Stakeholder Engagement Plandocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/817421569768404590/...line, and a 63km...

MAY 2019

Stakeholder Engagement Plan

Sebzor Hydropower Plant

Associated 110kV transmission lines

and substations

Rural Electrification Project

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Stakeholder Engagement Plan Sebzor Hydropower Plant

110kV transmission lines from Sebzor HPP to Khorog and from Khorog to Qozideh Associated substations

Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Objectives of Stakeholder Engagement Plan ......................................................................... 6

2. Project Summary .............................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Sebzor hydropower plant ....................................................................................................... 6

2.2 18-kilometer 110kV transmission line from Sebzor to Khorog ............................................ 10

2.3 63-kilometer 110kV transmission line from Khorog to Qozideh .......................................... 12

3. Summary of Potential E&S Impacts ................................................................................................ 14

4. Regulatory Context ......................................................................................................................... 17

4.1 Tajikistan requirements for stakeholder engagement ......................................................... 17

4.2 World Bank requirements for stakeholder engagement ..................................................... 17

5. Summary of Stakeholder Engagement and Identification ............................................................. 19

5.1 Engagement with local stakeholders .................................................................................... 19

5.1.1 Scoping consultations during Sebzor HPP Feasibility Study .................................... 19

5.1.2 Local scoping consultations for the ‘international’ ESIAs for Sebzor HPP and Sebzor-

Khorog transmission line ......................................................................................... 20

5.1.3 Local stakeholder consultations for the 63-kilometer Khorog-to-Qozideh

transmission line...................................................................................................... 21

5.2 Consultations with institutional stakeholders ...................................................................... 22

6. Stakeholder Identification and Analysis ......................................................................................... 24

6.1 Project-affected persons ...................................................................................................... 24

6.1.1 People affected by land acquisition ........................................................................ 24

6.1.1. Other people residing in the project areas ............................................................. 25

6.1.2. Village representatives (Jamoats) ........................................................................... 25

6.2. Other interested parties ....................................................................................................... 25

6.2.1. Other interested parties - external.......................................................................... 25

6.2.2. Other interested parties – Internal ......................................................................... 25

6.3. Disadvantaged / Vulnerable individuals or groups .............................................................. 26

6.4. Summary of stakeholder interest in and influence over the project ................................... 27

7. Stakeholder Engagement Program ................................................................................................ 27

7.1 Engagement methods and tools ........................................................................................... 27

7.1.1 Public/community meetings ................................................................................... 28

7.1.2 Mass/social media communication ......................................................................... 28

7.2 Planned stakeholder engagement activities ........................................................................ 37

7.2.1 Communication materials ....................................................................................... 37

7.1.1. Information Desks ................................................................................................... 37

7.1.2. Grievance redress mechanism ................................................................................ 37

7.1.3. Project tours ............................................................................................................ 42

7.1.4. Citizen/PAP perception survey ................................................................................ 42

7.1.5. Trainings and workshops ......................................................................................... 42

7.1.6. Vulnerable groups ................................................................................................... 42

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Contents (continued)

7.2. Disclosure of information and public consultations ............................................................. 42

7.3 Stakeholder Engagement during Project Implementation ................................................... 47

7.4 Pamir Energy Point of Contact ............................................................................................. 47

8. Grievance Redress Mechanism ...................................................................................................... 48

8.1 Grievance resolution process ............................................................................................... 49

8.2 Grievance processing ............................................................................................................ 52

8.3 Grievance Logs ...................................................................................................................... 53

8.4 Monitoring and reporting on grievances.............................................................................. 54

8.5 Pamir Energy Point of Contact ............................................................................................. 54

8.6 World Bank Grievance Redress System ................................................................................ 54

Annex 1: Example Grievance Form ...................................................................................................... 56

Annex 2. Minutes of Consultation Meeting on Sebzor HPP and Sebzor-Khorog Transmission Line in

Sebzor (Roshtqala District, GBAO).................................................................................................. 58

Annex 3. Minutes of Consultation Meeting on Khorog-Qozideh 110kV Transmission line in Andarob

and Qozideh Villages (Ishkashim District, GBAO) ........................................................................... 63

Tables

Table 1: Environmental and social documentation for TREP and associated projects .......................... 5

Table 2. Villages between Sebzor and Khorog ...................................................................................... 13

Table 3: Villages between Khorog & Qozideh crossed by the corridor ............................................... 13

Table 4: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Rushan district in early 2019 ................................... 20

Table 5: Consultations in potentially affected villages between Khorog and Qozideh ....................... 21

Table 6: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Dushanbe ................................................................ 22

Table 7: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Khorog ..................................................................... 23

Table 8: Other interested parties - external ........................................................................................ 26

Table 9: Level of interest and influence over the project ................................................................... 27

Table 10: Generic Methods, Tools and Techniques for Stakeholder Engagement .............................. 29

Table 11: Planned stakeholder engagement activities by project phase ........................................... 38

Table 12. Public consultations on Sebzor HPP and associated transmission lines ............................... 43

Figures

Figure 1: Location of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast and Khatlon Province .......................... 4

Figure 2: Location of proposed Sebzor HPP and associated 18 km and 63 km 110kV overhead .......... 8

Figure 3: Location of proposed Sebzor HPP and associated 18km transmission line from ................... 9

Figure 4. Corridor of 18km 110kV transmission line from Sebzor HPP to Khorog............................... 11

Figure 5. Examples of towers ............................................................................................................... 12

Figure 6: Villages crossed by the 63km transmission line .................................................................... 13

Figure 7. Early consultation meetings in 2016 ..................................................................................... 19

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Figures (continued)

Figure 8. Meetings with local stakeholders in early 2019 ................................................................... 20

Figure 9. Consultations along 63km transmission line ........................................................................ 22

Figure 10. Disclosure consultation meeting in Sebzor .......................................................................... 45

Figure 11. Disclosure consultation meeting in Andarob ....................................................................... 46

Figure 12. Consultation meeting in Qozideh ........................................................................................ 46

Figure 13: Feedback and GRM Process ................................................................................................ 49

Figure 14: Typical grievance resolution process .................................................................................. 50

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronym Description

CLO Community Liaison Officer

E&S Environmental & Social

EMF Electromagnetic Field

ESF Environmental and Social Framework

ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework

ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan

ESS Environmental and Social Standard of the 2018 World Bank ESF

GBAO Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (VMKB in Tajik)

GRC Grievance Resolution Committee (1 and 2)

GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism

HSE Health, and Safety, Social, and Environment

kV Kilovolt

masl Meters above sea level

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

PAP Project-Affected Person (or Project-Affected Party)

RAP Resettlement Action Plan

RPF Resettlement Policy Framework

SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan

WB World Bank

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The World Bank is considering providing support to the Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project (TREP),

whose purpose is to provide electricity access to selected settlements in Khatlon and Gorno-

Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) regions of Tajikistan (Figure 1) and to improve the reliability

of electricity supply in GBAO. The total value of the project is US$ 70.0 million, with US$ 20.0 million

to be financed by the World Bank. TREP is part of the Risk Mitigation Regime (RMR) that is included in

the upcoming World Bank Country Partner Framework for the Republic of Tajikistan for fiscal years

2019-2023.

The TREP is being prepared under the World Bank’s new Environment and Social Framework (ESF),

which came into effect on October 1, 2018, replacing the Bank’s Environmental and Social Safeguard

Policies. Under the ESF, projects such as TREP must comply with ten Environmental and Social

Standards (ESS) in investment project lending financed by the Bank.

TREP includes several components:

• Construction and operation of a run-of-river 10.5-megawatt (MW) Sebzor hydropower

plant (Sebzor HPP) on the Shokhdara River and an associated 6.6/35kiloVolt (kV)

substation.

• Construction and operation of a 63km 110kV transmission line between Khorog

substation and a new 35/110kV substation near Qozideh.

• Off-grid solutions for electrification of 105 villages located in GBAO and Khatlon,

comprising provision of electricity services to target settlements through construction of

small hydro (SHPP), solar and wind individual projects, and “last mile grid connections”

Figure 1: Location of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast and Khatlon Province

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which will involve constructing short distances of low-voltage distribution lines to connect

currently unelectrified settlements in GBAO and to the national grid.

In addition to these projects that are part of the TREP, an associated 18km 110kV transmission line

will carry power generated by the new Sebzor HPP to a new 110/35kV substation in Khorog. This

component is being financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and is included

in the present Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

The World Bank is also providing financing for environmental and social assessments and other

planning documentation needed for these projects to meet the requirements of the World Bank’s ESF

and other requirements related to environmental and social performance. The various assessments

will include:

• Environmental and social impact assessments. The Sebzor hydropower project, the

associated 18km transmission line from Sebzor to Khorog, and the 63km transmission line

from Khorog to Qozideh will each be assessed in an Environmental and Social Impact

Assessment (ESIA). Final feasibility studies are in preparation, and the environmental and

social impacts of the projects have previously been subject to a desktop environmental

and social evaluation and a full feasibility study. The off-grid solutions projects will have

preliminary assessments in Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs)

that will establish criteria for future evaluations of individual electrification projects.

• Stakeholder Engagement Plans. Each project component will have a tailored program to

engage affected people and other stakeholders, with this one Plan for Sebzor HPP and the

associated 110kV 18km transmission line from Sebzor to Khorog and 63km Khorog-

Qozideh transmission line, one Plan for the off-grid project in Khatlon, and a third Plan for

the off-grid project in GBAO.

• Resettlement Policy Frameworks. Each project component will require the temporary and

permanent use of land that is currently allocated to other people and so will result in

physical and/or economic displacement of some households. Each will require one or

more separate Resettlement Action Plans in the future, but the principles and objectives

of the program will be the same for all subprojects. For that reason, a single RPF has been

prepared to cover all subprojects.

This report presents the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the Sebzor HPP and the two

associated 110kV transmission lines, one 18km from Sebzor to Khorog and another for 63km from

Khorog to Qozideh (“the Project” or “the projects”). Documents required for each component are

identified in Table 1: Environmental and social documentation for TREP and associated projects.

Table 1: Environmental and social documentation for TREP and associated projects

Sebzor HPP &

substation

18km Sebzor-to-Khorog

110kV t-line

63km Khorog-to-Qozideh t-

line

GBAO off-grid solutions

Khatlon last-mile solutions

ESIA ✓ ✓ ✓

ESMF

✓ ✓

SEP ✓ ✓ ✓

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Pamir Energy will be responsible for all the project components except the Khatlon last-mile solutions.

Pamir Energy was formed in 2002 by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) in

partnership with the Government of Tajikistan and the International Finance Corporation. Under a

public-private partnership agreement with the Government of Tajikistan, the company has assumed

the operational management of all power generation, transmission and distribution facilities of the

Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) of Tajikistan. The Khatlon electrification projects will

be implemented by Barqi Tojik, the state-owned company responsible for power generation and

transmission in other provinces of Tajikistan.

1.2 Objectives of Stakeholder Engagement Plan

The overall objective of this Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) is to define a program for stakeholder

engagement, including public information disclosure and consultation, throughout the construction

and operation of the Project. The SEP highlights the way Pamir Energy will communicate with people

and stakeholder groups who may be affected by or interested. The SEP includes a mechanism by which

people can raise concerns, provide feedback, or make complaints about Pamir Energy, the contractors,

and the Project itself or its components.

While the projects will result in only a few instances of physical resettlement, and relatively limited

permanent land acquisition, the involvement of the local population is essential to the success of the

projects in order to ensure smooth collaboration between project staff and local communities and to

minimize and mitigate environmental and social risks related to the projects.

2. Project Summary

The proposed Project, comprising Sebzor HPP, the 18km 110kV Sebzor-to-Khorog power transmission

line, and a 63km Khorog-to-Qozideh transmission line, is located in the southwestern part of GBAO,

as shown on Figure 2: Location of proposed Sebzor HPP and associated 18 km and 63 km 110kV

overhead.

2.1 Sebzor hydropower plant

The Sebzor HPP is located on the right bank of the Shokhdara river about 20 kilometers southeast of

Khorog). The powerhouse will be connected to a Pamir Energy substation in Khorog via the 18-

kilometer 110 kV overhead transmission line that will run from the HPP to a new substation in Khorog

(see Figure 3).

RPF ✓

ESIA: Environmental & Social Impact Assessment ESMF: Environmental and Social Management Framework SEP: Stakeholder Engagement Plan RPF: Resettlement Policy Framework

✓ indicates separate E&S document to be prepared to meet ESF and other applicable requirements

✓ identifies present document

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The proposed Sebzor HPP will have the following major components:

• A small dam (also known as a weir) 70 meters across and five meters high, with three

meters above the riverbed, near Barjingal village.

• Small reservoir with maximum depth of three meters that extends about 700 meters

upstream and covers an area of about five hectares

• Water intake at the weir

• Desilting/desanding chamber about 65 meters long and 16 meters wide

• Penstock with two pipes, each one 1.2 meters in diameter, running for about 2.8

kilometres from the intake to the powerhouse. The penstock will run immediately beside

the road for part of its length and through a tunnel for another part.

• Powerhouse with three 3.5MW turbines and generators near Sebzor village

• Tailrace will carry water from the powerhouse under the road and back to the river

• Work camp and storage area will be located approximately halfway between Barjingal and

Sebzor villages. This area will be used for construction workers accommodation and

storage of construction materials and construction equipment. It will cover an area of 4-

5 hectares and include a number of workshops, warehouses, fabrication areas, sanitary

facilities, worker accommodations, and associated facilities (sanitary, recreation, kitchen,

etc.).

The Sebzor HPP also comprises reconstruction and expansion of about three kilometers of paved road

between Barjingal and Sebzor villages. The road is planned to be expanded from a width of 4-5 meters

to 6.5-7 meters, with a new asphalt surface. In addition, the project includes construction of a new

bridge across the Shokhdara river at the village of Sebzor. The bridge will be five meters wide and

capable of serving cars and light trucks. Each of these projects will be completed by contractors and

will employ up to 100 workers during a one-year construction period.

