MINISTRY OF EDUCATION YEMEN SECONDARY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT AND GIRLS ACCESS PROGRAM (SEDGAP) ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) November 27, 2008.

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1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized MINISTRY OF EDUCATION YEMEN SECONDARY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT AND GIRLS ACCESS PROGRAM (SEDGAP) ENVIRONMENTAL MAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) November 27, E1735

2 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) The Secondary Education Development Girl Access Program (SEDGAP) follows the Basic Education Development Project (BEDP) which was approved by the World Bank in August An agreement was reached between the MOE and the DPs that the project will only finance (a) new for expansion purposes, rehabilitation and replacement of physical spaces in project schools to reach the minimum levels of functional standards No new schools, student hostels, dry latrines and facilities for female teachers accommodations are to be financed by the proposed project. Accordingly, the mission reviewed the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) adopted by the MOE for the on-going BEDP during the SEDGAP preparation mission in July 2007 and found that most of the procedures will remain valid for the preparation of an EMP for this program. However, the following few differences remain: (i) the site selection criteria are only dealing with existing schools and therefore some of the listed criteria in the BEDP EMP are not applicable in SEDGAP; (ii) the program facilities will not include dry latrines and, as a consequence, the sanitation issues are relatively easier to solve; (iii) improper existing sanitation in target schools will be upgraded with new facilities and/or improvement of sewage systems; and (iv) at secondary level, students will handle chemicals during their practical work sessions and therefore, specific safety instructions should be developed and distributed to students and teachers. The program (SEDGAP) will finance laboratories for grades (10-12), including a store room (for keeping chemical materials safely) attached to the laboratory latrines, hygienic hand washing and drinking water facilities, boundary walls and laboratories, and (b) the procurement of laboratory equipment (including chemical materials) for grades Major negative environmental impacts are not anticipated; therefore, the program is under category B. For civil works, minor issues such as (a) site selection for schools, (b) water availability for hygiene purpose, and (c) operation and maintenance of schools (including sanitation facilities) are expected. They would be monitored and mitigated from three project processes: (a) involvement of communities for site selection; (b) standard design and specifications; and (c) implementation of the maintenance program developed under BEEP. These issues were satisfactorily addressed under BEEP and they are not expected to have a major negative impact under (SEDGAP). Chemistry is taught in all grades (10-12) in secondary schools and includes experiment and practical assignments. More complex subjects and experiments are introduced from early grades. The result of the experiment is limited and consists of solid compound of 2

3 gas. Chemicals mentioned in the curriculum have on negative impact on the environment. However, there is potential danger for the users, especially when teachers and students do not follow properly safety instructions as teachers and students handle materials and experiments in the lab at this stage, therefore there should specific instructions (in the form of manuals and posters) are provided to teachers students and teachers in all schools. In addition, science teachers and laboratory assistants are trained in how to manipulate and discard chemicals and are supervised quarterly. Hardcopies of this EMP are available in the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment and in local libraries. The document will also be published on line and in local newspapers. 3

4 1. MITIGATION PLAN 4 Cost Institution Phase Issue Mitigation Install Operate Install Operate Site Selection Design Encroachment/Reduction of green areas: Site with mature trees and other vegetation that should be saved; Flooding: Site prone to flooding Sanitation: Proper attention to sanitary services for building occupants and students. Current issues include: lack of toilets in design, shortage of water, odors due to poor engineering of the system, risk of underground water contamination due to poor design of Septic tanks, etc. furthermore, it is now established that availability of toilets is a factor in girls attending school. Asbestos products: insulation, roofing materials, pipes etc. The use of asbestos is being investigated including Ensure that sitting of buildings avoid the need to cut maturate trees and other natural vegetation. A voided through proper site selection criteria. Or address the problem with appropriate site design measures The standard school designs being developed would include toilets for new as well as for rehabilitated schools. Asbestos products would be barred from use in new project sites. Asbestos in existing buildings would be dealt with applicable laws for Include in contracts Included in contacts Routine building maintenance program Contractors of the works Contractors of the works School authorities, DEOs and the PWP). Comments (Secondary Impacts) Positive Impact includes the shade and protection associated with trees. Positive Impact avoidance of disasters associated with floods Positive Impact enrollments are expected. Environmental impact.

