement measures are specified and include a
monitoring program, for selected environmental parameters, to assess the
success of the mitigating/enhancement measures, as well as their timely
execution; and
 That an implementation schedule for the mitigation measures is provided.

IMPACTS IN THE PRECONSTRUCTION PHASE

Activities in this phase of the project include surveys, designs, studies, licensing
and permits/approvals as well as establishment of construction yard and other
preliminary activities.

Positive Impacts in the Pre-construction Phase

 Temporary employment and increase in income
Presence of various specialists engaged in preliminary studies, field work and
project design will provide temporary employment and temporary increased
income to several people including those in the project area which may be
employed as unskilled workers for example as watchmen, washmen, etc.
 Boost in Local Trading Activities
Influx of preconstruction professionals into the project area and employment of
local people as preconstruction employees will temporarily stimulate the local
economy of the project area by way of increased demand from the presence of an
external workforce as well as increased income and subsequent demand from the
local workforce. This impact is rated as being of short-term negligible significance
which can however be enhanced to a low significance level by appropriate
enhancement measures.

Negative Impacts in the Pre-construction

On the other hand, negative impacts in the preconstruction phase of the project
include hazards from HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases because of
interactions with external work force as well as HSE hazard to preconstruction
workforce which may include snake bite, automobile or occupation accidents.
 Exposure to STIs and COVID 19
Project employees as well as the communities may be exposed to STIs and COVID
19 in the preconstruction phase. To mitigate this impact, preconstruction
employees/consultants should be reminded of the dangers of casual sex and other
potentially dangerous conduct such as disregard for COVID 19 protocols and STIs
prevention measures during field work;

NEGATIVE IMPACTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The project construction activities will involve civil engineering construction
works, vegetation (bush) clearing, earth (soil) movement, culvert works, erection
of reinforced concrete structures, casting of equipment bases, mounting of
equipment and wiring connections, etc. This phase of the proposed project may be
associated with short-term (temporary) negative impacts such as social conflicts
which may arise from local employment, interference with transport activities, risk
of accident on local roads around the project area, increase in noise levels,
increased emission of atmospheric pollutants from the exhausts of construction
machineries and vehicles, soil contamination, increased pressure on existing
infrastructure due to minor population increase and exposure of the local
population to HSE hazards such as, Covid-19, STIs.

 Loss of Farmlands
There will also be loss of farmlands by farmers using the land that belongs to the
Sokoto State University. This may adversely affect the people using the farmlands.
This impact may also not be significant because the land is owned by the
university and the people using the farmlands can easily get new farms elsewhere,
as there are vast lands available for farming close to Sokoto town.
 Reduction of Abundance and Species of Fauna and Flora
Vegetation and fauna will be directly affected by the removal of plants, shrubs and
trees from the proposed project site. However, application of mitigation measures
such as re-vegetating and landscaping the finished structures will minimize the
impact on fauna and flora.
 Soil and Water Pollution
Oil and grease may drip from construction equipment and may contaminate soil or
be washed down into underlying aquifers or nearby water bodies. This potential
impact is however assessed as being of low significance. It is therefore concluded
that, with application of appropriate mitigation measures, the proposed project will
have negligible direct impact on surface and groundwater resources.
 Disruption of Road Traffic and Increased Risk of Traffic Accident
Movement of construction equipment into the project area has the potential of
disrupting normal traffic flow and increasing the risk of traffic accidents. A
potential impact of the proposed project on traffic is assessed as being of low
significance. Application of appropriate mitigation measures will, however, make
this impact of negligible significance.
 Air Pollution
The primary air pollutants during project construction phase will be exhaust from
construction machinery and airborne dust from construction truck movements and
other moving vehicles along road to the construction site. The major air pollutants
are dust, gaseous emissions and other particulate matter that may impact adversely
on fauna and flora, human health and the built environment. It is expected that
particulate concentration would not increase significantly above FMEnv limits as a
result of construction activities and since construction phase activities will be of
short duration, the impact on air quality is considered negative but insignificant.
Mitigation measures will however be carried out to further reduce the anticipated
impact.
 Noise Pollution
The existing daytime ambient noise levels in the nearby communities were within
the day time acceptable limit (70 dBA). Other sources of noise pollution will be
vehicles transporting construction materials to the construction area. Impacts from
noise pollution will be mostly on construction workers, staff and students as well
as residents living near the construction site. Impact from noise pollution is
considered negative but insignificant with mitigation measures in place.
 Water Pollution
In the rainy season, silt from disturbed soil and construction activities may result in
increased suspended solids (SS) in rivers immediately downstream from
construction areas. Such impacts will be temporary and limited to small areas
downstream. Construction workers and activities generate other wastes which
when improperly disposed may also pollute streams. Surface run-off from
construction sites may include hydrocarbons such as waste oil and lubricants.
 Public Health and Occupational Health and Safety
Influx of construction workers into the area could increase the risk of spread of
Covid-19 and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS to and
from the inhabitants of the local communities. Construction workers may be
exposed to occupational health and safety hazards, for example, the risk of
increased work-related accidents such as those caused by poor handling, misuse or
malfunctioning equipment.
  Gender Gaps
Gender gaps exist across the local communities which could further compound
project impacts for women as a social group. These gaps include cultural norms
which prevent women from participating in the delivery of construction projects as
well as community level decision making processes. Interactions with construction
workers are more detrimental to women and girls, who could easily be exposed to
casual sex and its attendant risks of STDs and Covid 19.