Other key aspects of this subproject include the following:

• Environmental flows. An “environmental” flow of at least 10 percent of the annual

average, or 3m3/s, will be left in the river at all times. At maximum capacity, 10.5m3/sec

will be diverted through the penstock to the powerhouse. All river flows higher than 13.5

m3/sec will , which occurs over 50 percent of the time, will flow over the weir. When flows

are lower than 13.5m3/s, the plant will generate less electricity, down to a flow of 4.75

m3/sec, when 3 m3/sec will pass over the weir as environmental flow and the remaining

1.75m3/sec will be diverted to the powerhouse.

• Flooding. The Shokhdara River is subject to extreme floods in summer, and even to a

Glacial Lake Outburst Flow should there be a breach in the earthen “dam” that holds back

a glacial lake in the headwaters. In addition, a dike will be constructed on both riverbanks

immediately upstream of the dam to ensure that annual floods do not reach the nearest

houses. The weir is being designed to withstand a 1000-year flood (450 m3/sec), and will

be 0.45 meters higher than the water level during this flood. Lowest flows are in winter,

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Figure 2: Location of proposed Sebzor HPP and associated 18 km and 63 km 110kV overhead transmission lines, GBAO, Tajikistan

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Figure 3: Location of proposed Sebzor HPP and associated 18km transmission line from Sebzor to Khorog project

when discharge in the river ranges from 6 to 15 m3/sec. Highest flows are in summer, with the

average peak of over 110m3/s. The average annual flow rate is about 24-30m3/s.

• Earthquake/seismic activity. The dam is in an area considered to be at high risk of seismic

activity (earthquake), up to about 6-7 on the Richter scale. Additional studies are needed

to determine final design parameters to ensure the dam can withstand likely seismic

activity. Given the low weir/dam and the relatively small reservoir, even complete failure

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of the dam would have relatively minor downstream consequences, especially when

compared to the annual flooding that occurs in summer.

• Fish pass. The dam will be designed so that fish can move upstream and downstream via

a fish passage. The fish passage will be about 2.5 meters wide and 44 meters long, and is

being designed with a flow rate of 1.25m3/s, or about 40 percent of the environmental

flow. The fish pass is being designed to accommodate False Osman (Schizopygopsis

stoliczkai Steindachner) and Marinka (Schizothorax sp. (intermedius?)), which are the two

fish species that migrate upstream and downstream and are caught by local fishers.

The length of the construction period is anticipated to be between two and four years, depending

on the length of the construction season, which typically extends from April through November

but will depend on weather. An international consultant (SWECO) is currently in the process of

finalizing the design for HPP, following which Pamir Energy will select construction contractors via

open tender. There will be at least two main construction contractors, one for electromechanical

works at the powerhouse and substation and one for civil works for the dam, penstock, and

powerhouse. The civil works contractor will employ about 400 workers for the hydropower

project and he electromechanical contractor about 20 workers, with many or most of those

employed by the civil works contractor will come from local communities. Construction activities

will involve earthworks, land clearance and leveling, drilling and possibly limited blasting, concrete

works, welding works, transportation/storage of various pieces of equipment, and others.

Construction will be supervised by a Supervision Consultant (also known as the Owner’s Engineer

or Supervising Engineer) to be selected by Pamir Energy. In addition, contractors hired to construct

the new bridge will employ about 20 workers and the contractor hired to reconstruct the road will

employ about 30 workers. Many or most of these workers will be from local communities as well.

The hydropower project could affect the people of five villages: Dashtak, Barjingal (location of weir),

Chagev, Midensharv, and Sebzor (location of powerhouse). The total population of these villages is

1517.

2.2 18-kilometer 110kV transmission line from Sebzor to Khorog

The proposed 18km transmission line will run from the new substation at Sebzor HPP to a planned

35kV/110kV substation in Khorog Figure 4, which will be located on the right bank of the Gunt river

near the confluence of the Shohdara River and the Gunt River. This component of the Project includes

construction of a 35kV/110kV substation in Khorog.

https://ru.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Schizothorax_intermedius&action=edit&redlink=1

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There will be a total of 73 steel lattice towers of three types, with examples shown on Figure 5:

• Four-legged steel lattice “angle” towers will be anchored in concrete foundations, with

the base about 7.5 meters square (thus, corner foundations about 7.5 meters apart and a

total “footprint” of 56.25 square meters) and adjustable heights ranging from 15 to 25

meters.

• Smaller four-legged steel lattice “suspension” towers for straight sections will also be

anchored in concrete foundations and will be slightly smaller than the angle towers. These

will occupy an area of about 5 meters square (or 25 square meters) and be about the same

height as the angle towers.

• In areas where terrain does not allow four foundations for legs, three steel towers (poles)

will each be anchored in concrete foundations and will be about 20 meters high. Each

foundation will be 1.5 meters square and up to 5 meters apart, thus occupying an area of

up to about 30 square meters).

Figure 4. Corridor of 18km 110kV transmission line from Sebzor HPP to Khorog

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One or two local (i.e., from Tajikistan) contractors will be appointed to complete the construction. It

is anticipated around 40 workers will be employed in construction, many or most of them from local

communities. Construction activities, which are anticipated to last for two years (that is, two seven-

month construction seasons, or as permitted by weather) will include earthworks, concrete works to

install foundations for tower legs and poles, transportation/storage of various pieces of towers and

insulators, and tower assembly (erecting) works. Other than drills and hand tools, little or no

mechanized equipment will be used, as steel parts of the towers will be carried by hand from trucks

to locations and assembled in place. When towers are in place, conductors (wires) will be placed on

the towers and energized.

A total of 29 villages with a total population of 9943 are located between the Sebzor HPP dam/weir

and the Khorog substation and thus their populations may potentially be affected. Villages are

identified in Table 2.

2.3 63-kilometer 110kV transmission line from Khorog to Qozideh

The main purpose of the new 110km power transmission line from Khorog to Qozideh is to improve

the reliability of electricity supply to Ishkashim District. In the future, it is foreseen the new line will

provide electricity supply to neighboring regions of Afghanistan, but that is not part of the present

project.

Figure 5. Examples of towers: angle tower at left, three suspension poles on uneven terrain at top right, example of foundation at bottom right

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The new 110kV line will run through rough and

rocky mountain terrain along the Tajik and

Afghan state border parallel to and near the

Panj River (also spelled “Pyanj” or “Pyandzh” in

English). The line will begin at the new

35kV/110kV substation in the city of Khorog,

pass through Roshtqala district, and end in a

new 110/35kV substation near the village of

Qozideh in Ishkashim district (Figure 2 above

and Error! Reference source not found.). The

line will pass through or near 13 villages

between Khorog and Qozideh. These villages

have a total population of 5,633 persons (798

households). The villages are identified in Table

3.

The project is currently in advanced planning. Due to

deterioration of the existing 35kV line, the first 10-kilometer

section of the line has already been constructed (a total of

37 towers), and another five towers in avalanche areas have

also been constructed, all financed by other donors. The

World Bank financing will be used for construction of towers

on the remaining 53km and the stringing of conductors

(wires) on the towers that have already been constructed.

Table 2. Villages between Sebzor and Khorog

Andarv Kurtsboghen Shikush

Barmev Lahshik Shod

Bartavdem Langar Shosh (Tusyon)

Bodomi bolo Namadroj Shuvjev

Chagev Nuj Siyob

Devloh Ridjak Sumjev

Khabost Rijist Tavdem

Khichikh Rizef Zhirpor

Khidorjev Sazd Zigur

Kulev Sebzor

Table 3: Villages between Khorog & Qozideh crossed by the corridor

Viruthjak Andarob

Gozhak Dasht

Pish Kuhi - La'l

Nishusp Sist

Shichozg Vozg

Barchidev Shanbedeh

Khaskhorug

Figure 6: Villages crossed by the 63km transmission line

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There will be about 250 towers, of which 42 have already been constructed, as described above. The

exact number of each type will be determined during final design, as will their locations. The towers

will be the same three types as described for the Sebzor-to-Khorog transmission line and illustrated in

Figure 5.

The construction period will last for two or three years, depending on the length of the construction

season, which normally extends from April through November. Towers will be provided by an

international vendor, although it is likely they will ultimately be purchased and imported from China.

One or two contractors, likely to be from Tajikistan, will be appointed to complete the construction.

It is anticipated around 120 workers will be employed in construction, many or most of them from

local communities. Construction activities for the transmission line will involve earthworks, including

drilling and possibly limited blasting, concrete works to install foundations for tower legs and poles,

transportation/storage of various pieces of towers and insulators, and tower assembly (erecting)

works. When towers are in place, conductors (wires) will be placed on the towers and energized. For

the substation, about 150 workers will be employed in earthworks, concrete works, and installation

of electrical equipment.

As noted, the transmission line corridor will run parallel to the Panj River. A two-lane road (designated

as road RB 06(12R45)) also runs parallel to the river, and the existing 35kV line runs in part between

the river and the road and in part inland of the road, sometimes several hundred meters higher than

the road. One option considered by Pamir Energy is simply to place the new steel towers in the same

locations as the existing wooden poles. However, the existing line passes near or through villages and

would likely require some resettlement of households. Therefore, it is Pamir Energy’s intent that the

new towers be placed so the corridor does not pass near any occupied houses or other buildings, and

so that it avoids orchards and trees as much as possible.

In addition, as noted for the 18km line between Sebzor and Khorog, Pamir Energy will require the

contractor to use little or no mechanized equipment other than vehicles, rock drills, and hand tools.

All materials, including concrete, water, steel parts of the towers, and other materials, will be carried

by hand from trucks to the tower locations and the towers will be assembled in place. At present, the

42 new towers carry 35kV conductors (wires). When towers are in place, 110kV conductors (wires)

will be placed on the towers and energized.

3. Summary of Potential E&S Impacts

Potential environmental and social risks (E&S) and impacts as a result of the Project’s planning,

construction and implementation have been examined and addressed in stand-alone Environmental

and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for each of the three projects. Key environmental and social

considerations that were examined in both reports include:

Environmental considerations:

• Air quality could be affected by dust from movement of vehicles and equipment on

unpaved roads and from earthworks and open piles of spoil, and vehicles and equipment

powered by combustion engines would emit pollutants. Impacts would be temporary and

with proper controls would be very minor and localized.

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• Water quality in the Shokhdara and Panj Rivers could be affected due to erosion from

tower sites and from spills of fuel or other hazardous materials. Contractors will be

required to prevent erosion and spills, so there should be limited or no impacts. There is

a potential risk of negatively affecting fish migration in the Shokhdara River as a result of

hydropower plant construction. This risk will be significantly reduced by embedding into

the plant’s design a fish passage that will allow fish moving upstream for spawning.

• Landscapes and views will be affected temporarily due to construction and maintenance

activities and permanently by the presence of the hydropower plant civil structures,

penstocks, substations and transmission towers and conductors.

• Soil erosion could occur from run-off of rainfall and snowmelt if land clearing and

construction activities are not managed properly. Contractors will be required to save

topsoil and to prevent erosion.

• Geomorphologic hazards. Portions of the two transmission line corridors lie within high-

risk zones for avalanches, debris flow, rockfalls, and the entire Project is in a high-risk zone

for earthquakes. Designs will take these risks into account so as to minimize the risk of

damage to the line in future, and construction will take steps so as not to cause earth

movement. The siting of Sebzor HPP and 18ine km transmission accounted for such risks,

and the alternatives analysis provided the safest locations for the hydropower plant

structures, work camp, storage yard and towers of the 18km line. On the 63km line,

towers have been constructed In the areas of highest risk, and other towers in high-risk

areas will have diversion structures placed slightly uphill to divert avalanches and

mudflows. In addition, the dam and associated infrastructure is being designed to

withstand an earthquake of the highest magnitude expected to occur within a 50-year

period (9 on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik [MSK] scale and 7 on the Richter scale).

• Plants and animals could be affected by disturbance during construction and by

permanent use of their territories. Given the nature of the terrain, the small areas that

will be affected, and the limited biodiversity, this will not be a significant issue.

• Water quantity in three kilometers of the Shokhdara River between the dam and

powerhouse could be adversely affected as a result of diversion of up to 10.5 cubic meters

per second (m2/s). At minimum “environmental flow” of at least 3m3/s will pass over the

dam at all times, even when flows are very low in winter. There is no irrigation or other

known uses of water in this river reach, so there will be impact on local people.

Worker health & Safety considerations:

• Construction workers will be exposed to elevated risks that is inherent in construction

works. These include the risks of working at height, on steep slopes, working around

trucks and machinery, working with electricity, trips and falls, working with hazardous

materials (paints and fuels), and traffic accidents. Contractors will be required to develop

and implement occupational health and safety plans and to train all workers.

Social and economic considerations:

• Electromagnetic fields could cause health effects if workers or persons living in close

proximity to the operating transmission lines were exposed to high levels for long periods

16



of time. However, levels will be very low, workers will only be exposed for short periods,

and no one will live near the line, so there will be no health effects.

• Physical or economic displacement could occur if houses or valuable property are located

within a 45-meter protection zone under the line (20 meters from each conductor and 5

meters between conductors). It is Pamir Energy’s intent to locate the substations and

towers so no houses or other buildings are in the protection zone, and so the corridor will

avoid agricultural and other valuable land as much as possible. Sebzor HPP selected the

alternative configuration that required the least resettlement of households.

If towers are located on agricultural land, those who currently use the land will be

compensated for the land taken. As noted above, only small areas will need to be taken

for towers. As for land under the line between the towers, agriculture and grazing will not

be affected, except that tall equipment cannot be used and no buildings will be allowed

in the protection zone. If that requires a change in land use, Pamir Energy will provide

compensation. In addition, tall trees (those over 4 meters high) will need to be cut back

to maintain at least a 6-meter clearance from the wires. Those who own or use trees will

be compensated in such cases.

Small amounts of land will be used for footpaths for workers to travel between the road

and tower locations and possibly for equipment storage. Pamir Energy will compensate

those whose land is used in this way. Also, if property or crops are damaged during

construction or maintenance operations, or animals are injured or killed, their owners will

be compensated at replacement value.