5 5 Cost Institution Phase Issue Mitigation Install Operate Install Operate what uses were or continue to be in practice today. Earthquakes: sites phone to earthquakes Archeological / Historical Sites: Risk of damage to unknown historical and archeological finds or other cultural property Potential nuisances during (dust, wastes, heavy traffic and noise) Accidental spillage of machine oil, lubricants and other toxic substances. Potentially toxic lead-based paints: it is generally believed (but not yet verified) that old schools used lead-based paints and products (grazing putty). safety and environmental risks of asbestos use is unknown Address the issue with appropriate engineering for seismic resistance. The standard school designs being developed would include toilets for new as well as for rehabilitated schools. The new designs would include appropriate solution to the various sanitation problems currently experienced. For example, the problem of the water may be solved through the use of dry latrines. Dust and other wastes are expected to be minimal and proportionate to the scale of works which are very small. However, the contracts would be supervised by site engineers who would be instructed to insure that nuisances associated with are minimized, and that debris from building sites, including toxic substances such as paints, solvents lubricants, hazardous chemicals, are disposed of in an environmental appropriate manner. In existing schools where lead-based paints have been used, special caution would be taken to neutralize the exposed lead paint by an appropriate method In new sites, lead-based paints would not be used. Included in contacts Included in contacts Routine building maintenance program Contractors of the works School authorities, DEOs and the PWP. Included in contacts MoE would neutralize the lead paint in old school buildings during the expansion and rehabilitation work. Construction debris: Most The contracts would Included in The Contractor The contractor Comments (Secondary Impacts)

6 Cost Institution Phase Issue Mitigation Install Operate Install Operate wastes are nonhazardous with the exception of solvents, paints and machine oils. include clauses to insure that these substances are properly disposed. the contract. contractor removes debris because it is pat of the contact. But routine disposal is the responsibilit y of the school and the local authority will dispose the material because it is part of the contract Comments (Secondary Impacts) Delivery and utilization of chemical materials Noise: Associated disruption and nuisances associated with noise during Safe storage and disposal of chemical materials Noise is not accepted to be major nuisances because of the relatively small scale of works, and the limited use of mechanical equipment. A written protocol, instruction manual and posters are kept in the laboratories for both teachers and students to handle materials and experiments. MoE and PWP (budgeted in SEDGAP) MoE School (trained laboratory technician) and DEO School (trained laboratory technician)l 6

7 2. MONITORING Cost Responsibility Phase What Is the parameter to be monitored? Where Is the parameter to be monitored? Site selection Flooding District maps and land survey records. Construction Earthquake: Sanitation: Appropriate and functional design. Use of hazardous materials: (leadbased paints asbestos products) Lead-based paints and painted materials: District maps and land survey records. Architectural drawings and specification. Specifications in documents For old and new buildings: on site during How Is the parameter to be monitored/type of monitoring equipment? Records of flooding. Official records of earthquakes. Checked by experienced engineers for compliance with appropriate practices. Checked by MoE engineers approving the specifications Ensure proper supervision by experienced site engineers. Strict When Is the parameter to be monitoredfrequency of measurement or continuous? During the site selection process. During the site selection process. During the preliminary design stage Before documents are completed and issued to contractors During activities. Why Is the parameter to be monitored (optional)? Sites prone to flooding are too costly to render usable. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse unless proper design has been applied Improper sanitary engineering can cause contamination of ground water. Students will not use the facilities unless they are functioning properly. To ensure that hazardous materials are not used Lead paints are toxic and have been known to cause brain damage Install Oper ate Install Operate during the building design specification stage. MoE financed through the BEDP Project Local Authority and Schools Included in contracts Asbestos MOE Na Private firms Contractor s should follow instruction Supervisio n engineers( of MoE 7

8 Cost Responsibility Phase What Is the parameter to be monitored? appropriate disposal of wood and other materials painted with lead-based paints (old). Lead based paints will not be used in activities under the project. Where Is the parameter to be monitored? and during site selection activities (for new buildings). In the bidding document specifications for all buildings. How Is the parameter to be monitored/type of monitoring equipment? penalties for violators. When Is the parameter to be monitoredfrequency of measurement or continuous? Why Is the parameter to be monitored (optional)? to children Install was moved from old school buildings and therefore there are no schools with asbestos. Oper ate Install s in the specificati ons and constructi on document s by the project unit. Operate and consultant recruited by the PAU Removal of mature trees: this is possible if the site is too small with mature trees in the way. Proper execution of sanitary facilities: To ensure proper installation of sanitary facilities and sewage system At existing school sites in need of expansion, or at new sites. At existing school sites in need of rehabilitationexpansion, or at new sites. Site inspection and surveys of sites Proper supervision works during Prior to the selection of a school site or commencement of works. During, particularly the excavation stage of he works. To ensure protection of mature trees that would take years to grow back. In extreme cases where trees must be removed, they should be replaced by any new planting. To ensure proper design engineering and installation to avoid spillage and water contamination Minor costs for a new planting to be paid by the MoE PWP (supervision, management and control costs will be covered by SEDGAP) None MoE and District education office MoE and District education office 8

9 Cost Responsibility Phase What Is the parameter to be monitored? Safe storage and disposal of chemical materials Where Is the parameter to be monitored? Schools/ laboratories How Is the parameter to be monitored/type of monitoring equipment? School inspections Teacher training Supervision of program activities (MoE/Project team) When Is the parameter to be monitoredfrequency of measurement or continuous? Quarterly Annually Semi-annually Why Is the parameter to be monitored (optional)? To ensure that people are educated and are applying safety measures Install Oper ate Install Operate 9

