Palestinian National AuthorityEnergy & Natural Resources Authority

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Gaza Electricity Distribution Corporation (GEDCo)

Gaza Electricity Network Rehabilitation Project

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Prepared by: Eng. Nidal Toman , Eng. Wael Ahmed , Mr. Usama Dabbour

November – 2011

E2899 v2

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Gaza Electricity Network Rehabilitation Project

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Main Report

Table of Contents

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Page1. Background 18

1.1 Introduction 181.2 Components Requireing Environmental Impact Assessment 181.3 Proposed Activities 18

1.3.1 Design and Planning Phase 191.3.2 Construction Phase 191.3.3 Operation Phase 20

1.4 Coordination 202. Study Scope and Methodolgy 21

2.1 The study and Methodolgy 212.2 Methodolgy and ESIA Resourcing 212.3 Public Awareness 212.4 Impact Prediction and Evaluation 22

3. Project Description 233.1 Overview 233.2 Components of the Projects 23

4. Environmental Policy , legal and administrative framework 264.1 World Bank Environment and social safeguards policies 264.2 OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment 264.3 Local Legislative and Requltory Standards 26

4.3.1 Palestinian National Authority 264.3.2 Ministry of Environmental Affairs 27

5. Baseline Data 295.1 The Geographical Location 295.2 Climate 295.3 Demography 295.4 Economy 315.5 The Current Electricity Situation 315.6 Number of Beneficiary 31

6. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) 326.1 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 326.1.1 Opportunities and Positive and Social Impacts 326.1.2 The Negative Imapcts 336.2 Measurement / procedures of the plan 35

7. Monitoring Protocol for electrical Lines 397.1 monitoring plan 397.2 implementaion arrangements 40

8. Conclusion 41Annex 1 map of the project area 42Annex 2 References 43Annex 3 List of consulted stakeholders 44Annex 4 Recording of five public consultaions 55

1- Background

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1.1 Introduction

The Gaza Electricity Networks Rehabilitation Project’ ,funded by the World Bank and the IDB, main objective is to improve the efficiency and quality of electricity supply in the Gaza Strip and strengthening the Capacity building for GEDCo through: (i) financing of critical investments for the rehabilitation / expanding the electricity networks in Gaza to improve their reliability , performance and improve supply (ii) assisting GEDCo to have mobile billing PC's and to install about 10,000 Prepaid meters to improve collection (ii) assisting with significant capacity building and technical assistance for GEDCo to improve its finical, accounting and administrative management as well as its operation.

1.2 Components Requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment

The project consists of the following components:Component 1 – Network rehabilitation and Expansion:

Subcomponent 1: (Rehabilitation of Medium and Low Voltage Networks) This will include rehabilitation of old medium and low voltage electrical networks and will include replacement of installation of electrical poles. Subcomponent 2: (Network Supply Improvement)

This will include activities for the construction of new networks facilities to improve the performance of the electricity supply in Gaza.

Subcomponent 3: (Collection Improvement)The subcomponent will aim to improve collection and work performance and include the purchase of mobile PC's and installation of prepaid meters and supporting equipment.

Component 2 – Capacity Building:The aim of this component is to increase the capacity of GEDCo in system operation and management and will include the purchase of some vehicles, software and hardware and technical assistance.

All Subcomponents in component 1 will be covered by the environmental and social study however Component 2 – Capacity Building will not be included in the study

1.3 Proposed Activities

The proposed activities related to the rehabilitation and installation of new Distribution lines includes the installation of Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Poles, Networks and transformers along routes already identified. These activities will include mapping of distribution networks route to Excavation for Poles Bases and Underground Cables.The project sites will have the following works to be conducted; Construction a total route of 36 kilometers (km) of 22kV overhead linesLaying and connecting of a total route of 33 km of 22kV Cross Linked Polyethylene Power (XLPE) cables. Installation a total of 69 transformers (22/0.4kV)Construction a total of 167 km of Low Voltage networksInstallation of 10,000 prepaid metering

The project activities can be classified in the following stages;

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1. Design and Planning Phase2. Construction Phase3. Operation Phase

1.3.1 Design and Planning PhaseDuring the design phase of this project, the expected activities have been undertaken regarding Site Selection and Routing. The following have been the main criteria for selection of line routes:

- Using public land (municipalities) to avoid conflicts with land owners and to have no cost related to land acquisitions.