Compensation requirements are set forth in a Resettlement Policy Framework that has

been developed by Pamir Energy and in one or more future Resettlement Action Plans

that will be developed by Pamir Energy and approved by the World Bank and the

Government of Tajikistan.

• An influx of workers from outside the region could disturb local communities with

disruptive behavior, use of local resources such as hospitals and schools, and introduction

of disease. There will be relatively few outside workers, probably less than half of all

workers, and all workers will be subject to a strict Code of Conduct, so there should be

very little or no impact.

• Traffic accidents and inconvenience could be caused by increased project traffic on the

two-lane roads between Barjingal to Sebzor, Sebzor to Khorog, and from Khorog to

Qozideh. The contractor will be required to develop and implement traffic management

plans to minimize impacts and to repair any damage to the road that construction may

cause.

• Local employment and income will be increased for up to three years due to seasonal

employment of several hundred workers from local communities.

• Power supply of GBAO will be improved by constructing Sebzor hydropower plant and the

new 18km transmission line. The 63km power transmission line project will improve

reliability of the electricity supply to Ishkashim district by replacement of the existing

35km line, and ultimately Afghanistan villages will benefit from electrification. The

increased power supply and increased reliability will contribute to future development of

the region.

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4. Regulatory Context

4.1 Tajikistan requirements for stakeholder engagement

Public participation in decisionmaking, which follows from the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan

and obligations under international agreements, is a new phenomenon in Tajikistan that requires the

necessary legal regulation. The tradition of closed or limited information about decisions that affect

the state of the environment have left a definite imprint on the attitude of society to environmental

issues. More than twenty years ago, public participation in the decision-making process was difficult

even to imagine. Now, there are a number of environmental and other requirements and acts that to

some extent regulate public participation in the EIA process in Tajikistan. These acts include:

• The Environmental Protection Law establishes the right of citizens to live in a favorable

environment and to be protected from negative environmental impacts (Article 12).

Citizens also have the right to environmental information (Article 13) as well as to

participate in developing, adopting, and implementing decisions related to environmental

impacts (Article 13). The latter is assured by public discussion of drafts of environmentally

important decisions and public ecological reviews. Public representative bodies have an

obligation to take into consideration citizens’ comments and suggestions.

• The Law on Environmental Expertise (art. 7) also provides the rights to citizens to conduct

a Public Environmental Expertise (that is, a public environmental review). This law also

empowers local authorities to facilitate public hearings, questionnaires, and referendums

regarding planned activities that are subject to ecological expertise. On 17 July 2001,

Tajikistan acceded to the 1998 Aarhus Convention, the provisions of which have priority

over domestic law that stipulates the rights for Public Environmental Expertise. The

element of public participation in the EIA procedure is described in detail in the Procedure

(Order) for Conducting an EIA of 2018. Public participation procedures are envisaged for

all categories of projects, although in practice they are mainly applied to major projects.

The Procedure (Order) for Conducting the EIA of 2014 changed the focus and timing of

public discussions, as the previous version (2006) provided for the participation of the

public at an early stage of the process (i.e., after submitting a draft declaration of intent

to the competent environmental authority) and it was indicated that comments and

suggestions from the public be taken into account in drafting the technical task for

carrying out the EIA. In fact, this ensured the participation of the public at the stage of

defining the range of EIA tasks (scoping). The Procedure for Conducting the EIA of 2018

assumes public discussions only after the preparation of the EIA report by the project

developer.

4.2 World Bank requirements for stakeholder engagement

The World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) came into effect on October 1, 2018.

The Framework includes Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 10, “Stakeholder Engagement and

Information Disclosure”, which recognizes “the importance of open and transparent engagement

between the Borrower and project stakeholders as an essential element of good international

practice”. ESS10 emphasizes that effective stakeholder engagement can significantly improve the

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environmental and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a

significant contribution to successful project design and implementation.

As defined by the 2018 ESF and ESS10, stakeholder engagement is an inclusive process conducted

throughout the project life cycle. Where properly designed and implemented, it supports the

development of strong, constructive and responsive relationships that are important for successful

management of a project’s environmental and social risks. It emphasizes the importance of initiating

stakeholder engagement at an early stage of the project development process, as a part of the

assessment, management and monitoring of environmental and social impacts. Key requirements of

ESS10 include:

• “Borrowers will engage with stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, commencing

such engagement as early as possible in the project development process and in a

timeframe that enables meaningful consultations with stakeholders on project design.

The nature, scope and frequency of stakeholder engagement will be proportionate to the

nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts.

• “Borrowers will engage in meaningful consultations with all stakeholders. Borrowers will

provide stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information,

and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation,

interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation.

• “The process of stakeholder engagement will involve the following, as set out in further

detail in this ESS: (i) stakeholder identification and analysis; (ii) planning how the

engagement with stakeholders will take place; (iii) disclosure of information; (iv)

consultation with stakeholders; (v) addressing and responding to grievances; and (vi)

reporting to stakeholders.

• “The Borrower will maintain and disclose as part of the environmental and social

assessment, a documented record of stakeholder engagement, including a description of

the stakeholders consulted, a summary of the feedback received and a brief explanation

of how the feedback was taken into account, or the reasons why it was not.”

Borrowers are required to develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) proportionate to the nature

and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts (paragraph 13). Stakeholders have to be

identified and the SEP has to be disclosed for public review and comment as early as possible, before

the project is appraised by the World Bank. ESS10 also requires the development and implementation

of a grievance redress mechanism that allows project-affected parties and others to raise concerns

and provide feedback related to the environmental and social performance of the project and to have

those concerns addressed in a timely manner.

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5. Summary of Stakeholder Engagement and Identification

5.1 Engagement with local stakeholders

5.1.1 Scoping consultations during Sebzor HPP Feasibility Study

In 2016, as part of the Feasibility Study of the Sebzor HPP project, Pamir Energy engaged stakeholders

in scoping consultations. The consultation and meetings took place in the following towns and villages

and with the following key people (see Figure 7):

• Roshtqala (Mr. Yusof Soltonnoyobov, administrative head of the Roshtqala District.)

• Barjingal (Mr. Kshkorbekov Kshkorbek (KK) is member of the community council)

• Sebzor (The village headman, Sultonnazar Shodoroev)

Project information was disclosed to all persons interviewed and the interviewees were asked to

express their attitude about the project, as well as to highlight specific social, economic and

environmental problems and considerations in the district and communities around. Overall,

interviewed persons expressed support for the proposed project due to high potential social and

economic value of the project implementation. Interviewed persons indicated a significance of this

project for the regional economy and local communities. Everyone noted that unemployment is a very

big issue across the district and the region overall. The Sebzor village head express a hope that local

residents will get a chance for work opportunities with Pamir Energy during the project construction

phase.

In late 2016, Pamir Energy’s consultant, SWECO, produced a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that

was adopted and implemented by Pamir Energy as the project moved forward. As part of

implementation of the SEP, during May-October 2016, Pamir Energy held meetings attended by a total

of 135 stakeholders in four communities located in Roshtkala district and within the project area of

influence (or potentially affected area). The communities included Barjingal, Dashtak, Mirsaid and

Mirshakar. Pamir Energy disclosed project information to the public, including the duration of

proposed project activities as well as potential E&S impacts that could result from project construction

and operation. The local communities were also provided with information on the possible relocation

of households that are located within the area of the proposed Sebzor HPP.

Figure 7. Early consultation meetings in 2016

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Overall, the local residents once again confirmed their support for the construction of the

hydroelectric power station on and near their territory and the heads of households that were located

very close to the proposed project agreed that their households could be relocated should that be

necessary. A working group (committee) was established among local residents in order to provide

support and be in frequent communication with Pamir Energy regarding the relocation and

compensation aspects. Some photographs from the 2016 consultations are shown below:

Later, upon the completion of these early consultations, Pamir Energy produced a Resettlement

Action Plan (RAP), which was then further disclosed and consulted with stakeholders and the affected

public. This RAP was never implemented, but served as the basis for the present Resettlement Policy

Framework.

5.1.2 Local scoping consultations for the ‘international’ ESIAs for Sebzor HPP and Sebzor-Khorog

transmission line

In early 2019, prior to and during the preparation of this SEP, Pamir Energy conducted interviews with

community members in Khorog and at three villages in Rushan district. The main topic of the

community meetings was been to share information, communicate with the local population and

identify their needs and interests. Table 4 below provides a list of selected stakeholders who were

contacted and interviewed in Rushan district and Figure 8 shows informal consultations in two local

communities.

Table 4: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Rushan district in early 2019

Full name Location Affiliation and position

Surobov Shams Rushan district Head of Askar Zamirov’s community

Muzofirbekov Iqbolkhon Qozideh, Rushan district Head of the Community

Saidbekov Sh Gh.Shohbozov’s community, Rushan

district

Head of Gh.Shohbozov’s community

Oshurov Amonbek Rushan district Teacher, School # 26

Ramatulloev Mavlodod Rushan District Works at AKAH

Figure 8. Meetings with local stakeholders in early 2019

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All community members who were interviewed expressed positive opinions about the proposed

Sebzor HPP and transmission line construction project. All respondents support the Rural

Electrification Project due to its high social and economic value to local communities. Everyone

interviewed had knowledge of Pamir Energy and its activities. Nearly everyone noted that the most

significant social and economic problems in the region are high unemployment rates and low income.

A number of stakeholders interviewed specified that the best communication method with village

residents and community members would be through Pamir Energy electricity inspectors, who they

see on a regular basis (once a week or so) when inspectors visit households to read electricity

consumption meters. Every interviewee expressed interest in participating in further meetings,

consultations, and public hearings for the proposed project.

5.1.3 Local stakeholder consultations for the 63-kilometer Khorog-to-Qozideh transmission line

Prior and during the preparation of this SEP and the “international” ESIA for the 63km transmission

line, Pamir Energy conducted interviews with community members in Khorog and in three villages

between Khorog and Qozideh (out of the 13 potentially project-affected communities). The primary

purpose of the community meetings was to share information, communicate with the local

population, and identify their needs and interests. Table 5 identifies project stakeholders who were

consulted in early 2019 and Figure 9 shows one of the groups met.

Table 5: Consultations in potentially affected villages between Khorog and Qozideh

All people who were consulted expressed positive opinions about the proposed transmission line

and about the larger World Bank Rural Electrification Project. As with Sebzor HPP and the 18km

transmission line, everyone interviewed had knowledge of Pamir Energy and its activities.

Full name Location Date of Birth Affiliation

Ismoilova Oistamokh (f) Vogz village, Qozideh Jamoat, Ishkashim district

12/03/1943 Head of community. Pensioner

Muzofirbov Mavlonzar (m) 01/01/1952 Teacher at school. Pensioner

Miravazahonov Shahboh (m) Shandebeh village, Ishkashim district

15/05/1947 Engineer. Pensioner

Muborakshoeva Bibisulton (f) 29/11/1949 Dressmaker. Pensioner

Ismoilbekov Maram (m) Qozideh village, Ishkashim district 11/09/1947 Worker

Asadulaev Rachab (m) Qozideh village, Ishkashim district 08.08.1944 Teacher

Abduraimov Abduraim (m) Village Sist, Qozideh, Ishkashim district

27.09.1950 Pensioner

Davlatov Okimbek (m) Village Sist, Qozideh, Ishkashim district

25.12.1951 Security guard.

Odinaeva Asparmo (f) Nishusp village 19.03.1955 Pensioner

Manasurova Olabegim (m) Nishusp village 16.08.1941 Pensioner. Former farmer

Inronbekov Sjodmon (m) Pish village 17/03/1950 Construction worker

Mirzoeva Soadat Pish village 24/08/1953 Accountant

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Concerns were similar as well: high unemployment and

low incomes. They also agreed that the best method of

communication would be through Pamir Energy

electricity inspectors. Everyone also expressed interest

in participating in further meetings and consultations.

5.2 Consultations with institutional stakeholders

During the period of February 18 – March 10, 2019,

Pamir Energy organized and carried out a series of

scoping meetings and consultations with institutional

stakeholders1. The consultation process involved

identification of key project stakeholders in Dushanbe

and GBAO, meetings with state and local authorities in

Dushanbe and Khorog (Houkumat, Jamoat), meetings

with regional NGOs and academic research institutes

and universities in Dushanbe and Khorog (e.g.,

University of Central Asia and Pamir Biological Institute

in Khorog). The main objectives of scoping consultations

included:

• To identify and verify interests of project

stakeholders and to establish working dialogues between Pamir Energy and the

stakeholders

• To disclose information about the project

• To understand stakeholders’ expectations about the project and their respective levels of

interest in continued communication and participation in future Pamir Energy activities

associated with the proposed project.

• To receive feedback, comments, and concerns from stakeholders about the project and

on prospective regional electricity supply schemes in general

• To obtain feedback on major environmental, social and economic problems in Roshtkala

and Ishkashim districts and overall across GBAO.

Table 6 and Table 7 identify key project stakeholders who were consulted in February and March 2019.

Table 6: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Dushanbe

Date Name of Unit Position Full name

21 February Renewable Energy Center Director Kabutov Kurbondjon

21 February Physics and Mathematics Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan

Deputy Head of Department

Boturov Kodir

21 February BARS Consulting Founder Alikhon Latifi

1 Consultations and discussions dealt with the World Bank’s full Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project, which includes the Sebzor hydropower plant, both transmission lines, all substations, and the off-grid and last-mile connections in GBAO and Khatlon.

Figure 9. Consultations along 63km transmission line

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Date Name of Unit Position Full name

23 Fevruary Tajik Technical University, department «Communication networks and switching systems»

Senior lecturer Bahdavlatov Asratbek

24 February NGO «Civil society and environment»

Director Alidodov T.