Significant Negative Impacts in the Construction Phase

Loss of use of farmlands by farmers and public and occupational health and safety
hazards discussed above are predicted to be the significant negative impacts in the
Construction Phase of this project.

POSITIVE IMPACTS IN CONSTRUCTION PHASE

 Employment and Income Generation
More tangible and immediate benefits in this phase of the project will be direct
employment opportunities, for both skilled and unskilled labour, related to project
construction execution. The project labour force will include engineers, surveyors,
health professionals, machine operators, drivers, masons, carpenters, food vendors,
etc. Security personnel will also be needed to safeguard contractor’s equipment,
construction materials and other supplies. A significant part of the required labour
force for this project is expected to come from the local population. There will also
be procurement opportunities that would be created through the supply of
construction materials and equipment needed for the project. Indirect employment
relating to services, vendors, etc. will also generate additional income-earning
opportunities, including for women and children during the construction period.
Potential impact on employment and income generation is assessed as being of low
significance which can however be enhanced to an impact of moderate positive
significance.
 Enhanced skills for Local Artisans
The local artisans like the carpenters, masons, welders, will have the opportunity to
acquire new skills as well as more experience during the construction phase of the
project. Thus, an on-the-job training will enhance their skills and promote them to
higher levels in their professions. Potential impact of the proposed project on skills
of the local work force is assessed as being of low significance which can however
be enhanced to an impact of moderate positive significance.
 Stimulation/boosting of local economy
Presence of a large number of construction employees in the project area as well as
increased income and purchasing power of local construction employees can
stimulate/boost the local economy of the project area through increased demand for
goods and services. This impact is rated as being of low significance and can
however be enhanced to an impact of moderate positive significance through
application of appropriate enhancement measures.

Significant Positive Impacts in the Construction Phase

Employment and procurement opportunities as well as enhancement of skills of
local artisans discussed above are the significant positive impacts of the project in
the Construction Phase of this project.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS IN OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PHASE

Operation and maintenance activities include the following:
➢ Periodic inspection of facilities to ensure functional conditions;
➢ Housekeeping activities to ensure clean and safe work environment
➢ Maintenance of equipment at the hospitals and medical college;
➢ Maintaining adequate warning signs on dangerous equipment such high voltage
equipment and power tools, etc.

Negative Impacts in the Operational Phase

The impacts of the activities associated with the operations phase of this project are
discussed succinctly below:
 Noise Pollution
Noise emission from mechanical and power tools would impact negatively on staff
and students of the medical college as well as on staff and patients at the hospitals.
Impact from noise is assessed as being of low negative significance and can be
mitigated to negligible insignificance through application of appropriate measures.
Water Pollution
In the operational phase, small quantities of oil/grease, electronic waste and
hazardous chemicals such as from equipment maintenance and pathogenic hospital
waste may be washed out and discharged to nearby surface water bodies as runoff
during the rainy season. Additionally, if enough provision is not made for sanitary
conveniences, it may lead to open defecation by employees, students and patients
and result into pollution of nearby water bodies.
Impact on water quality is assessed as being of low negative insignificance and can
be mitigated to a negligible insignificance through application of appropriate
mitigation measures.
 Occupational Accidents
In the operational phase of the proposed project, there is a potential for
occupational accidents such as electrocution, cuts and burns, trips and falls, etc. at
the laboratories and during routine maintenance or through unauthorized access to
equipment. The potential for occupational accidents is assessed as being of high
significance. This potential impact can however be mitigated to a low significance
through application of appropriate mitigation measures.
 Risk of Explosion and Fire Outbreak
In the operational phase there is also a risk of explosion and fire outbreak (as a
result of disregard for safety rules and precautions) in areas of high electricity
voltage and where highly combustible materials such as chemical solvents,
cylinders of compressed gases and refrigerants are used or kept.
This potential impact can however be mitigated to a low significance through
application of appropriate mitigation measures.
Generation of Health Care Risk Waste
The most significant impact of the proposed project is the generation of health care
risk waste. This kind of waste can be generated from several departments in the
hospitals and has the potential to infect people who may come into contact with it.

Significant Negative Impacts in the Operational Phase

The significant negative impacts identified in the Operational Phase are
occupational accident hazard as well as hazards from Healthcare Risk Waste from
the hospitals.