- Designing the networks according to the permitted clearance to avoid constructing the networks close to the buildings & other obstacles.

- Avoid harming and damaging the infrastructure during the stage of implantation and construction by initiating consultations and communications with the relevant authorities and municipalities in the phase of design and planning

- Avoid installation of poles in front of building entrance or the entrance of commercial shops by proper designing of Spans and sagging.

1.3.2 Construction PhaseDuring the construction phase, the following key activities are expected to occur: 1. Horizontal and Vertical Clearances:Clearing of the path where the distribution infrastructure will pass is the initial activity that will occur during the construction phase. This is in order to create the vertical and horizontal clearance required when constructing electricity distribution lines. The obstacles along this path will be cleared as required.

2. Excavation Works:After the distribution network path has been cleared as specified above, there will be excavation related works related to Laying Underground cables and for Pole Bases.

3. Construction of Foundation:Foundations shall be designed for all specified Pole types, for any type of soil to be found. Poles foundations shall normally be of reinforced or mass concrete type. Concrete foundations shall be the standard foundation for the poles. Excavated material shall be removed and replaced with approved backfill. The Contractor shall carry out the excavation necessary for the approved foundation type. Excavation shall be confined to a minimum working area consistent with efficient operations. The foundation should be between 1.5-20 m2.

4. In the case of laying cables: The contractor shall lay the cables along the trenches as per drawing & supervisor instruction with fixing concrete slabs, along the trenches including the warning tape and backfill. The Contractor shall get rid of remnants of excavation in safe places that have been previously selected by the concerned municipality , and repair damage to any infrastructure that may have occurred, and restore the work site to its original/previous position as it was.

5. Erection of the Poles:The Poles shall be raised by cranes and installed; following this, the cross arms will be fixed on the poles and then the insulators and accessories will be installed; overhead wires will be strung;, and finally Switches and Transformers will be installed.

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6. Anti-climbing devices:Anti-climbing devices shall be provided on all Medium Voltage Poles. Each Pole shall be fitted with anti-climbing device fixed at a height of around 4 meters above ground.

1.3.3 Operation Phase :

After the project is completed and after GEDCo and the concerned municipality will confirm that the contractor has repaired damage to any infrastructure and has restored the work site to its previous position as it was. GEDCo will receive the work sites with all the components of the new electrical networks and make of its operation according to its specified standards.

1.4 Coordination

Great care will be used in the co-ordination between the GEDCo and the contractor for the commissioning of the MV and LV lines to be connected to the existing networks.The detailed work plan shall take into account that the existing networks will remain operational during the works. The necessary cut-offs and disturbances shall be reduced to a minimum and will be planned in close cooperation with the Contactor. GEDCo shall inform the public in advance of the cut-offs and disturbances to allow them to take the necessary precautions on their side.

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2- Study Scope and Methodology

2.1 The Study and MethodologyIn order to find and meet the requirements of the Grant which is provided by the World Bank and the IDB regarding Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) including (ESMP) Environmental and Social Management Plan, the main objectives of the environmental and social impact assessment are:

1. Determine the Positive and negative environmental impacts.2. Getting the Technical information and recommendations to help selecting and better

designing.3. Preparing Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), which includes

mitigation program, monitoring plan, technical assistance program, and institutional arrangements to describe the best way to implement the project.

2.2 Methodology and ESIA Resourcing 1 The following methodologies for collecting baseline information for the Project have been formulated on the basis of:• Relevant documents, including World Bank directives, guidelines and other document, policy papers and guidelines of the Palestinian cultural and environment sectors;• The work of GEDCo with the relevant Authorities including the GEDCo's available technical Drawings (complete with exact Places of electrical lines, Poles and Transformers, etc.);• The ESIA report also makes use of the socio-economic information. Collection of baseline information besides relying on the above sources, it also strengthened by the results of five public consultations held by GEDCo, it will be mentioned below.