25 February NGO Peshsaf Director Ruslan Shukurov

25 February Office of Youth Ecological Center Director Yuri Skochilov

25 February Tajik Technical University Senior lecturer Ganiev Zokirjon

25 February Ministry of Health and social protection

Head of the Department of Management and Food Safety, State Sanitary-Epidemiological Service Management and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection

Kandakov Ahliddin

25 February Committee on environment protection under the Government of Tajikistan

Head of international affairs sector

Salimov Muzaffar

26 February Ministry of Energy and water resources

Head of Investment Department

Manuchehr Safarzoda

26 February Barqi Tojik Chief Engineer Rahmatov Bakhtiyor

26 February Ministry of Energy and Water Resources

Head of Department for Analysis and Monitoring of the Electric Power Industry Directorate, Ministry of Energy and Industry of Tajikistan

Tilloev Vays

Table 7: Scoping meetings with stakeholders in Khorog

Date Name of Unit Position Name

25 February Government The Governor

Yodgor Fayzov

Committee of Environmental protection

Head of committee Mulkamon Nazaraliev

Inspection Department of Environment Protection Control

Head of department

Aynulloev Shirin

26 February University of Central Asia – Environmental Department

Professor Research fellow

Royce Slydly Shodigul Mamadyorbekova

Forest Protection Department Engineer Kambarov Hokim

Forestry officer Kosumbekov Khushvaqt

24



Date Name of Unit Position Name

Association of Entrepreneurs and Mountain Farmers «Milal-Inter»/Aarhus Center

Chairman\Director Boymamad Alibakhshov

27 February CAMP ‘Tabiat’, Forest Protection Department

Field coordinator Haqrizo Nurmamadov

Specialist Abdulmajidov Abdulaziz

28 February Pamir Biological Institute Former Director Dovutsho Navruzshoev

Ornithologist A.G. Abdulnazarov

6. Stakeholder Identification and Analysis

6.1 Project-affected persons

6.1.1 People affected by land acquisition

Perhaps the key category of people who may be affected by the project would be those who may lose

land they current use or other assets, including houses, buildings, trees, or other valuable property. In

addition, some people may lose access to common resources due to the project’s use of the land.

The hydropower project will require a total of about five hectares, including about 2.1 hectares for

the weir and associated structures (intake, desilting chamber, etc.), 0.6 hectares for the penstock, 0.5

hectares for the road expansion/rehabilitation, 0.3 hectares for the powerhouse area, 0.9 hectares for

the Pamir Energy crushing plant, and 0.5 hectares for the camp/storage area. In addition, the

substation will require about 0.6 hectares. A total of seven households will need to be relocated, as

they currently live on land that is needed for the dam, penstock, and powerhouse. In addition, the

project will directly affect 0.7 hectares of orchards and 0,4 hectares of other trees that may require

cutting (depending on tree height and conductor clearance). Pamir Energy has been allocated 32

hectares, and excess land will be returned for reallocation to its original users. It is expected that seven

households are on land required for the Sebzor HPP and so will be required to move to other land. As

specified in the Resettlement Policy Framework, these households will be provided equivalent land

and Pamir Energy will either build equivalent houses or compensate the households, with the aim of

having at least the same standard of living as before.

Less than seven hectares will be needed for permanent use by the 18km Sebzor-to-Khorog

transmission line, including about 0.4 hectares for permanent use (73 towers x 56.25m2 per tower)

and six hectares for the substation in Khorog. In addition, very small amounts of land will be used

temporarily by workers who travel by foot from the road to the tower locations and the contractor

will need small areas (up to about 0.5 hectares in total) for storage and temporary use during

construction.

The 63km transmission line between Khorog and Qozideh will require less than two hectares of land

for permanent use, including up to about 1.4 hectares for the transmission line towers (250 towers x

56.5m2 per tower) and less than 0.4 hectares for the substation in Qozideh (60 meters x 60 meters).

There will be similar restrictions on 292.95 hectares (63km x 46.5m) along the corridor. Again, paths

to towers will be used by workers and small areas will be needed by the contractors for storage and

preparation.

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Tajikistan norms allow no buildings within 20 meters of an energized 110kV line, so a corridor 45

meters wide is designated as a protection zone – 20 meters from the conductor on each side and five

meters between the conductors. No one will be allowed to remain in a house within the safety zone.

As noted, there will be restrictions on the corridor, but they are expected to have little effect in

practice. The restrictions will affect a total of 83.7 hectares along the 18km corridor and 292.95

hectares along the 63km corridor. These restrictions will prevent future buildings from being built and

tall equipment from being used in the corridor. In practice, agriculture and grazing can continue within

the corridor with no interruption.

When towers are on agricultural or other productive land, Pamir Energy will compensate the people

who are currently using the small plots of land that will be taken for towers. If trees grown for timber,

firewood, or fruit/nuts need to be cut to avoid interference with the energized conductors, their

owners will be compensated sufficiently to pay for replacement trees and for lost production. All land

acquisition and compensation will meet the requirements of Tajikistan law and the World Bank. The

resettlement and compensation program is described in detail in the Resettlement Policy Framework.

People owning or using land in the corridor will thus be a high-priority stakeholder group who will

require active and regular engagement as well as being provided accurate information, in particular

about compensation and livelihood restoration schemes and employment opportunities.

6.1.1. Other people residing in the project areas

A second key category of PAPs will be people who live along the transmission line route who may be

disturbed by project traffic, noise, dust, or other construction impacts, and who may also benefit from

employment opportunities. As noted in the respective ESIAs, contractors will be required to control

dust, noise, and nuisances and also to require workers to adhere to a Code of Conduct to avoid

disruption of communities.

6.1.2. Village representatives (Jamoats)

A third category of important PAPs will be representatives of Jamoats. Head of Jamoats typically have

established day-to-day communication lines with all neighboring villages and smaller communities so

it will be important that they have information about the project, including employment status and

upcoming activities.

6.2. Other interested parties

6.2.1. Other interested parties - external

Table 8 summarizes the key categories of other interested parties and their potential interest in the

project.

6.2.2. Other interested parties – Internal

Internal interested parties with stakes in the project include the management and staff of Pamir

Energy, their future contractors and subcontractors, service providers, local vendors, and suppliers.

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Table 8: Other interested parties - external

Other interested parties Interest in the project

Ministries and Government agencies (State level) ‒ Committee on environment

protection under the Government of Tajikistan

‒ Ministry of Energy and water resources

Overall: To ensure project compliance with Tajik legislation (e.g. energy policies, environmental performance) during construction and operation ‒ Responsible for protected areas and proposed protected

areas that are or may be created in the vicinity of the project ‒ Promote Tajik energy security and development ‒ Possible involvement in some project-related mitigation

measures

Local (region and district scale) government departments and villages (Jamoats)

‒ Protect the rights of inhabitants in the project area ‒ Represent local communities and PAPs ‒ Receive and address any feedback and grievances from them ‒ Responsible for land allotments and compensation under

Tajik law

Nongovernmental organizations (local, regional, national, international)

Monitor project performance in areas of their respective concerns Consult with Pamir Energy and governments as needed

Business and workers’ organizations Interest in procurement and supply chain, potential environmental and social impacts as well as community health and safety

Other project developers reliant on or in the vicinity of the project (e.g. associated facilities) and their financiers (e.g. ADB, EBRD, KfW, IFC)

May require operation of the project to enable the export of power Can help Identify interactions and cumulative impacts with other proposed developments

Press and media Inform people and authorities in the project area and the wider public about project implementation and planned activities

General public, tourists, jobseekers Interest in the general socioeconomic impacts of the project, both adverse and beneficial

Academic institutions (universities, think tanks, schools)

‒ Potential concerns regarding environmental and social impacts

‒ Potential educational/outreach opportunities to increase awareness and acceptance of the project

6.3. Disadvantaged / Vulnerable individuals or groups

Disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups are those who may potentially be disproportionally

affected by the project and/or less able to benefit from opportunities offered by the project due to

specific difficulties to access and/or understand information about the project. For purposes of this

project, the following people and households are considered vulnerable:

• Households headed by women, including those whose husbands or partners are working

abroad and do not make significant contributions to the household’s income or welfare

• Elderly households (headed by pensioners or elderly people)

• Households with disabled persons

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• Households in extreme poverty. There is no threshold for poverty in Tajikistan, so this will

be determined on a case-by-case basis during studies conducted as part of the

Resettlement program.

As described in the Resettlement Policy Framework, vulnerable people and households will be eligible

for special allowances and compensation.

6.4. Summary of stakeholder interest in and influence over the project

Table 9 summarizes the level of interest in and potential influence over the project of the various

stakeholder categories identified above. Categories having “high level of interest” and “high ability to

influence/impact the project” will require regular and frequent engagement, typically face-to-face and

written, and at least several times per year. Categories with medium interest or medium influence will

require regular engagement (e.g., twice a year), typically through written information. Other will

require infrequent engagement (e.g., once a year), typically through indirect written information (e.g.

mass media)

Table 9: Level of interest and influence over the project

Level of interest in project

Ability or likelihood to influence or impact the project

High Medium Low

High ‒ State Ministries, Committees and Government Agencies

‒ Project-affected persons

‒ Regional government (Khoukumat in Khorog)

‒ Regional Government (Committees)

‒ Jamoats and villages ‒ Other people residing

in project areas

Medium ‒ NGOs ‒ Press and media

Businesses and workers’ organizations

‒ Academic institutions ‒ General public,

tourists, jobseekers

Low Other project developers and donors

7. Stakeholder Engagement Program

7.1 Engagement methods and tools

Various methods of engagement will be used as part of the projects’ interactions with stakeholders in

order to ensure that different stakeholder groups are successfully reached and are involved in the

process of consultation, decision-making and the development of impact management solutions.

International standards increasingly emphasize the importance of a consultation being “free, prior and

informed”, which implies an accessible and unconstrained process that is accompanied by the timely

provision of relevant and understandable information. In order to fulfil this requirement, a range of

consultation methods are applied that specifically focus on this approach.

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Information that is communicated in advance of public consultations primarily includes an

announcement thereof in the public media – local, regional and national, as well as the distribution of

invitations and full details of the forthcoming meeting well in advance, including the agenda. It is

crucial that this information is widely available, readily accessible, clearly outlined, and reaches all

areas and segments of the target community.

Descriptions of the generic engagement methods and techniques that may be engaged and applied

by Pamir Energy is provided in Table 10 below. The summary presents a variety of approaches to

facilitate the processes of information provision, information feedback as well as participation and

consultation.

7.1.1 Public/community meetings

Prior to other activities, at the time of disclosure of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

(ESIAs), Resettlement Policy Framework, and this SEP, Pamir Energy will organize public meetings in

Khorog and in each of the Jamoats. With the support of Jamoat leaders, another meeting will be held

in each village and Khorog at the beginning of construction activities that will affect the village, and

then quarterly during construction seasons (approximately twice per year). Meetings will be open

house events where Pamir Energy (and/or contractors) will present information and people will be

invited to make comments and express any concerns. If there is sufficient interest, separate meetings

will be held for women, at which women will also be the primary representatives of Pamir Energy.

Following the disclosure meeting, comments will be considered in the development of final ESIA,

ESMF, RPF, and SEP. After the other meetings, Pamir Energy will follow up with Jamoat leaders and

with stakeholders who expressed concerns about any environmental or social aspect of the projects.

7.1.2 Mass/social media communication

Pamir Energy will appoint a community liaison officer (CLO) during each construction season (about

six or seven months per year) in order to remain in close communication with PAPs, village leaders,

and with

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Table 10: Generic Methods, Tools and Techniques for Stakeholder Engagement

Method / Tool Description and Use Contents Dissemination Method Target Groups

Information Provision

Distribution of printed public materials: leaflets, brochures, fact sheets

Used to convey information on the projects and regular updates on progress to local, regional and national stakeholders

- - Printed materials present illustrated and narrative information on activities, facilities, technologies and design solutions, as well as impact mitigation measures

- Contents to be concise and adapted to a layperson reader

- Graphics and pictures widely used to describe technical aspects

- Information may be presented in Russian and/or Tajik for local and national stakeholders, and in English for international stakeholders

- Material would reference GRM

- Distribution as part of consultation meetings, public hearings, discussions and meetings with stakeholders, as well as household visits in remote areas

- Placement at the offices of local administrations and NGOs, libraries and other public venues

- Households in Area of Influence of each subproject

- Residents of Roshtqala, Ishkashim, Shugnon districts, as well as wider stakeholders in Tajikistan

- External stakeholders

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Distribution of printed public materials: newsletters/ updates

A newsletter or an update circular sent out to Project stakeholders on a regular basis to maintain awareness of the Project development

- - Important highlights of achievements, announcements of planned activities, changes, and overall progress

- Material would reference GRM

- Circulation of newsletter/update sheet with a specified frequency in Areas of Influence, as well as to any other stakeholders that expressed their interest in receiving these periodicals

- Possible means of distribution: post, emailing, electronic subscription, delivery in person

- Households in Project Area of Influence

- Public venues in Project Area of Influence – local administrations, libraries

Printed advertisements in the media

Inserts, announcements, press releases, short articles or feature stories in the printed media – newspapers and magazines

- - Notification of forthcoming major events or commencement of specific Project activities

- General description of the Project and its benefits to the community

Placement of paid information in local, regional and national printed media, including those intended for general reader and specialised audience

Residents in project area

Radio or television entries

Short radio programmes, video materials or documentary broadcast on TV

- - Description of the Project, Project development updates, solutions for impact mitigation

- Advance announcement of the forthcoming public events or commencement of specific Project activities

Collaboration with media producers that operate in the region and can reach local audiences

Residents in project area

31




Visual presentations

Visually convey Project information to affected communities and other interested audiences

- - Description of the Project and related solutions/impact management measures

- Updates on Project development

Presentations are widely used as part of the public hearings and other consultation events with various stakeholders

Same as other presentations

Notice boards Displays of printed information on notice boards in public places

Advance announcements of the forthcoming public events, commencement of specific Project activities, or changes to the scheduled process

Printed announcements and notifications are placed in visible and easily accessible places frequented by the local public, including libraries, village cultural centres, post offices, shop, local administrations

Directly affected communities in the project area

Information Feedback

Information repositories accompanied by a feedback mechanism

Placement of Project-related information and printed materials in dedicated/designated locations that also provide visitors and readers with an opportunity to leave their comments in a feedback register

Various Project-related materials: ESIAs, SEP, RPF

Deposition of materials in publicly available places (offices of local NGOs, local administrations, libraries) for the duration of a disclosure period or permanently Audience are also given free access to a register of comments and suggestions