10 3. INSTITUTIOL STRENGTHENING All the necessary precautions to avoid negative environmental impacts form the items identified are to be taken by the architects and engineers in charge of building design and specifications. Site engineers would be employed to supervise the execution of the works and ensure that they are in accordance with eh designs developed and the specifications prescribed in the documents. These site engineers would also ensure that contractors observe safe and environmentally sound practices in their execution of the contract. Including appropriate disposal of debris, execution would be the responsibility of the contractors, who would be governed by he Conditions of Contract (and the building Code), which include many provisions dealing with safety and the environment. Therefore, no institutional capacity building or training for MOE staff would be needed. However, environmental sensitization, particularly in regard to health and hygiene, would be proposed whenever practical and feasible, through public awareness campaigns and training of teachers. BEDP s implementation arrangements are as follows: An engineer is involved in selecting the school site. A committee is formed to select the schools site. This committee which includes a member from local community, a representative from Project and procurement department and an engineer from the GEOs. The role of the engineer here is to make sure that the selected site is complying with the required conditions and takes into account the environmental obstacles around e.g. that in the (EMP) such as site prone, historical areas, flood or on rain water channel areas, mountainous or flat areas, nose ect.. BEDP policy in reducing chemical risks 1- Laboratories specialists are exposed to specific training in handling chemical materials and lab equipments. In Basic Education stage, curricula is designed in a way that teachers carries out the experiments and give demonstration lessons particularly in early classes as the students are not prepared and trained to handle a lab equipments and chemical materials. 2- A small store room is designed and built attached to the lab where chemical materials are kept away from gas, students and other materials of other subjects like biology and physics. Application of existing procedures in SEDGAP Based on the experience of BEDP, SEDGAP would apply similar measures. Although the Public Works Project (PWP) will implement the civil works, the MoE maintains all the responsibilities for ensuring that this EMP is honored. The PWP is a governmental institution under the mandate of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC). All the financial support comes through the MoPIC from multiple donors including Arab funds, European funds, the World Bank and local contributions. 10

11 The PWP is technically and administratively independent but it works under the supervision of the MoPIC. The PWP works closely with local communities and it responds according to the need of the communities. The local communities are involved in all stages of implementation by forming beneficiaries committees. The local communities will contribute to the cost with 5 or 10% (cash or in kind) of the total cost. This percentage is usually contributed per an agreement with the communities up-front. The PWP already has an ongoing and productive relationship with the MoE, since about half of the investments managed by the PWP are actually involved in providing school facilities (including of secondary schools) in various governorates for eventual handover to the MoE. The PWP has satisfactory experience in managing IDA and Donor funded projects. Current IDA financed projects managed by the PWP include the IDA-PWPIII and the civil works component for the Health Reform Support Project. Yet, SEDGAP containing a set of activities that would contribute to improve these measures, such as (i) the carrying-out of more frequent and random visits to project schools by trained GEOs/DEOs supervisors and engineers to monitor the implementation of the project with respect to the agreed environmental management plan; (ii) the carrying out of training to build the capacity of DEOs staff and school principles in schools supervisors, including environmental aspects; the carrying out of training and awareness camping for school managers, teachers and social workers in secondary school management that would also include a section on environmental aspects and safety measures for the use of chemical materials in class (iii) the development of guidance manuals for school staff with a section on environmental aspects; (iv) an increasing and more active participation of mother s and fathers councils in the selection of sites, maintenance of schools and utilization of resources by the school community, as a way to improve school quality and environment. This would be achieved through training workshops, and awareness campaigns. 4. SCHEDULE Construction activities would be defined annually through the Annual Work plans. The school mapping proves would be used for selection schools in accordance with the agreed criteria. Specific site characteristics and environmental issues would be identified in the school-mapping database and by the architectural consultants during he design stages of each plan. The mitigation and monitoring measures will be undertaken by PWP. Costs for the supervision of civil works and equipment, management, monitoring and control are included SEDGAP. Awareness rising would be undertaken by MOE staff that would be involved in community participation activities, and school administrators to ensure that waste generated in schools is properly controlled, disposed and environmentally in an acceptable manner.. As far as the design and the of school buildings is concerned, BEDP works in different geographical areas mountain, flat, costal and desert areas with different weather (hot, cold) and temperature. There fore, the design takes into accounts these differences. 11

12 The size of windows, ceiling, height, direction of the building to secure good air and light, reduce nose and wind blow. The lessons learned from BEDP experience are that: Involving the local community in the steps and stages of sub-projects would simplify the implementation stages and reduce conflict and raise the progress. Raisin local community and students awareness in environmental risks and issues. Challenges 1- More posters with safety instruction are needed for both teachers and students. 2- Special equipments are, also, needed to meet the emergency cases. 3- The textbooks in secondary educations are designed in a way that allows and enable students to carry out the experiments by themselves with the support and guide of teachers. 12