2.3 Public awareness and consultationsPublic consultations are an important part of the ESIA process. It has been started and will be continued during the projects implementation. Five Consultations with key stakeholders (affected peoples, tribal leaders, women, youth and other relevant local NGOs, environmental institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders) have been carried out during the preparation period of the ESMP between 17&24 October 2011 as per Annex (4) in each Governorate with the following objectives:

1. To explain the role of the World Bank in Supporting the Palestinian People and to ease their life

2. To explain the project's Positive Impacts. 3. Discuss the project's negative impacts which expected to be minimal, temporary and

site-specific and GEDCo's mitigations measures to reduce these negative impacts.4. Get feed back and inputs from the public regarding their fears and concerns5. If there is any Environmental or social concerns, mitigation measures will be

explained to the public and the EAMP will be modified to cover all concerns from the public.

In addition to the open consultations; GEDCO has planned to reach the public through: (i) making announcements on local radio stations in Gaza Strip; (ii) preparing and distributing brochures to the public with the electricity bill; (iii) visiting people located near projects; (iv) placing of banners in the streets in Gaza Strip advertising the project; providing information on the GEDCo's website (http://www.gedco.ps).

1 The report benefited from the Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) that was prepared for the Palestine Electric Utility Management Project (EUMP) by Norconsult dated February 2008.

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More than 150 people had attended the five consultations; the attendants were from the affected people, tribal leaders, concerned municipalities and local councils, EQA, universities , youth associations , women associations , refugees representatives , journalists association , private sectors ,businessmen etc .

During the consultations GEDCo managed dialogues and open discussions with the participants and listened carefully to their concerns, which were mainly related to the negative environmental and social impacts that may arise during the implementation of these projects in terms of that the medium voltage networks to be constructed away from the houses, as well as to take the proper actions and procedures with the contractors in order to reduce traffic jamming and to dispose of excavation waste as soon as possible and make sure to repair any damage to the infrastructure during the process of projects implementation , and to avoid working at times of peak traffic, especially in areas where traffic jams around the community such as universities and hospitals. Some of the attendants showed concerns and fears of the new technology of the prepaid system.

GEDCo confirmed its commitment to the people that it will take its procedures with the contractors to mitigate any negative impacts during the construction phase with the implementation of standard good practice construction codes by the contractors.

Also it was made clear that the project will be implemented in the public streets and will not fall in the property of the citizens and not to be inconsistent with the infrastructure during the implementation. In case of a complaint by any citizen, should be submitted in writing to GEDCo's management, and will be worked on with the citizen to resolve the dispute and resolve the issue. Also it was explained to the people the advantage of the prepaid meter system and the categories of customers which are planned to have the prepaid system in this stage.

The carried out public consultations have been very informative and enriched the ESIA. Overall, it is clear that the projects are expected to attain significant important environmental and social benefits that overweigh any minor adverse environmental and social impacts, which could be mitigated through the implementation of the proposed Environmental and Social Management Plan.

Please refer to Annex 4 of the ESIA for a complete record of consultations.

2. 4 Impact Prediction and Evaluation

Various methods and techniques were applied in impact identification, prediction and evaluation. The Environmental Assessment identified and analyzed potential impacts linking these with specific project activities and phase. First the task was to consider both positive and negative impacts of the project. While considering the impacts, the study examined them in light of their characteristics i.e. nature (positive or negative), extent (spatial), occurrence (one-off, intermitted or constant), magnitude, whether reversible or irreversible, direct or indirect, probability of occurrence and significance with and without mitigation.

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3- Project Description

3.1 Overview

The Gaza Electricity Network Rehabilitation Project will be implemented in Gaza Strip. The primary focus of the Project will be to rehabilitate and expand the electricity networks in Gaza to improve their reliability and performance. In addition, the Project will include a significant technical assistance component for capacity building for GEDCO to improve its financial, accounting and administrative management as well as its operation.