Directly affected communities in the project area

32




Dedicated telephone line (hotline)

- Setting up a dedicated telephone line that can be used by the public to request information, make enquiries, or provide feedback on the Project

- Initially, telephone numbers of Project’s Community Liaison Officer(s) can be shared with the public

As raised by callers - Telephone numbers are specified on printed materials distributed to Project stakeholders and are mentioned during public meetings

- Project’s designated staff should be assigned to answer and respond to the calls, and to direct callers to specialist experts or to offer a call-back if a question requires detailed consideration

- Local communities within the Project Area of Influence

- Any other stakeholders and interested parties

Internet/Digital Media

- Launch of Project website with information and updates on the overall Project, impact assessment and impact management process, procurement, employment opportunities, as well as on Project’s engagement activities with the public

- - Information about Pamir Energy

- ESIA/SEP, RPF - Project updates

- A link to the Project web-site should be specified on printed materials distributed to stakeholders

- Other on-line based platforms can also be used, such as web-conferencing, webinar presentations, web-based meetings, Internet surveys/polls etc

- Affected communities, Project stakeholders and other interested parties that have access to the internet resources

33




- Web-site should have a built-in feature that allows viewers to leave comments or ask questions about the Project

- Website should be available in two languages – Russian for the local and national audience, and in English for international stakeholders

- Limitation: Not all parties/stakeholders have access to the internet, especially in the remote areas and in communities

- -

Surveys, Interviews and Questionnaires

The use of public opinion surveys, interviews and questionnaires to obtain stakeholder views and to complement the statutory process of public hearings

- - Description of the proposed Project and related solutions/impact management measures

- Questions targeting stakeholder perception of the Project, impacts and benefits, concerns and suggestions

- Soliciting participation in surveys/interviews with specific stakeholder groups or community-wide

- Administering questionnaires as part of the household visits

- Directly affected households in the Project Area of Influence

- Other communities within the Project Area of Influence

Feedback & suggestion box

- Can be used to encourage residents in the affected communities to leave written feedback and comments about the Project

Any questions, queries or concerns, especially for stakeholders that may have a difficulty expressing their views and issues during public meetings

- Box placed in safe public place that is readily accessible for the community

- Directly affected households in the Project Area of Influence


34




- Contents should be checked by designated Project staff on a regular basis to ensure timely collection of input and response/action

- Information about the availability of the suggestion box should be communicated as part of Project’s regular interaction with local stakeholders

Consultation & Participation

Public hearings - Meetings in public places for project representatives, affected public, authorities, and other stakeholders for presentation of information on project and discussion

- Subject to statutory expert review

- May be organized by authorities or Pamir Energy

Detailed information on the activity and/or facility in question, with focus on impacts and mitigations, including a presentation and an interactive Questions & Answers session with attendees

- Wide and prior announcement of the public hearing and the relevant details, including notifications in mass media

- Targeted invitations sent out to identified stakeholders

- Public disclosure of Project materials and associated impact assessment documentation in advance

- Directly affected communities in the Project Area of Influence


- Residents in the Project Area of Influence

- Other identified stakeholders

Household visits

Household-level visits can be conducted to supplement the statutory process of public hearings, particularly to solicit feedback from affected people and vulnerable persons who may be

- - Description of the Project and related solutions/impact management measures

- Visits should be conducted by designated staff with specified periodicity

Directly affected people

35




unable to attend the formal hearings

- Any questions, queries or concerns, especially for stakeholders that may have a difficulty expressing their views and issues during formal community-wide meetings

Focus Group Discussions and Round Table Workshops

Used to facilitate discussion on Project’s specific issues that merit collective examination with various groups of stakeholders

Project’s specific activities and plans, design solutions and impact mitigation/management measures that require detailed discussion with affected stakeholders

- Announcements of the forthcoming meetings circulated to participants in advance

- Targeted invitations sent out

To be determined Could include groups such as resettled households, those who lose land, prospective employees, vulnerable groups (elderly, women, etc.)

Information centers and field offices

Project’s designated venue for depositing Project-related information that also offers open hours to the community and other members of the public, with Project staff available to respond to queries or provide clarifications

- - Project-related materials, including updates of project status

- Any issues that are of interest or concern to the local communities and other stakeholders

Information about the information center/field office with open hours for the public, together with contact details, is provided on the Project’s printed materials distributed to stakeholders, as well as during public meetings and household visits

Directly affected communities and any other stakeholders and interested parties

Site Tours - Visits to project sites and facilities organised for local communities, authorities, and the media to demonstrate Project solutions

Demonstration of specific examples of Project’s design solutions and approaches to managing impacts

- Targeted invitations distributed to selected audience offering an opportunity to participate in a visit to the Project Site

- Local communities - Elected officials - Media groups - NGOs and other initiative

groups

36




- Visitors are accompanied by the Project’s staff and specialists to cover various aspects and to address questions arising from the public during the tour

- Could be in conjunction with meeting

- Limitation: possible safety restrictions on the site access during active construction works

37



7.2 Planned stakeholder engagement activities

Stakeholder engagement activities will need to provide specific stakeholder groups with relevant

information and opportunities to voice their views on topics that matter to them. Table 11 shows the

stakeholder engagement activities Pamir Energy currently plans to undertake for the project. The activity

types and their frequency are adapted to the three main project stages: project preparation (including

design, procurement of contractors and supplies), construction, and operation and maintenance.

Methods to be used to engage stakeholders are described in section 7.1.

7.2.1 Communication materials

Written information will be disclosed to the public in a number of ways. Initially, the draft ESIAs, RPF, and

SEP will be disclosed in English and Russian. In addition, Pamir Energy will prepare brochures on a number

of topics, including the project as a whole, on the land acquisition and compensation process, and on the

grievance mechanism. These brochures will be available at meetings and will also be posted on bulletin

boards in Jamoat offices and on information boards. Pamir Energy will also update its website regularly

(at least on a quarterly basis) with key project updates and reports on the project’s environmental and

social performance. The website will also provide information about the grievance mechanism.

7.1.1. Information Desks

When construction is about to be undertaken in any of the Jamoats, and while construction is ongoing

there, an information desk will be set up to provide local residents and affected people with information

on stakeholder engagement activities, construction updates, contact details of the Pamir Energy

Community Liaison Officer, and grievance management. Pamir Energy will set up these information

centers, which may be staffed during certain periods, possibly by contractors. They will be set up in village

centers or other easily accessible places where people can receive and share information about the

project. The brochures mentioned above will be available at these information desks.

7.1.2. Grievance redress mechanism

In compliance with the World Bank’s ESS10, a project-specific mechanism is being set up to handle

complaints and issues, and this will be in addition to the normal Jamoat-and village-level processes that

are available to citizens. Dedicated communication materials (specifically, a GRM brochure or pamphlet)

will be developed to help local residents become familiar with the grievance redress channels and

procedures. Locked suggestion/complaint boxes will be posted in each village and at contractor offices

and camps, and Pamir Energy will maintain a grievance register in order to capture and track grievances

from submission to resolution and communication with complainants. Pamir Energy’s website will include

clear information on how feedback, questions, comments, concerns and grievances can be submitted by

any stakeholder. It will also provide information on the way grievances will be handled, both in terms of

process and deadlines.

38



Table 11: Planned stakeholder engagement activities by project phase

Stage Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagement Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities

STA

GE

1:

PR

OJE

CT

PR

EPA

RA

TIO

N (P

RO

JEC

T D

ESIG

N, S

CO

PIN

G, R

ESET

TLEM

ENT

PLA

NN

ING

, ES

MF/

RP

F/SE

P D

ISC

LOSU

RE)

Project Affected Parties:

‒ People potentially affected by land acquisition

‒ People residing in project area

‒ Vulnerable households

‒ ESIA, ESMF, RPF, SEP, RAP disclosure

‒ Land acquisition process ‒ Assistance in gathering

official documents for authorized land uses

‒ Compensation rates and methodology

‒ Project scope and rationale

‒ Project E&S principles ‒ Resettlement and

livelihood restoration options

‒ Grievance mechanism process

‒ Public meetings, separate meetings for women and vulnerable

‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Mass/social media communication

(as needed) ‒ Disclosure of written information:

brochures, posters, flyers, website Information boards or desks - In Jamoats

‒ Grievance mechanism

‒ In Jamoats for disclosure of ESIA, ESMF, RPF, SEP

‒ In Jamoats at beginning of construction that would affect the area

‒ Survey of PAPs in affected villages

‒ Communication through mass/social media

‒ Throughout RAP development as needed

‒ Pamir Energy HSE team

‒ CLO ‒ Specialists

responsible for land acquisition

‒ RAP consultant

Other Interested Parties (External)

‒ Khukumat (Khorog) ‒ Jamoats ‒ Representatives in villages


‒ Land acquisition process ‒ Identification of land plots

and uses ‒ Resettlement and

livelihood restoration options (if needed)

‒ Project scope, rationale and E&S principles


‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Joint public/community meetings

with PAPs

‒ Throughout RAP development as needed

‒ Project launch meetings in Jamoats

‒ Quarterly meetings in affected villages and Jamoats

‒ Disclosure meetings in Jamoats and Khorog

‒ Pamir Energy E&S Team & management

‒ CLO ‒ Specialists

responsible for land acquisition

‒ RAP consultant

39





‒ Press and media ‒ NGOs ‒ Businesses and business

organizations ‒ Workers' organizations ‒ Academic institutions ‒ National Government

Ministries ‒ Local Government

Departments ‒ General public, tourists,

jobseekers


‒ Grievance mechanism ‒ Project scope, rationale

and E&S principles

‒ Public meetings, trainings/workshops (separate meetings specifically for women and vulnerable as needed)

‒ Mass/social media communication ‒ Disclosure of written information:

Brochures, posters, flyers, website ‒ Information boards or desks in

Jamoats ‒ Grievance mechanism ‒ Notice board for employment

recruitment

‒ Project launch meetings in Jamoats

‒ Meetings in affected villages and Jamoats as needed

‒ Communication through mass/social media (as needed)

‒ Information desks with brochures/posters in affected villages (continuous)


‒ CLO


‒ Other Government Departments from which permissions/clearances are required

‒ Other project developers, donors

‒ Project information scope and rationale and E&S principles

‒ Coordination activities ‒ Land acquisition process ‒ Grievance mechanism

process ‒ ESIA, ESMF/RPF/SEP

disclosure

‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Invitations to public/community

meetings

‒ Disclosure meetings ‒ Pamir Energy HSE team

‒ CLO

Other Interested Parties (Internal) ‒ Other Pamir Energy staff ‒ Supervision Consultants ‒ Contractor, sub-

contractors, service providers, suppliers, and their workers

‒ Project information - scope and rationale and E&S principles

‒ Training ESIA/ESMF/ESMP requirements and other sub-management plans


‒ E&S requirements

‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Trainings/workshops ‒ Invitations to public/community

meetings

As needed ‒ Pamir Energy HSE team

‒ CLO

40




STA

GE

2: C

on

stru

ctio

n a

nd

mo

bili

zati

on

act

ivit

ies

Project Affected Parties: ‒ People potentially affected

by land acquisition ‒ People residing in project

area ‒ Vulnerable households

‒ Grievance mechanism ‒ Health and safety impacts

(EMF, community H&S, community concerns)

‒ Employment opportunities ‒ Project status

‒ Public meetings, open houses, trainings/workshops,

‒ Separate meetings as needed for women and vulnerable

‒ Individual outreach to PAPs as needed

‒ Disclosure of written information: brochures, posters, flyers, website Information boards or desks - In Jamoats

‒ Notice board(s) ‒ Grievance mechanism

‒ Quarterly meetings in affected villages during construction season

‒ Communication through mass/social media as needed

‒ Notice boards updated weekly

‒ Brochures in local offices


‒ CLO ‒ Supervision and

RAP consultants ‒ Contractor/sub-

contractors ‒ NGOs/trainers


‒ Governmental committees for land use and compensation

‒ Jamoats and representatives in villages

‒ Project scope, rationale and E&S principles

‒ Grievance mechanism ‒ Project status

‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Joint public/community meetings

with PAPs

‒ As needed (monthly during construction season)


‒ CLO ‒ Supervision and

RAP consultants ‒ Contractor/sub-

contractors



organizations ‒ Workers' organizations ‒ Academic institutions ‒ National Government

Ministries ‒ Local Government

Departments ‒ General public, tourists,

jobseekers

‒ Project information - scope and rationale and E&S principles

‒ Project status ‒ Health and safety impacts ‒ Employment opportunities ‒ Environmental concerns ‒ Grievance mechanism

process

‒ Same as for PAPs ‒ Same as for PAPs ‒ Pamir Energy HSE team

‒ CLO

41




Other Interested Parties (Internal)

‒ Other PEC Staff ‒ Supervision Consultants ‒ Contractor, sub-

contractors, service providers, suppliers and their workers

‒ Project information: scope and rationale and E&S principles

‒ Training on ESIA/ESMF/ESMP requirements and other sub-management plans

‒ Worker grievance mechanism

‒ Face-to-face meetings ‒ Trainings/workshops ‒ Invitations to public/community

meetings

Daily, as needed ‒ Pamir Energy HSE team

‒ Supervisors

STA

GE

3:

Op

era

tio

n a

nd

ma

inte

na

nce

Project Affected Parties ‒ People residing in project

area ‒ Vulnerable households

‒ Satisfaction with engagement activities and GRM


‒ Electromagnetic fields ‒ Damage claim process

‒ Outreach to individual PAPs ‒ Pamir Energy website

Meetings in affected Jamoats and villages (as needed/requested)

Pamir Energy HSE team



organizations ‒ Workers' organizations ‒ Academic institutions ‒ Local Government

Departments (Khuokumat, Jamoats)

‒ General public, tourists


‒ Issues of concern

‒ Grievance mechanism ‒ Pamir Energy website ‒ Face-to-face meetings

As needed Pamir Energy HSE team & management

42



The initial effort to resolve grievances to the complainant’s satisfaction will be undertaken by Pamir

Energy. If that is not successful in resolving grievances, they will be referred to a committee at the Jamoat

level.

