E & S Information
Under this Upstream phase, IFC financing will contribute to among others, E&S studies (including ESMF, ESIA, RAP/LRP, BMP) to be led by the client and supported by IFC for the distribution extension sub-projects. These E&S studies will need to comply with IFC Performance Standards as well as WBG EHS Guidelines (general and Sector specific). The distribution extension sub-projects will be financed under a subsequent Upstream phase as a pilot (not under this Collaboration agreement). Based on the current information, some of the key E&S risks to be considered in the E&S studies to be developed include impacts on biodiversity (bird or primate electrocution), land acquisition (physical or economic displacement), community health and safety risks (during construction and operation) and indigenous people (IPs) (Batwa community). The other key E&S issues associated with this project will be: (a) Virunga’s E&S management systems, a newly developed ESMS for Weza Power, and staffing to manage construction and operations in line with IFC PSs (b) fair, safe and healthy working conditions for employees and contract workers in line with PS2 and applicable legal requirements (c) contractor and sub-contractor management systems for construction and operation phase especially focusing on occupational, health and safety (d) emergency preparedness and response (e) community impacts due to construction, traffic, security and operations and (f) stakeholder engagement.