3.2 Components of the Project

Component 1 – Network rehabilitation and Expansion. This component includes the following:

Subcomponent 1: Rehabilitation of Medium and Low Voltage Networks:a. Rehabilitation of Medium Voltage Networks (US$ 600,000 – financed by the IDB):

This project will rehabilitate deteriorated medium voltage networks in Gaza. The project will entail, among others, replacing and installing 13 km Overhead Networks, transformers and switches.

b. Rehabilitation of the Low Voltage Networks (US$ 1,592,000 financed by the IDB). This project will rehabilitate deteriorated low voltage networks in the five governorates in Gaza suffering from unsafe installation, high losses and low voltages. The project will also entail, among others, replacing and installing new poles and cables for about 139 km of low voltage networks.

Subcomponent 2: Network Supply Improvement. This subcomponent includes the following activities for the construction of new network facilities to improve the performance of the electricity supply in Gaza:

a. New 22 kV underground feeders from the Gaza Power Plant (US$ 3,000,000 financed IDB): The project will construct three new 22 kV underground feeders from the Gaza Power Plant (GPP) to load centers in Gaza city. The feeders will be needed to support evacuation of additional electricity supply from GPP which will become available when the ongoing expansion of the GPP substation is completed. The total length of the Route will about 12 km and will add a total of 36 MW of new network capacity.

b. Reconfiguration of Medium and Low Voltage Networks (US$4,487,000 of which financed by the World Bank): The project will finance expansion of the existing distribution networks in Gaza five governorates through the installation of medium and low voltage networks and transformers to reduce loading of existing networks and improve reliability of electricity supply. The project will entail, among others, installing a 22 km of new overhead networks, the total length of the Route will be about 13.5 km of new Medium Voltage underground cables, and 30 km of Low Voltage networks new distribution transformers.

c. New 22 kV underground feeders from the proposed 161 kV north Substation (US$ 1,738,000 financed by the IDB): The project will construct Medium Voltage underground feeders from the proposed 161 kV north Substation to Gaza and

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North Governorates. The new feeders will also be designed to increase the reliability of the 22 kV network in Gaza through ring network development. The total length of the Route will be about 7 km of new Medium Voltage underground cables.

Subcomponent 3: Collection Improvement. This subcomponent supporting equipment as follows:

a. Supply Meter mobile billing PC's (US$ 226,000 financed by the World Bank): This

project will finance the supply of meter reading equipment to facilitate reading, recording and issuing electricity bills at consumer sites. GEDCo will purchase about 80 units as GEDCo currently has 98 meter readers which will help a lot to improve work performance.

b. PEA will supply 10,000 single phase and three phase prepaid meters to GAZA (financed by anther Grant EUMP Project AFD, Norway and Sweden): the delivery will take place early next year. These meters were purchased under EUMP/Phase V program Project and financed by AFD, Norway, and Sweden. The Project will be the first stage of scaling up installation of prepaid meters in Gaza.

Component 2 – Capacity Building: The aim of this component is increase the capacity of GEDCO in system operation and management. This component will finance the following:

Subcomponent 1: Supply of Vehicles and IT. This subcomponent will finance the following:

a. Supply of Vehicles (US$ 866,000 of which US$366,000 financed by the World Bank and US$ 500,000 financed by the IDB): This project will finance the supply of vehicles necessary for the operation, maintenance and repair works of the electricity networks in Gaza. These vehicles will be transferred to Gaza from the PEA warehouse in the West Bank.

b. Supply of Geographic Information System (GIS) (US$311,000 financed by the World Bank): in order to support network information management, planning and operation.

c. Supply Load Flow hardware and software (US$172,000 financed by the World Bank): for network analysis and planning.

d. Supply of IT hardware and software and tools (US$ 1,443,000 will be financed by the World Bank): This project will finance the supply and installation of a wide variety of IT hardware and software proposed by GEDCO for the technical operation of Gaza electricity networks and financial and accounting management of GEDCO. Specific IT Systems (software and hardware) proposed under this project include, among others:

o Information Management System to support integrated financial, accounting, administration management and customer services.

o Supporting IT network infrastructure and peripherals.

Given the wide scope of the IT hardware and software proposed for financing by the Project and to ensure effective design, integration and deployment of the IT systems, GEDCo will use the services of the existing Firm Price Waterhouse PWC of the West Bank, whose contract is financed by the European Commission (EC). These services will include the identification and preparation of Bid Document (BD) for the IT hardware and software proposed for financing by the Project under Subcomponent 1 above.

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In Addition PWC will carry out a full review of the current organizational structure of GEDCo and its operation procedures focusing mainly on its financial, accounting and operational capacity and development of an internal audit department. Also PWC will develop a comprehensive set of policies and procedures for major process within GEDCo.

Subcomponent 2: Technical Assistance including the following:

a. Master Plan Consultant (US$ 500,000): The Project will finance the hiring of a consulting firm to support PEA in preparing a master plan for the development of the electricity sector in Gaza.

b. Financial Audit (US$30,000 financed by the World Bank). The Project will finance the hiring of a local consulting firm to carryout auditing services on the Project Cost.

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4- Environmental Policy, Legal and administrative framework

4.1 World Bank Environment and Social Safeguards Policies

According to the World Bank this project is categorized as environmental “category B” and the World Bank safeguard policies triggered by the project are OP 4.01 on environmental assessment and OP 4.12 on involuntary resettlement. This means that all components of the project with the exception of capacity building will be subject to environmental and social impacts assessment (ESIA).

World Bank Operational Policies (OP) Environmental Assessment - OP 4.01 (January 1999) is applicable which requires environmental assessment of projects proposed for World Bank financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable. Environmental Assessment is one of the 10 safeguard policies of the World Bank.

Safeguard Policy OP 4.12 will not be triggered by the project as all the project activities, even if there are design changes, will be done on public land and will not result in: (i) involuntary taking of land; (ii) relocation or resettlement; (iii) loss of assets or access to assets, and (iv) loss of income sources or means of livelihood.

4.2 OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment

In World Bank operations, the purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that projects are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people are consulted. To meet this objective, the World Bank policy defines procedures to:

Identify the level of environmental risk (screening) associated with a project; Assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the risk and how they

should be reduced to acceptable levels (environmental assessment and management);

Ensure the views of local groups that may be affected by the project are reflected in identifying the environmental risk and managing any impacts (public consultation);

Make certain that procedures followed in the environmental assessment process are adequately disclosed and transparent to the general public (disclosure); and

Include measures for implementation and supervision of commitments relating to findings and recommendations of the EMP.

Public consultation and disclosure are essential elements of World Bank environmental assessment policy and the necessary procedures and documentation for consultation and disclosure are addressed within the context of this ESIA.

4.3 Local Legislative and Regulatory Standards 4.3.1 Palestinian National Authority (PNA)

As the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) seeks to achieve the sustainable development in Palestine throughout improving the environmental quality and maintaining it ,encouraging and achieving the social and economic development which will improve and maintain the environment quality , and as the environmental assessment provides an effective means which integrate the environmental factors in planning process and decision making in away which promote the sustainable development , accordingly ,Council of ministers granted the

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approval on the policy of the Palestinian environmental assessment ,and that decision according to the Palestinian Law No. (7) For the year 1999 on the environment and after the approval of the Palestinian legislative council in its meetings which held in 6/7/1999.

4.3.2 Ministry of Environmental Affairs (MEnA)

The Ministry of Environmental Affairs (MEnA) has two formats for environmental assessment.

The first is an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) or screening, which covers projects were significant impacts are uncertain and/ or unlikely due to the size of the operation (e.g. such as smaller projects undertaking works in already disturbed areas). Based on the IEE the MEnA decides whether more detailed assessments in the form of revisions or a full scale EIA is necessary for licensing of the proposed operation.

The second is a full Environmental Impact Assessment, which covers projects where impacts will occur to natural areas and/or to natural resources, as a result of new activities. The regulations covering the environmental assessment are covered principally by the Environmental Assessment Policy through resolution (27-23/4/2000) and the Environmental Law of 1999.

Under the terms of the 1999 Regulations, the ESIA and EMP report has to be submitted to MEnA for approval as per Flowchart of Environmental Assessment Administrative Procedures below.

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5- Baseline Data

5.1 The Geographical Location

The Gaza Strip is the southern region of the Palestinian coast on the Mediterranean sea, a narrow strip north-east of Sinai and stretches over an area of 365 Square km, in a length of 45 km, the width ranges between 5.5 and 12.5 km. Gaza Strip borders, Israel from the north and east, while Egypt is bordering it from the south west.

The projects will be implemented in urban areas in all 5 Gaza Governorates (North, Gaza, Middle, Khanyounis and Rafah).

5.2 Climate

The Gaza Strip lies within a transition zone between the Sinai desert semi-arid climate and the Mediterranean Sea climate. The daily average temperature ranging between 25 m in summer and 13 m winter, the humidity average is ranging between 65% in the summer during the day to 85% at night, between 60% -80% winters night and day. the wind is northwest wind, its speed varying between night and day , and the average of the annual rainfall is 400 mm, but rainfall varying between year to year, ranging between 200-900 mm. The evaporation rate ranges from 1.2 to 3.6 mm in December and July.

5.3 Demographics

In 2010 approximately 1.6 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, of whom almost 1.0 million are UN-registered refugees. The majority of the Palestinians are descendants of refugees who were driven from or left their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The Strip's population has continued to increase since that time, one of the main reasons being a total fertility rate of almost 5 children per woman. In a ranking by total fertility rate, this places Gaza 26th of 223 regions.

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Most of the inhabitants are Sunni Muslims, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Christians, making the region 99.3 percent Sunni Muslim and 0.7 percent Christian.

The average of population density reached to 3880 persons / sq km, and population density in the refugee camps, 55,500 people / sq km. Gaza Strip has 5 Governorates and based on Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) for the year of 2007 the populations distributed as follows:

Year Gaza strip Population

1970 0.341980 0.461990 0.652000 1.132004 1.32008 1.52010 1.6

SexNo. of Households

Average Size of

HouseholdsGovernorate MaleFemaleTotal

87,46585,907173,37226,8646.5Rafah137,577133,402270,97943,2036.3Khan Younis103,608101,927205,53532,0836.4Middle252,465243,946496,41176,8096.5Gaza137,596132,650270,24640,2626.7North

718,711697,8321,416,543219,221Total

With 49.3% females and 50.7% males The following demographic statistics are from the World Central Intelligence Agency fact book, unless otherwise indicated.Population growth rate: 3.422% (2008 est. sees also: Demographic trap)Birth rate: 39.45 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)Mortality rate: 3.8 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)Ethnic groups: Palestinians 99.9Religions: Muslim 98.7% (predominantly Sunni), Christian 0.7%Languages: Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English (widely understood)Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91.9% male: 96.3% female: 87.4% (2003 est.)

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5.4 Economy

High population density, limited land and sea access, continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories. Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive after June 2007, and War during December 2008-January 2009, resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector, extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by UNRWA. However, changes to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list - in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not permitted.

5.5 The Current Electricity Situation Gaza Strip is supplied with Electricity from three sources:-

1. The Israeli Electric Company (IEC) 120 MWThe IEC electricity supplies Gaza Strip with 120 MW through 10 feeding (22KV) lines.2. The Gaza Power Plant (Private Company)Mainly the output of the power plant is at 60 MW and if additional required fuel is made available to the power plant it can operate the third turbine and produce up to 70 MW.3. The Two 22KV feeding lines from Egyptian Canal CompanyThe Egyptian electricity is restricted and feeds part of Rafah Governorate with 17 MW.The current available electricity supply is at 207 MW against the demand of 300 MW which triggers electricity shortage at about 31%.

5.6 The number of Beneficiaries of the ProjectsGEDCo has done the planning for the projects in the best ways and methods to improve the electricity sector and to benefit all the citizens in Gaza Strip. Any project which will be implemented in any Governorate will benefit all the people in the area directly and indirectly will benefit the other people in the as mentioned Governorate also it will contribute to benefit indirectly the other people in the other Governorates.

The Table below shows the citizens directly benefited of the projects:

Governorate North Gaza Middle Khanyounis Rafah Beneficiaries

Rehabilitation Medium Voltage Networks 8 projects 100,000 170,000 80,000 350,000

Rehabilitation Low Voltage Network 124 projects 50,000 400,000 150,000 180,000 100,000 880,000

Constructing new 22KV feeders from the west substation 50,000 200,000 250,000

Installation new Transformers and Electrical Networks 49 projects

180,000 250,000 140,000 180,000 90,000 840,000

An overall indirect benefit includes increasing productivity of business, hospitals, schools and other services through reduced blackout periods.

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6. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

6.1 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

6.1.1 Opportunities and Positive and Social Impacts

Overall, the social and environmental development impacts of this project are expected to be positive. The project will contribute to the generation of direct and indirect significant positive social and environmental impacts:

1. Improving electricity service for the citizens in all Governorates.2. Increasing access of marginalized groups to electricity by connecting to remote

areas, including poor and agricultural areas3. Reducing physical dangers caused by old electrical networks away from houses.4. Reducing health hazards of operating diesel and benzene generators, which were

used for irrigated areas.5. increasing public awareness of rights and responsibilities, services to be provided,

fees, access and dispute resolution mechanisms through communication, outreach and citizen participation

6. Reducing the problem of electricity cuts for the citizens who get the electricity from old networks and connecting the remote areas which lie along the distribution lines.

7. Reduce operating diesel and benzene generators which used for irrigating the agricultural areas; this will maintain the safety of environment and the citizen health.

8. Reduce operating the generators used by citizens in their houses and shops due to electricity cuts due to very technical reasons related to the network , this will maintain the safety of the environment and reduce the noise level resulted from these generators .

9. Providing employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, and local contractors to work in the implementation of the project, which include both men and women.

10. Enhancing citizen electricity system satisfaction with the services provided by GEDCO in the project areas and building of public trust in GEDCO

11. Reducing electricity theft by installing new isolated lines.12. An overall indirect benefit includes increasing productivity of business, hospitals,

schools and other services through reduced blackout periods. 13. Reduced chances of casualties from generators blowing up with diesel leakage, with

reduced reliance on generators.14. Increased access to water for residents in overhead tanks due to better and

increased supply of electricity.15. Provision of better and enhanced services in hospitals and fewer casualties (e.g.

babies in incubators).16. Increased and continuous supply of treated wastewater to farms from sewage

treatment plants, etc.

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6.1.2 The Negative Impacts

1. The Public health and the effects of the Overhead networks on the population (very low negative effect): The magnetic overhead field doesn't exceed 30cm around the 22 kv conductor, where GEDCo fixes the first phase by the side of the buildings to be 200 cm away from the people.

2. Excavation waste (very low negative effect) whether it is for planting a base or for cable laying: The Contractor shall get rid of remnants of excavation in safe places that have been previously selected by the concerned municipality. Common sense civil works-related codes shall be followed by the contractor such as the vehicles transporting such excavation waste shall be completely covered. The contractor shall repair any damage of the infrastructures and shall restore the work site to its previous position as it was. These are part of the general conditions and the contractor will not be paid unless GEDCo makes sure the contractor comply with these conditions.

3. Harming/ prejudicing the burying historical, cultural properties (almost no negative effect): The Authority of historical archaeology has determined the sites where it is expected to find Historical archaeological values; these sites are known to the municipalities. When GEDCo proposes a project location it has to be agreed by the concerned municipality to avoid the locations to be in the historical archaeological sites. However, in the event of a discovery believed to be of historical archaeological asset during construction (chance-find), the works will stop immediately the discovery will be reported to the competent authority to take its proper course of action. The work will be resumed after permission is given to continue.

4. Dust and air pollution (very low negative effect): The soil in Gaza Strip is either clay

or sandy soil. The Contractor is required during works to control dust by spraying water on the earth to prevent dust from flying.

5. Noise (low negative effect): During the excavation the contactor shall undertake

works during the daytime so as to cause least disruption and inconvenience to the local population. In the event that there are any complaints, then measurement will be taken (55db during day and 45db during night).

6. Emission the exhausts from the vehicles (very low negative effect) : All vehicles in the work location shall be licensed and insured and be exposed to check regarding emission of exhausts from environment authority , and to be sure that emission rates are not over the limited permitted.