The mechanism is described in detail in Chapter 8 below, which includes a form that can be used to submit

grievances. Grievances may be submitted anonymously, but in that case it cannot be known if the

complainant is satisfied with the resolution.

7.1.3. Project tours

At appropriate points during the construction phase, if there is sufficient interest, Pamir Energy may

organize site visits or demonstration tours for selected stakeholders from media organizations or local

governments.

7.1.4. Citizen/PAP perception survey

A perception survey examining citizen’s experience and feedback about the project will be carried out

twice during the project’s lifecycle: once near the end of the first construction season and once during the

second season. Results of these surveys will be reviewed carefully to identify refinements or changes in

project methods and procedures that may be needed to reduce impacts or improve efficiency.

7.1.5. Trainings and workshops

Finally, trainings on a variety of social and environmental issues will be provided to Pamir Energy and

contractor staff and possibly to interested government or nongovernment service providers. Issues

covered could include such topics as the worker code of conduct and the worker grievance mechanism.

Pamir Energy may also provide training to residents on various topics, including efficient use of electricity,

electrical safety, and other relevant topics.

7.1.6. Vulnerable groups

Pamir Energy will take special measures to ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups have equal

opportunity to access information, provide feedback, or submit grievances. The deployment of the

Community Liaison Officer will help to ensure proactive outreach to all population groups, and they will

make a special effort to engage with those identified as vulnerable or disadvantaged. If necessary, Pamir

Energy will provide transport to public meetings for vulnerable people, and will also deliver brochures and

informational material to such households.

7.2. Disclosure of information and public consultations

Consultations with affected people and stakeholder engagement will be carried out throughout project implementation. The Pamir Energy website (http://www.pamirenergy.com/en/presscenter/public.php) will be used to disclose project documents, including those on environmental and social performance. In addition, meetings and other key events will be announced in the regional/state newspaper (“Asia Plus”)

http://www.pamirenergy.promotion.tj/en/presscenter/public.php

43



and the local newspaper “Badakhshon” and described in Pamir Energy “newspapers” that customers receive. This began with disclosure of draft documents in April 2019. Disclosures included:

• A draft of this combined Draft Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the Sebzor HPP, 18-kilometer

110-kV Sebzor-Khorog transmission line, and 63-kilomter Khorog-Qozideh transmission line

• Draft Resettlement Policy Framework for the Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project.

• Draft ESIAs for the Sebzor HPP, Sebzor-Khorog transmission line, and Khorog-Qozideh

transmission line..

Besides the draft disclosure documents (which are now followed by final documents), a project brochure

with details of the planned project consultations was posted. An easy-to-understand guide to the

terminology used in the environmental and social reports or documents will also be posted on the

website. In addition, the site will provide details about the Grievance Redress Mechanism and contact

details of the Community Liaison Officer. Pamir Energy will update and maintain the website regularly, at

least quarterly.

Paper copies of all ESIA documentation have been placed in Jamoats and advertisements placed on the

notice boards in the villages. Electronic copies are available at the website above. Addresses where the

ESIA documents may be reviewed include the following:

• Pamir Energy Company, 75 Gulmamadova Street, 736000 Khorog, GBAO, Tajikistan

• Administration (Khoukumat) of GBAO in Khorog, address: city Khorog, Lenin street 47,

Tajikistan

• Administration (Khoukumat) of Roshtqala district in Roshtqala, at address: Khorog,

Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), Lenin street, 46, Tajikistan

Following disclosure of the ESIA and other documents, Pamir Energy announced and held three

consultation meetings:

Table 12. Public consultations on Sebzor HPP and associated transmission lines

Subproject Meeting

date (2019) Meeting location

Number of attendees

Sebzor HPP & 18-km t-line

26 April Sebzor (Roshtqala District) 46

Khorog-Qozideh transmission line

29 April Andarob Village (Ishkashim Village) 48

30 April Qozideh (Ishkashim District)

Consultation meeting in Sebzor on Sebzor HPP and 18km transmission line

At the meeting (Error! Reference source not found.), Pamir Energy asked people to sign in and handed

out brochures that described the project and announced the meeting. The chairman of Roshtqala District,

Mr. Safarov Davlat, opened the meeting by welcoming the representatives of Pamir Energy and saying

44



how pleased he and the community were that the company had launched the rural electrification project.

A total of 46 people from four villages attended the meeting and were actively engaged in the discussion..

Pamir Energy described the projects and the analyses that had been completed, and explained that there

would be international financing, and as a result the project would have to meet international standards

as well as those required by Tajikistan. Pamir Energy also noted that the line will be designed so that no

one will need to relocate and arable land will be avoided unless it cannot be avoided. Attendees were

then invited to make comments and ask questions.

Most discussion was related to employment, with questions about how and staff will be selected and the

very strong desire to work on the project. It was explained that contractors would announce job openings

and select workers based on qualifications and technical knowledge. It was emphasized that that many or

most people hired by the contractors, and by Pamir Energy, would come from local villages. Another

concern was about what would happen to houses and gardens that are demolished. Pamir Energy

responded by referring to the requirements of the Resettlement Policy Framework and noted that a

detailed Resettlement Action Plan would be developed in the future, before construction begins. In

general, there was unanimous support for the project, with comments and questions about what the

communities could do to assist project implementation and questions about how soon the project would

begin. More detailed minutes and the list of participants are in Annex 2.

Consultation meetings in Andorob and Qozideh on 63km Sebzor and transmission lines

At the meetings (Figure 12 and Figure 12, Pamir Energy asked people to sign in and handed out brochures

that described the project and announced the meeting. A total of 48 people from four villages attended

the meetings and, as in Sebzor, attendees actively participated in the discussion..

Pamir Energy described the project and the analyses that had been completed, and explained that there

would be international financing, and as a result the project would have to meet international standards

as well as those required by Tajikistan. Attendees were then invited to make comments and ask questions.

The discussion began with Mr.Khasanov Mehrobsho, the Leader of the Jamaat, expressing his gratitude

to the representative of Pamir Energy for the meeting with the local community and mentioned that the

community is glad that PE started implementing the project and expressed his as well as community’s

willingness to assist in the timely implementation of the project.

Questions included the implementation period of the project, with Pamir Energy responding that it would

be about 2.5 years. There were many questions about employment, and Pamier Energy noted that many

or most of the workers will be from local communities, both hired by contractors during construction and

by Pamir Energy during operation, with selections based on qualifications and technical knowledge. ..

45



Figure 10. Disclosure consultation meeting in Sebzor

46



. Figure 12. Consultation meeting in Qozideh

Figure 11. Disclosure consultation meeting in Andarob

47



7.3 Stakeholder Engagement during Project Implementation

Engagement will continue through the life of the project. The SEP provides details of the program that will

be used to present information to stakeholders and to receive information and opinions from

stakeholders. In summary, there will be:

• Public / community meetings

• Mass/social media communication

• Distribution of information materials

• Grievance redress mechanism

• Project tours for media, civil society, and local representatives

• Information desks at each municipality

• Citizen perceptions surveys

• Trainings and workshops to raise awareness on key topics of interest such as EMF, impacts on

land and compensations, code of conduct for project staff, grievance redress mechanism, or

other topics of interest to citizens.

7.4 Pamir Energy Point of Contact

The point of contact for stakeholder engagement mechanism is Pamir Energy’s Senior Environmental and

Social Officer, identified below. During the construction period, there will be other Community Liaison

Officers to assist. :

Description Contact details

Name Asligul Mamadatoeva

Address: 75 Gulmamadova Street

736000 Khorog, GBAO, Tajikistan

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +992 35 222 23 10

mailto:[email protected]

48



8. Grievance Redress Mechanism

Project-affected-people and any other stakeholder may submit comments or complaints at any time by

using the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The overall objectives of the GRM are to:

• Provide a transparent process for timely identification and resolution of issues affecting the

project and people, including issues related to the resettlement and compensation program.

• Strengthen accountability to beneficiaries, including project affected people.

The GRM will be accessible to all external project stakeholders, including affected people, community

members, civil society, media, and other interested parties. External stakeholders can use the GRM to

submit complaints, feedback, queries, suggestions, or even compliments related to the overall

management and implementation of the project, including the resettlement and compensation program.

The GRM is intended to address issues and complaints in an efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner.

A separate mechanism will be available to Pamir Energy and contractor employees, who are internal

stakeholders.

Pamir Energy will be responsible for managing the stakeholder GRM, but many or most grievances are

likely to result from actions of the construction contractors and so will need to be resolved by the

contractors themselves, with Pamir Energy oversight. Typical grievances for transmission line projects

could include issues related to:

• Land acquisition and compensation

• Construction damages to property, crops, or animals

• Traffic

• Environmental impacts such as erosion

• Nuisances such as dust or noise

• Worker misbehavior.

The GRM will be in place and operational well before Pamir Energy begins construction activities and will

function until the completion of all construction activities and beyond, till the contractor’s defect liability

period ends. Initial compensation, for land and property needed for the project, will be completed before

construction begins. People who reside near the line and others who may be affected will be informed,

in meetings and with brochures, of the GRM’s purpose, functions, procedures, timelines and contact

persons. Additional measures will be taken to inform those who are determined to be eligible for

compensation.

49



The project GRM will include three successive tiers of extra-judicial grievance review and resolution:

• The first tier will be the Pamir Energy E&S team, including the Community Liaison Officer.

They will deal quickly with issues that can be quickly resolved, and would always involve direct

communication with the person(s) who submitted the grievance.

• The second tier will be a Grievance Resolution Committee (GRC1) that includes

representatives of Pamir Energy and of the complainant’s village and Jamoat. The GRC1 will

deal with issues that could not be resolved in the first tier.

• The third tier will be a Grievance Redress Commission (GRC2) that included one or more

senior Pamir Energy managers and one or more Jamoat and/or village leaders. GRC2 will

resolve issues that could not be resolved by GRC1.

Grievances would be handled as described in the following subsection.

8.1 Grievance resolution process

Information about the GRM will be publicized as part of the initial disclosure consultations in the

participating Jamoats and villages. Brochures will be distributed during consultations and public meetings,

and posters will be displayed in public places such as in government offices, project offices, village notice

boards, community centers, etc. Information about the GRM will also be posted online on the Pamir

Energy website (http://www.pamirenergy.com/en/presscenter/public.php)

The overall process for the GRM will be comprised of six steps, as shown on Figure 13 and described

below. This builds on the way grievances are typically managed, which is illustrated in Figure 14.

• Step 1: Uptake. Project stakeholders will be able to provide feedback and report complaints

through several channels: in person at offices (village/mahalla, jamoat, project, and Pamir

Energy offices) and at project sites, and by mail, telephone, and email.

• Step 2: Sorting and processing. Complaints and feedback will be compiled by the Community

Liaison Officer and recorded in a register. Submissions related to the resettlement and

compensation program will be referred to the HSE Department for processing and resolution.

The Department will assign one individual to be responsible for dealing with each complaint,

Source: Agarwal, Sanjay and David Post. 2009. Feedback Matters:

Designing Effective Grievance Redress Mechanisms for Bank-

Financed Projects – Part I. SDV. World Bank.

Figure 13: Feedback and GRM Process

http://www.pamirenergy.promotion.tj/en/presscenter/public.php

50



including following through within Pamir Energy and with the complainant to arrive at a

resolution, with the goal to resolve complaints within 15 days of receipt.

• Step 3: Acknowledgement and followup. Within seven (7) days of the date a complaint is

submitted, the responsible person will communicate with the complainant and provide

information on the likely course of action and the anticipated timeframe for resolution of the

complaint. If complaints are not resolved within 15 days, the responsible person will provide

an update about the status of the complaint/question to the complainant and again provide

an estimate of how long it will take to resolve the issue. In addition, the HSE Department will

Figure 14: Typical grievance resolution process

51



report to the General Director every two weeks on grievances that have remained unresolved

for 30 days or more.

• Step 4: Verification, investigation and action. This step involves gathering information about

the grievance to determine the facts surrounding the issue and verifying the complaint’s

validity, and then developing a proposed resolution, which could include changes of decisions

concerning eligibility for compensation, additional compensation or assistance, changes in the

program itself, other actions, or no actions. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the

process can include site visits, document reviews, a meeting with the complainant (if known

and willing to engage), and meetings with others (both those associated with the project and

outside) who may have knowledge or can otherwise help resolve the issue. It is expected that

many or most grievances would be resolved at this stage. All activities taken during this and

the other steps will be fully documented, and any resolution logged in the register.

• Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring refers to the process of tracking grievances

and assessing the progress that has been toward resolution. The HSE Department will be

responsible for consolidating, monitoring, and reporting on complaints, enquiries and other

feedback that have been received, resolved, or pending. This will be accomplished by

maintaining the grievance register and records of all steps taken to resolve grievances or

otherwise respond to feedback and questions.

• Step 6: Providing Feedback. This step involves informing those to submit complaints,

feedback, and questions about how issues were resolved, or providing answers to questions.

Whenever possible, complainants should be informed of the proposed resolution in person.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, he or she will be informed of further

options, which would include pursuing remedies through the World Bank, as described below,

or through avenues afforded by the Tajikistan legal system. On a monthly basis, the HSE

Department will report to the General Director on grievances resolved since the previous

report and on grievances that remain unresolved, with an explanation as to steps to be taken

to resolve grievances that have not been resolved within 30 days. Data on grievances and/or

original grievance logs will be made available to World Bank missions on request, and

summaries of grievances and resolutions will be included in periodic reports to the World

Bank.

Pamir Energy will be responsible for carrying grievances through all six steps. Step 4 (Verify, Investigate,

and Act) could involve interviews of the aggrieved party, workers, or other stakeholders; review of

records; consultation with authorities; and/or other fact-finding activities. If the grievance cannot be

resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, it will be referred to GRC1, who would retrace Step 4 as needed.

The steps following the initial investigation and proposed solution would proceed as follows:

• Determination of proposed resolution or referral to second tier:

- If resolution is proposed: referral to E&S manager for review and approval (including

refinements). Once approved, responsible person would communicate resolution to

complainant and refer to corporate management for implementation.

