Semeikhon river port project, located at the east bank of Ayeyarwady River, Mandalay Region, is a co-development with Mandalay Myotha Industrial Development Public Co. Ltd. (MMID), to be executed in phases to allow for traffic build-up over time. In Phase 1, IFC InfraVentures is expected to contribute up to US$3.85 million towards development of the port, which consists of one floating berth, and barges and cranes to handle 200,000 tons of general cargo, containers and roll on-roll off cargos. Upon its completion, the project will support Mandalay’s economic growth by facilitating trade in the region, as it would be the first of its kind, a modern inland water port to bolster Myanmar’s water transport sector. 

Key identified E&S impacts and risks of the project, which are site specific and can be addressed through effective
mitigations, and are related to:
(i) the need for a robust E&S management system; (ii) acquisition of land from local community members;
(ii) occupational health and safety risks during construction and operation;
(iii) waste management at the port; and
(iv) stakeholder engagement and having effective grievance mechanisms in place.

With support from IFC, the project sponsor has commissioned the following work by qualified international consultants:
(i) an environmental and social impact assessment has been completed, leading to detailed environmental management and
monitoring plans;
(ii) an assessment of land acquisition activities at the project footprint areas against IFC Performance Standard 5 requirements was also completed;
(iii) supporting the company’s implementation of the land acquisition action plan. The company is currently recruiting a qualified professional to head up and build its in-house E&S team, which will oversee and manage implementation of the above-mentioned ESIA and land acquisition action plans, as well as develop and implement the company’s system for managing E&S risks and impacts in its day to day operations.