| Project Detail |
The project is classified as environmental category A. A full environmental impact assessment (EIA) including an EMP, was prepared and disclosed on ADBs website on 17 July 2017. Mitigation measures are proposed in the EMP to minimize habitat and species disturbance during construction and operation of the desalination plant and associated facilities. Implementation of a biodiversity management plan in the EMP will ensure no net loss of biodiversity. Public consultations were conducted with local communities, government authorities and nongovernment organizations and their feedback was considered in the project design. Environmental Clearance from the Central Environment Authority (CEA) was obtained and provisions in the clearance were incorporated in the EMP and environmental monitoring program. Public concerns were identified in the EIA, and mitigation measures were incorporated into the EMP. Grievance Redress Mechanism was established and the project will ensure that the members of the Grievance Redress Committee, the PMCIU and contractors are provided with trainings to address project-related grievances. The PMCIU has dedicated staff for monitoring environmental issues and implementing the EMP. The PMCIU will retain independent advisory experts to monitor the implementation of the projects EMP in compliance with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 (SPS) and the CEA policy.
The NWSDB has implemented several ADB projects and has adequate institutional capacity and experience to manage safeguard risks. The EMP will be incorporated into civil works contracts, giving contractors the primary responsibility for implementation. The NWSDB will provide environmental monitoring reports to ADB quarterly during construction works and semi-annually during operation. A corrective action plan will be prepared and implemented for any non-compliance issues. The contractors and NWSDB will adhere to the SPS and national environmental regulations. In the event of any unanticipated environmental impacts during project implementation, the NWSDB will address it by updating the EIA and revising the EMP, which will be disclosed on the ADB website |