52



- If referred to second tier, GRC1 would consider facts determined by initial review and

conduct such other fact-finding as needed, including interviews of complainant and

others if necessary.

• GRC1 recommends resolution or refers to GRC2:

- If resolution is proposed: referral to Pamir Energy for implementation, including

communication to complainant.

- If referred to third tier, GRC2 to meet and discuss facts as determined by initial tiers and

make determination of proposed resolution.

• GRC2-recommended resolution: referred to Pamir Energy for communication to complainant

and implementation of recommended actions (if any)

• Complainant would be asked to acknowledge acceptance (or rejection) of the resolution.

• Pamir Energy would then implement actions that are part of the resolution (if any).

If a person who submits a grievance is not satisfied with the resolution at the first or second tiers, he or

she may request it be elevated to the next tier. If they are not satisfied with the ultimate resolution, they

may pursue legal remedies in court or pursue other avenues as described above. Throughout the entire

process, Pamir Energy will maintain detailed records of all deliberations, investigations, findings, and

actions, and will maintain a summary log that tracks the overall process.

8.2 Grievance processing

Anyone who believes they are eligible for compensation can submit a grievance:

• By completing a written grievance form that will be available (a) in the Jamoat and in the

villages crossed by the line, (b) at Pamir Energy’s offices in Khorog and on their website, and

(c) from CLOs or other members of the HSE Department. An example of a grievance

registration form is provided in Annex 1.

• By contacting the Pamir Energy Community Liaison Officer or other member of the Pamir

Energy HSE Department team, either by telephone or in person. In addition, grievances may

be communicated to contractor supervisors or to Pamir Energy electrical inspectors, who will

be briefed on receiving and reporting complaints. Grievances received verbally will be

recorded by the Community Liaison Officer on a grievance registration form and logged into

the Grievance Register. A copy of the logged grievance will be given to the complainant, giving

them the opportunity to alert Pamir Energy if the grievance has not been noted down

correctly.

Pamir Energy will explain to local communities the possibilities and ways to raise a grievance during

consultation meetings organized in each village when this draft SEP and other draft documents are

disclosed and then at quarterly meetings thereafter. The GRM procedures will be disclosed through the

project’s website and will also be described in a brochure or pamphlet made available in Jamoat

administration buildings.

53



The Pamir Energy Community Liaison Officer team will be responsible for logging and tracking grievances.

As noted above, one person will be assigned responsibility for investigating and recommending resolution

to each grievance, or to recommend referral to GRC1.

Information to be recorded in the grievance log will include name and contact details of the complainant

and a summary of the grievance and how and when it was submitted, acknowledged, responded to and

closed out. All grievances will be acknowledged within 7 days and resolved as quickly as possible. If there

has been no resolution within 30 days, the person assigned responsibility for the grievance will contact

the complainant to explain the reason for the delay. On at least a monthly basis, a summary of grievances

and resolutions will be provided to the Pamir Energy General Director. A generic flow chart for registering

and processing grievances is shown in Figure 9 above. The status, number, and trends of grievances will

be discussed between the project team and Pamir Energy senior management during meetings held at

least monthly and more frequently as needed.

A grievance will be considered “resolved” or “closed” when a resolution satisfactory to both parties has

been reached, and after any required corrective measures have been successfully implemented. When a

proposed solution is agreed by the complainant, the time needed to implement it will depend on the

nature of the solution. Once the solution is being implemented or is implemented to the satisfaction of

the complainant, the complaint will be closed out and acknowledged in writing by both the complainant

and Pamir Energy.

In certain situations, it may not be possible to reach a satisfactory resolution. This could occur if a

complaint cannot be substantiated or is proved to be speculative or fraudulent. In such situations, Pamir

Energy’s efforts to investigate the grievance and to arrive at a conclusion will be well documented and the

complainant advised of the situation. It is also possible that a complainant will not be satisfied with the

proposed resolution. In such cases, if Pamir Energy cannot do more, the complainant will be asked to

acknowledge refusal of the proposed resolution in writing. Pamir Energy will then decide whether to

implement the resolution without the agreement of the complainant and the complainant will decide

whether to pursue legal remedies.

8.3 Grievance Logs

As noted previously, the HSE Department will maintain a grievance log. This log will include at least the

following information:

• Individual reference number

• Name of the person submitting the complaint, question, or other feedback, address and/or

contact information (unless the complaint has been submitted anonymously)

• Details of the complaint, feedback, or question/her location and details of his / her complaint.

• Date of the complaint.

• Name of person assigned to deal with the complaint (acknowledge to the complainant,

investigate, propose resolutions, etc.)

54



• Details of proposed resolution, including person(s) who will be responsible for authorizing

and implementing any corrective actions that are part of the proposed resolution

• Date when proposed resolution was communicated to the complainant (unless anonymous)

• Date when the complainant acknowledged, in writing if possible, being informed of the

proposed resolution

• Details of whether the complainant was satisfied with the resolution, and whether the

complaint can be closed out

• If necessary, details of GRC1 and GRC2 referrals, activities, and decisions

• Date when the resolution is implemented (if any).

8.4 Monitoring and reporting on grievances

Details of monitoring and reporting are described above. Day-to-day implementation of the GRM and

reporting to the World Bank will be the responsibility of the HSE Department. To ensure management

oversight of grievance handling, the Internal Audit Unit will be responsible for monitoring the overall

process, including verification that agreed resolutions are actually implemented.

8.5 Pamir Energy Point of Contact

The point of contact regarding the stakeholder engagement program:

Description Contact details

Name Asligul Mamadatoeva

Address: 75 Gulmamadova Street

736000 Khorog, GBAO, Tajikistan

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +992 35 222 23 10

Information on the project and future stakeholder engagement programs will available on the project’s

website and will be posted on information boards in the villages crossed by the line. Information can also

be obtained from Pamir Energy in Khorog.

Six-monthly E&S reports that document the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)

will be disclosed on the project website and made available in the Jamoats or at the village heads houses.

8.6 World Bank Grievance Redress System

Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a project supported by the

World Bank may also complaints directly to the Bank through the Bank’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS)

(http://projects-beta.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-


http://projects-beta.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-service

55



service). A complaint may be submitted in English, Russian, Tajik, or Shugne, although additional

processing time will be needed for complaints that are not in English.

A complaint can be submitted to the Bank GRS through the following channels:

• By email: [email protected]

• By fax: +1.202.614.7313

• By mail: The World Bank, Grievance Redress Service, MSN MC10-1018, 1818 H Street

Northwest, Washington, DC 20433, USA

• Through the World Bank Tajikistan Country Office in Dushanbe: 48 Ayni Street, Business

Center "Sozidanie", 3rd floor, Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Tel: +992 48 701-5810.

The complaint must clearly state the adverse impact(s) allegedly caused or likely to be caused by the Bank-

supported project. This should be supported by available documentation and correspondence to the

extent possible.. The complainant may also indicate the desired outcome of the complaint. Finally, the

complaint should identify the complainant(s) or assigned representative/s, and provide contact details.

Complaints submitted via the GRS are promptly reviewed to allow quick attention to project-related

concerns.

In addition, project-affected communities and individuals may submit complaints to the World Bank’s

independent Inspection Panel, which will then determine whether harm occurred, or could occur, as a

result of the World Bank’s non-compliance with its policies and procedures. Complaints may be submitted

to the Inspection Panel at any time after concerns have been brought directly to the World Bank’s

attention, and after Bank Management has been given an opportunity to respond. Information on how to

submit complaints to the World Bank Inspection Panel may be found at www.inspectionpanel.org.

http://projects-beta.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-service


http://www.inspectionpanel.org/



Annex 1: Example Grievance Form

Pamir Energy Grievance Form

Grievance reference number (to be completed by Pamir Energy):

Contact details (may be submitted anonymously)

Name (s):

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

How would you prefer to be contacted (check one)

By mail/post:

☐

By phone:

☐

By email

☐

Preferred language ☐ Tajik ☐ Russian ☐ English

Provide details of your grievance. Please describe the problem, who it happened to, when and where it happened, how many times, etc. Describe in as much detail as possible.

What is your suggested resolution for the grievance, if you have one? Is there something you would like Pamir Energy or another party/person to do to solve the problem?

How have you submitted this form to the project?

Website

☐

email

☐

By hand

☐

In person

☐

By telephone

☐

Other (specify)

☐

Who filled out this form (If not the person named above)?

Name and contact details:

Signature

Name of Pamir Energy person assigned responsibility

Resolved or referred to GRC1? ☐ Resolved ☐ Referred If referred, date:

Resolved referred to GRC2? ☐ Resolved ☐ Referred If referred, date:

Completion

Final resolution (briefly describe)

Short description Accepted? (Y/N)

Acknowledgement signature

1st proposed solution

2nd proposed solution

3rd proposed solution

Annex 2. Minutes of Consultation Meeting on Sebzor HPP and Sebzor-Khorog Transmission Line in Sebzor (Roshtqala District, GBAO)

MINUTES OF MEETING

PROJECT NAME

Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project: Sebzory Hydropower Plant and Sebzor-Khorog

18-kilometer 110kV transmission line

VENUE

Sebzor village of Roshqala district, Viloyati Mukhtori

Kuhistoni Dadakhshon (VMKB)

DATE OF MEETING

26/04/2019

PRESENT

A. Saidmamadov– Engineer, Pamir Energy

A . Mamadatoeva – Senior Environmental officer, Pamir

Energy

G. Mamadambarova - Call Center Operator, Pamir Energy

N. Shoskandarov- GIS specialist, Pamir Energy

R. Khushqadamov - PR Specialist, Pamir Energy

R. Ustoboeva - Report Officer, Pamir Energy

The community members [the list of participants is attached]

1. Summary

For the consultative meeting (on TREP Sebzor component, particularly E&S documentation) all

village residents were invited and about 46 community members gathered and participated in

the meeting. They received information and details about the planned project implementation as

well as related environmental and social impacts that were identified in recent assessments.

Sebzor villagers very much welcome the project’s implementation. They expressed no objection

or concern related to the project and its impacts as they are generally very hopeful that it will

contribute to positive developments for their villages. Primarily, employment opportunities and

compensation (in-kind) for potential loss of land were the main point of community interest an

discussion.

2. Welcome and Introduction

An introductory speech was made by the chairman of Roshqala, Mr. Safarov Davlat, who

welcomed the representatives of Pamir Energy Company (PE) and expressed his opinion and the

opinion of the local community about how pleased they are that the company had launched rural

electrification project in VMKB.

Mr. Asad Saidmamadov, a representative of PE, presented the Tajikistan Rural Electrification

Project that was developed as part of the Government of Tajikistan and PE initiative construction

of the Sebzor HPP rural population in VMKB and Khatlon regions in cooperation with the World

Bank (WB). He mentioned that although within 16 years of operation, the company has

significantly increased energy availability for 218,000 people (96% of the population) in Eastern

Tajikistan, there are still 12,286 people, residing in 61 villages of VMKB, without electricity

Moreover Pamir Energy plans to build the Sebzor hydropower plant (HPP) with a capacity of 11

MW on the Shokhdara River near the town of Khorog in the Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni

Badakhshon (VMKB) in Tajikistan. It is planned that the project will be funded by the World

Bank and other donors.

Pamir Energy has completed an Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the

construction project of the Sebzor HPP and transmission line to Khorog and is currently

conducting the necessary public consultations and meetings with stakeholders and the public.

This process and further project information was presented on Power Point by Ms. Asligul

Mamadatoeva, the Senior Environmental Officer of Pamir Energy

The participants were informed that the Sebzor HPP will generate more than 70 gigawatt-hours

of electricity per year which is enough to provide more than 600,000 people with electricity in

VMKB and Afghanistan. The planned 18 km transmission line (PTL) will connect the Sebzor

Hydroelectric Power Plant with a substation in Khorog and the second, planned 63 km 110 kv

transmission line connects the power system of Tajikistan with the southern part of VMKB. In

the future, the construction of an additional 110kV transmission line for the transmission of

electricity to non-electrified areas in the north of Afghanistan is being considered. As the project

involves foreign investors and donors, along with the requirements of the legislation of the

Republic of Tajikistan, for project certification (evaluation) there are separate requirements, such

as the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS 1-10) of the World Bank. For projects such as

HPPs and high-voltage transmission lines, a detailed ESIA is required.

Community members received explanation that the ESIAs assess the main environmental and

social risks associated with the project and suggests the necessary actions and measures to avoid

or minimize significant adverse changes to the environment, health and safety, as well as to

socio-economic conditions.

Moreover the ESIAs have requirements for conducting appropriate public consultations and

disclosing all information about the project and the results of the ESIAs, which is the reason for

this meeting. Pamir Energy has completed ESIAs for the project and is currently conducting the

necessary public consultations and meetings with stakeholders to disclose information and

receive feedback from stakeholders and the public.

The environmental and social assessment helps to determine the potential environmental and

social effects of the project and as Ms. Asligul Mamadatoeva noted also identifies if additional

research/assessment will be needed and conducted on individual project components or aspects.

Other relevant and required documents and summary of impacts are listed in the brochures that

has been distributed earlier. For instance, as a common practice, while implementing such

projects, a plan for resettlement and compensation is developed. An example of the socio-

economic aspects would be not only electrification, but also employment opportunities for the

local population.

Meeting participants were informed that also more detailed information on the project as well as

the developed documents on environmental and social aspects of the projects are available on

the PE website, the brochures and newspapers (developed by PE) that are distributed, as well as

on the regional newspaper – “Badakhshon” and messages sent to consumers via phones.

The link to the website is provided in the PE newspapers that were distributed during the

meeting. The dates for consultative meetings with the local communities for each targeted village

under the project are indicated in the newspaper. That is the reason why we are here today –

emphasized Ms. Mamadatoeva, to present the project’s objectives and activities as well as to

know the communities’ opinions as stakeholders and to answer their queries.