POSITIVE IMPACTS DURING OPERATIONS PHASE OF THE PROJECT

 Stimulating/Boosting of Local Economy
In the operations phase of the proposed project, operations and maintenance
activities will create new jobs that will directly impact positively on the local and
even the regional labour markets. These jobs will create additional income and
thereby induce increased demand for local goods and services.
Stimulating the local economy as a result of employment creation and increased
income in the area is assessed as being of moderate significance which can
however be enhanced to a high significance level through ensuring that local
people are given preference in terms of recruitment.
 Skills Acquisition from Maintenance Operations
In the operations phase of the proposed project there will be a potential for skill
acquisition by people employed from the project communities. Employees from
the project area will acquire more skills and build capacity by acquiring new skills
which they can utilize in subsequent engagements in future.
The potential for skills acquisition by the local employees is assessed as being of
low significance which can be enhanced to a high level of significance through
carrying out appropriate enhancement measures.
 Climate Change Mitigation
Exhaust emission from electricity generation and usage in the hospital especially
from high-power equipment is a major source of greenhouse gases and a major
contributor to climate change. Once there is a significant increase in utilization of
renewable energy at the expense of electricity and fossil fuels, there will be a
reduction in greenhouse gas emission, which mitigates climate change. The
potential decrease in greenhouse gas emission as a result of the proposed project is
assessed as being of low significance.
 Improved health of citizens of Sokoto State
The project will significantly cause the reduction of disease in Sokoto State and
bring about an enhanced productivity, as a result of operations of the hospitals.
Creation of employment
The proposed project will create direct and indirect employment opportunities
during both its construction and operational phases. According to an investigation
by the proponent, at least nine thousand jobs would be generated by the project.
 Contribution to gender equality
Since the is Medical College is planned to offer obstetrics and gynaecology
services, it will have a significant positive social impact on women, create career
development opportunities and sustainable jobs for women.
 Aesthetic Impact
The proposed architectural design and landscaping of the medical college structure
with gardens and newly planted trees is planned to create an aesthetically pleasing
site. The overall environmental setting of the project area will therefore be
transformed into an aesthetically pleasant and appealing one that will be very
conducive for learning, research and healthcare provision.
Saving of foreign exchange from medical tourism
The project when fully operational has the potential to discourage medical tourism
overseas, especially if high quality medical service is provided in addition to
provision and deployment of high-tech equipment for medical diagnosis and
treatment.
 Increased Potential for Industrial Development and Tourism
A very significant impact of the project which is generally the overall aim of the
proposed project is the potential of the project to significantly lead to local,
regional and national medical capacity-building and healthcare provision. With a
significantly improved healthcare delivery capacity and infrastructure in the State,
there is will be a high tendency for the attraction of entrepreneurs who would be
comfortable settling down in the State, knowing fully well that advanced medical
care is available for them any time they fall ill. With the rich and abundant
historical and cultural heritage in the State, the tourism industry could also be
developed into a world-class status and could thus provide foreign exchange for
the State and the country. The potential impact of the proposed project on
industrialization and tourism development is assessed as being of moderate
significance which can be enhanced to a high significance through appropriate
enhancement measures.

Significant Positive Impact in the Operations Phase

Significant positive impacts in the Operational Phase of the project include
improved health of citizens of Sokoto State and provision of job opportunities for
them as well as contribution of the project to gender equality and ensuring foreign
exchange savings from reduction of medical tourism.

3. ESS 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental Risks and

Impacts
 This is needed as there will be some adverse environmental and social
impact resulting from the project, including hazards from HIV/AIDs and
other communicable diseases because of interactions with external work
force as well as HSE hazard to preconstruction workforce in the pre-
construction phase, loss of use of farmlands by farmers and public and
occupational health and safety hazards in the construction phase and
occupational accident hazard as well as hazards from Healthcare Risk Waste
from the hospitals during the operational phase.

ESS 2: Labour and Working Conditions

 This standard is needed as the project seeks to employ fifty (50) skilled
professionals as well as about a hundred one hundred (100) unskilled
employees.

ESS 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management

During the construction phase of this project, materials such as cement,
granite, water, diesel etc will be utilized in construction activities and in the
installation of medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment and
accessories. Also, there will be increase in noise levels, increased emission
of atmospheric pollutants from the exhausts of construction machineries and
vehicles, soil contamination. These all need to be managed.

ESS 4: Community Health and Safety

There will be risk of accident on local roads around the project area and
exposure of the local population to HSE hazards such as, Covid-19, STIs
amongst other risk the project poses to the host community.

ESS 5: Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary

Resettlement
This will not be necessary as the Medical College will be constructed within
the Sokoto State University.

ESS 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of

Living Natural Resources

ESS 7: Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved

Traditional Local Communities
ESS 8: Cultural Heritage
ESS 9: Financial Intermediaries
ESS 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure