This is a Category B project, according to IFC’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy. Based on information reviewed during the appraisal, it is expected to have limited adverse environmental and social risks and impacts that are few in number, short-term and site-specific, and can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to recognized performance standards, procedures, guidelines and design criteria as described in the following sections.

 Key E&S risks and impacts associated with the project include: adequacy of WIOCC’s environmental and social management system; the Sponsor’s capacity and tools to assess and manage E&S risks and issues associated with the expected surge in construction, excavations, cable-laying and transportation activities; implementation of Data Center site construction and operation phase Environmental Management Plans, including the mitigation measures identified by the Noise Impact Assessment, in line with the IFC Performance Standard requirements; provision of fair and safe and healthy working conditions for staff and project contractors’ workers; resource efficiency, hazardous materials, wastes and wastewater management; possible marine habitat alteration; impacts on cultural heritage areas and features; security management; and the company’s stakeholder engagement activities.

There are no new material E&S issues associated with the investment under the COVID 19 facility.                                               

Please refer to the Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) linked to this project SII in the IFC's project disclosure website.

Update Related to Additional Investment under the COVID-19 Response Facility:

E&S Performance and COVID-19 related Impacts:

WIOCC’s E&S management approach is discussed in detail on the Environmental and Social Review Summary recently disclosed (October 2019) at https://disclosures.ifc.org/#/projectDetail/ESRS/41580. Although this follow on investment, under the COVID-19 response facility, does not result in any new material E&S risks, the scope of operations is increasing over time and associated E&S risk profiles and contexts are changing. As part of the risk management approach, WIOCC will implement the ESAP disclosed at https://disclosures.ifc.org/#/projectDetail/ESRS/41580. 

Scope of IFC’s Appraisal:

IFC’s E&S review for this follow-on investment, comprised a virtual meeting with the company’s senior management, environmental health and safety team and human resources team via a video conference to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s operations - particularly on its workforce. IFC also reviewed related information and documents shared by the company and its own records of the company’s E&S performance during the current investment under process. After COVID-19 related travel restrictions are removed, IFC will visit the client, as part of the regular portfolio monitoring activities.

Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Impact on Employment

WIOCC has confirmed to IFC that the company has neither implemented any retrenchment of workforce nor any adjustment of their terms of employment as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. WIOCC neither employs migrant workers nor provides workers accommodation facilities.

Health Impact of COVID

WIOCC holds bi-monthly e-meetings with staff to discuss the COVID 19 situation and related health impacts. The company has also implemented specific occupational health & safety (H&S) measures to respond to COVID-19 risks in the workplace. The crisis management procedures have been expanded to include COVID 19 procedures based on guidance from the World Health Organization and respective governments. Staff screening is done at the office entrances; specific office protocols, including sitting arrangements, cough hygiene, social distancing, hand sanitation, cleaning and disinfection, among others have been designed; equipment and surfaces are sanitized more frequently than before; appropriate personal protective equipment (such as face masks, hand gloves) are provided to staff; and COVID 19 H&S guidelines set to contractors and other third parties.

 As a condition of this follow-on investment the company will continue implementing the COVID-19 infection prevention, control and response plan, consistent with the PS2 and PS4 Interim Advice for IFC Clients on Preventing and Managing Health Risks of COVID-19 in the Workplace.