3. Questions, Answers and Comments

Mr. Rakhmonshoeva Davlatbegim expressed her gratitude to Ms. Mamadatoeva for the meeting

with the local community and mentioned that as electricity is the basic need for human beings,

and even though some of the houses will be demolished, the community is glad that PE started

implementing the project in their village and expressed her as well as the community’s

willingness to assist in the timely implementation of the project. She further queried the

implementation period of the project.

Ms. Mamadatoeva responded that the project is subject to the allocation of donor funding ,all

three projects, including the Sebzor HPP,18 km of power lines from Sebzor to Khorog and 63km

of power lines from Khorog to the village of Kozideh are Planned to be completed in 2-3 years

term (2022-2023)

The community also quarried about the staff – those who will be working during the operational

stage at the HPP?

Ms. Mamadatoeva replied that the PE staff as well as local residents, who will be selected based

on the required qualifications i.e. with relevant technical knowledge and education.

The people were also interested in employment opportunities and queried how the selection

process will be held and what are the key requirements?

Ms. Mamadatoeva responded that prior to the construction; the contractor will announce the

necessary vacancies and those interested can apply. The contractor will then shortlist the

candidates and hire/select those who fit the best according to their qualification.

One of the participants, Chakaboev Farhod, was interested what will happen to their house and

gardens which will be demolished?

Ms. Mamadatoeva responded that Pamir Energy will pay compensation to people effected by

resettlement and economic displacement. Requirements for compensation are set out in the

resettlement policy framework, which was developed by Pamir Energy. In the near future this

will be complemented by a detailed and specific resettlement action plan, which will be

developed by the company and approved by the World Bank and the Government of Tajikistan.

This information will be shared and the process closely and regularly communicated with the

stakeholders.

4. Closing Remarks

At the end of the meeting it was ensured that all brochures and regional and PE’s newspapers

were distributed to all the participants by Gulnor Mamadambarova the representative of Pamir

Energy. The pictures of the meeting and the list of participants are attached.

Signatures of PE representatives:

/s/ A. Mamadatoeva

/s/ A .Saidmamadov

/s/ G. Mamadambarova

/s/ N.Shoskandarov

/s/ R.Khushqadamov

/s/ R.Ustoboeva

Participants - Sebzor meeting, 26.4.2019

Full Name Position Location (village\,jamoat)

Safarov Davlat Deputy of District Chairman Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Rakhmonshoeva Davlatbegim

Village chairman Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Pulodbekov Uvaydo Village Chairman Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Abdullokhonov Abdullokhon Driver Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Odinabekov Sukhrob Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Pulodbekov Akobir Unemployed Parzudj village, ,M,Mirshakar

Odilshoev Rashid Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Amadbekov Mirgarib Pensioner Parzudj village,M.Mirshakar

Noyobshoev Sham Unemployed Parzudj village,M.Mirshakar

Mavlonazarov Imumnazar Unemployed Parzudj village,M.Mirshakar

Bodurov Qiyom Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Safarmamadov Shosodiq Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Abdollov Niyatbek Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Abdulamidov Davlatbek Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Shodiev Amrikhon Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Oshurbekova Zarrina Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Sangmamadov Dodmamad Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Niyatshoev Ram Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Rakhmonov Daler Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Qishqorbekov Qishqorbek Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Davlatali Nazaraliev Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Azizov Tulfor Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Ismoilov Khamza Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Ismoilov Maqsudsho Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Azizkhonova Nodira Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Zarifbekov Gulayoz Unemployed Parzudj villagte, M.Mirshakar

Shirinbekov Immat Unemployed Sebzor village, Tusyon Jamoat

Navruzov Gulayoz Unemployed Sebzor village, Tusyon Jamoat

Ibrohimov Qurbonsho Unemployed Sebzor village, Tusyon Jamoat

Abdulamidov Gulrukh Unemployed Sebzor village, Tusyon Jamoat

Nazaraliev Qambarali Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Mabatshoev Mavjigul Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Mavlonazarova Zilamo Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Saidshamsova Sarfiyamo Unemployed Parzudj village M.Mirshakar

Chaqaboev Farhod Unemployed Parzudj village M.Mirshakar

Bekdavlatova Surayo School Director Sebzor village, Tusyon Jamoat

Devonaeva Nazribegim Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Zavqibekov Zokir Unemployed Chagev village M.Mirshakar

Dovutov Eraj Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Bakhtshoeva Jamila Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Ismoilov Olimsho Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Rakhmatov Rakhmat Unemployed Parzudj village, M.Mirshakar

Tilloeva Nasrigul Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Ambarob Dildor Unemployed Chagev village, M.Mirshakar

Ibrophimov Mehrubonsho Pensioner Dashtak village, Mirsaid Mirshakar

Annex 3. Minutes of Consultation Meeting on Khorog-Qozideh 110kV Transmission line in Andarob and Qozideh Villages (Ishkashim District, GBAO)

MINUTES OF MEETING

PROJECT NAME

Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project

VENUE

Andarob and Qozideh villages of Ishkashim district, Viloyati

Mukhtori Kuhistoni Dadakhshon (VMKB)

DATE OF MEETING

29&30/04/2019

PRESENT

A.Mamadatoeva – Senior Environmental Officer, Pamir Energy

Mirzo Gulomaseynov – Head of the Territorial Energy Complex

(TEC) of Pamir Energy

G. Mamadambarova – Call Center Operator, Pamir Energy

D.Bakhtibekov – BDU Engineer Pamir Energy

N. Shoskandarov – GIS specialist Pamir Energy

R.Khushqadamov- PR Specialist, Pamir Energy

R.Ustoboeva- Report Officer of Pamir Energy

The community members [the list of participants is attached]

1. Summary

For the consultative meeting (on TREP construction and operation of a 63-kilometer (km) 110kV

transmission line between Khorog substation and a new substation near Qozideh, particularly E&S

documentation) all village residents were invited and about 48 community members gathered and

participated in the meeting. The first day meeting was held in Andarob village and members from four

villages (Sist, Kuhi- La’l, Khaskhorug and Andarob) have participated. The second day meeting was held

in Qozideh village and participants form remaining 4 villages (Shanbedeh, Vozg, Barshor, Qozideh) have

participated. They received information and details about the planned project implementation as well as

related environmental and social impacts that were identified in recent assessments. Andarob and

Qozideh villagers very much welcome the project’s implementation. They expressed no objection or

concern related to the project and its impacts as they are generally very hopeful that it will contribute to

positive developments for their village. Primarily, employment opportunities and compensation (in-kind)

for potential loss of land were the main point of community interest an discussion.

2. Welcome and Introduction

An introductory speech was made by the chairman of Qozideh Jamoat, Mr Sayfov Amonullo, who

welcomed the representatives of Pamir Energy Company (PE) and expressed his opinion and the opinion

of the local community about how pleased they are that the company had launched rural electrification

project in VMKB and how they are going to benefit from it.

Mr. Mirzo Gulomaseynov, the Head of TE, a representative of PE, presented the Tajikistan Rural

Electrification Project that was developed as part of the Government of Tajikistan and PE initiative on

electrification of the transmission line population in VMKB and Khatlon regions in cooperation with the

World Bank (WB). He mentioned that although within 16 years of operation, the company has

significantly increased energy availability for 218,000 people (96% of the population) in Eastern

Tajikistan, there are still 12,286 people, residing in 61 villages of VMKB, without electricity. Therefore,

the given project aims at electrification of these people through the construction of hydropower plants,

through the construction of transmission lines. The project will be financed by the WB. Along with the

requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan, as a precondition for financing, the WB also

requires several activities including the environmental and social assessment, according to Mr. Mirzo.

As to the environmental and social impacts of the project components; the Sebzor hydropower plant and

the associated 18 km transmission line as well as the 63km transmission line will be assessed in an

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), which was presented to participants by Pamir

Energy’s Senior Environmental Officer Ms. Mamadatoeva. The purpose of this Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment (ESIA) is to provide an environmental and social assessment of the project in order

to identify potential environmental and social risks throughout construction and operation. It was further

explained that the ESIA will guide Pamir Energy in determining what additional surveys or studies are

needed and in determining the requirements that need to be placed in contracts for final design and

construction of the transmission line and substation so that environmental and social impacts are managed

and mitigated in accordance with World Bank ESF requirements and Tajikistan law.

Community member were informed that the environmental and social assessment helps to determine the

potential environmental and social effects of the project and as Ms. Asligul Mamadatoeva noted also

identifies if additional research/assessment will be needed and conducted on individual project

components or aspects, which are listed in the brochures which will be distributed at the end of the

presentation. For instance, as a common practice, while implementing such projects, a plan for

resettlement and compensation is developed. An example of the socio-economic aspect would be not

only electrification of the targeted areas, but also employment opportunities for the local population.

Ms.Mamadatoeva also highlighted that Pamir Energy will design the transmission and distribution lines

in a way that it will not result in any displacement. However, when towers are built on agricultural or

other productive lands, it will take measures that people who are currently using the small plots of land

are compensated for taking off their lands for towers. In-kind compensation is the preferred means of

compensation that Pamir Energy generally aims to use in its projects, according to Ms Mamadatoeva.

According to the representative of Pamir Energy Mr. D.Bakhtibekov. In 2013, with the support

of foreign donor ‘Norway’ project Ishkashim 1 invested in the 110kV transmission infrastructure

with local company Badakhshan TADES from Khorog to Gojak. So far, in the area of Andarob,

due to a variety of hazards in winter this building has suffered much damage. Since then the year

changed the transmission line with the machining facilities. In this building the number of local

residents reached 40 years in high quality in the past six months.

In the current year, the World Bank decided to export electricity to an amount of 8,429617 US

dollars from Andarob to Hosseinii. The 110 kV power line is created from 63km, with a capacity

of 110/35 kV. This construction is mainly focused on the Afghan population. The construction

consists of mechanical bases that will last for 2,5 years, and during the construction work, there

will be need for a lot of staff from 120 to 150 people.

Detailed information on the project as well as the developed documents on environmental and

social aspects of the projects are available on the PE website, the brochures and newspapers

(developed by PE) that are distributed by Gulnor Mamadambarova, as well as on the regional

newspaper – “Badakhshon” and messages sent to consumers via phones.

The link to the website is provided in the PE newspapers that were distributed during the meeting. The

dates for consultative meetings with the local communities for each targeted village under the project are

indicated in the newspaper. That is why we are here today – emphasized Mr D.Bakhtibekov, to present

the project’s objectives and activities as well as to know the communities’ opinions as stakeholders and

to answer their queries.

3. Questions and Answers

Mr.Khasanov Mehrobsho, the Leader of the Jamaat expressed his gratitude to the representative of Pamir

Energy company for the meeting with the local community and mentioned that as electricity is the basic

need for human beings, the community is glad that PE started implementing the project and expressed

his as well as community’s willingness to assist in the timely implementation of the project. He further

queried the implementation period of the project.

Mr Bakhtibekov responded that the project implementation period. The construction consists of

mechanical bases that last for 2,5 years, and during the construction work, we need a lot of staff

from 120 to 150 people as he mention above

The community also queried the staff –who will be working during the operational stage at the HPP?

Ms. Mamadatoeva replied that the PE staff as well as local residents, who will be selected based on the

required qualifications i.e. with relevant technical knowledge and education

4. Closing Remarks

At the end of the meeting, brochures and regional and PE’s newspapers were distributed to all the

participants. The pictures of the meeting and the list of participants with their signatures are attached.

Signatures of PE representatives:

/s/ A Mamadatoeva

/s/ G.Mamadambarova

/s/ N.Shoskandarov

/s/ R.Khushqadamov

/s/ R.Ustoboeva

Participants in Consultation Meetings in Andarob and Qozideh

Full Name Position Location

Shodmamadov Ikrombek Unemployed Qozideh village.

Mazamov Musamir Policeman Qozideh village

Zamirov Islombek Landstore Andarob village

Khudoyorov Olimjon Teacher Andarob village

Sobirov Khudonazar Teacher Andarob village

Mastibekov Mamadrahim Teacher Khaskhorog

Surobov Sharob Teacher Khaskhorog

Zanjirbekov Khanjar Unemployed Khaskhorog

Odilbekov Intizor Unemployed Dasht village

Anoyatbekov Khanjarbek Unemployed Anderob village

Muzofirbekov Qudratbek Unemployed Anderob village

Palavonbekov Noyob Pensioner Dasht village

Utalbekov Azam Unemployed Dasht village

Rajabov Usmon Unemployed Dasht village

Sarvarov Shokir Unemployed Sizd village

Ibrohimov Rashid Unemployed Sizd village

Shirinbekov Anvar Unemployed Kuhi lal village

Ismoilbekov Bakhtali Unemployed Andarob village

Poyandaev Aydimamad School Director Kuhi lal village

Jumakhonov Qahramon Unemployed Andarob village

Khudoyorov Bahrom Teacher Andarob village

Shirinbekova Jonamo Unemployed Qozideh village

Rakhmondodova Inobat Unemployed Andarob village

Davlatmamadova Lutfiya Unemployed Qozideh village

Odinaev Umed Unemployed Kuhi Lal village

Safarov Abdul Unemployed Kuhi Lal village

Qurbonbekov Khanjar Unemployed Qozideh village

Odilbekov Oshurbek Unemployed Dasht village

Masaylov Salmon Unemployed Dasht village

Safoev Khushqadam Unemployed Andarob village

Odilbekov Khudoyor Unemployed Dasht village

Shirinbekov Bakhtali Teacher Dasht village

Nazarov Amirkhon Unemployed Kuhi Lal village

Poyandaev Sojidkhon Unemployed Kuhi Lal village

Aslamov Zokir Unemployed Andarob village

Shosafobekov Sharaf Unemployed Andarob village

Shodmonov Iftikhor Unemployed Andarob vilalge

Chorshanbiev Payshanbe Teacher Andarob village

Shosafobekov Alimamad Unemployed Andarob village

Odinaev Davlatyor Unemployed Andarob village

Mastibekov Roziq Unemployed Khaskhorog village

Ismatulloev Mamed Unemployed Qozideh village

Palavonbekova Ashrafmo Unemployed Andarob village

Abdurahimov Jurabek Teacher Qozideh village

Stakeholder Engagement Plandocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/817421569768404590/...line, and a 63km...

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