7. Disabling the infrastructure and services due to the excavations (weak negative impact): The process of building new networks does not require land acquisition. Installation of the poles and transformer rooms will be through allocated land from the municipalities concerned of the public services including the electricity networks. The process to be followed by GEDCo is summarized by the following :

Official letters will be sent to the municipalities and Palestinian Telecommunication to inform them of the proposed projects locations and requesting them to determine the places of public facilities and infrastructure on the projects sites, this is to avoid damaging the infrastructure when implementing the projects.

The proposed projects locations will be officially handed over to GEDCo by the municipalities and Palestinian Telecommunication in the presence of

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beneficiaries, the handover of the sites will include all the public facilitations &infrastructure locations on the sites. Assuring that work will have no impacts on the people, public service or infrastructure.

GEDCo will continue to coordinate with the municipalities and telecommunication until completing the implementation of the projects.

If there will be any design changes, the reroute will be done on public land and will not result in relocation or loss of shelter, loss of assets or access to assets, or loss of income sources or means of livelihoods.

8. Disruption to traffic (weak negative impact): The sub-projects which could result in temporary street closure and disruption to pedestrians will be carefully coordinated with the traffic department (traffic controllers) to take the required procedures (re-direct traffic if necessary) and inform the public in advance so that they are prepared for the temporary in-convenience.

9. Public safety for the local population and workers (very weak negative impact): The Contractor shall have full regards of and maintain safety measures and procedures to protect works, workers, the safety and convenience of the public during the implementation of the projects using all type of precautions and tools such as isolating the site of the project when required, fencing, use phosphoric tapes, warning signs etc. Lack of care or lack of information can cause accidents, Thus people living in the area under direct influence of construction works, people moving in the vicinity, and end point users should be informed by GEDCo regarding appropriate safety precautions, for example:

- Not allowing children to play near construction sites (e.g. such as climbing of the poles or fences)- Warn children not to play with kites and slingshots near the power lines.- Avoid trimming high trees located near the energy cables- Avoid handling broken cables

10. Trees Trimmings (very weak negative impact ) : Its not permitted to cut any tree

during works, Rather in some of the rehabilitation projects it may include trimming of any tree which grown high to reach the electrical networks , this will be done in coordination with and in the presence of the representative from the concerned municipality.

11. Soil erosion (very weak negative impact): The soil will be compacted. Also work will be stopped during heavy rains to reduce soil erosion and accidents.

12. The waste of the electrical networks and transformer oil (very weak negative impact )

There will be no material waste , the discarded wooden poles are either reused or sold, and steel poles are cut into sizes that are used as cross arms in medium voltage networks or collected and sold for recycling

The project design does not include replacing of transformers. Further, PCB transformers are not allowed in Gaza through the Israeli port since 1999. GEDCO has transformers' oil filters in its workshop that is used to filter transformer oil which is then reused. Oil from old/discarded transformers is removed, filtered and reused (refining and regeneration and reuse). The discarded transformers are collected and sold as scrap metal. In the event of

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accidental oil spills; hazardous wastes, if any, are taken in a responsible manner to special hazardous waste cells in the Gaza city dumpsite.

GEDCo uses this type of Transformer Oil (Viscosity = 11, Density = 0.89, and Breaking Voltage before Treatment > 30 KV & After Treatment > 60 KV, (NYTRO 10 GBXT or equivalent) as IEC standards 60296&60422 which doesn't produce PCB.

13. Prepaid meters (weak negative impact ) there will be some fears from some of the customers categories from the installation of the new system for several reasons:

Lack of willingness to pay for electricity consumption. Lack of confidence of citizens in the new technology, where they fear possible

sudden cut of electricity. Lack of adequate knowledge of the public of the prepaid system. Being uncertain that GEDCo will provide adequate number of places for their

convenience for recharging. The negative impacts that may result from the work of installation of these

meters in houses of citizens.GEDCo plans to install the prepaid meters only to the willing and financially able people at this stage (GEDCo's employees, commercial, industrial sector, Residential towers) and will not be targeting the poor people.GEDCo will use the media and organize workshops to explain the benefits of pre-payment meter system, answer the citizens' questions. GEDCo will apply the correct procedures as stated in the ESMP plan with the designated customers for prepaid meters before, during and after installation.

6.2 Measures /procedures of the plan of implementing the projects

The purpose of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is to provide environmental standards for the project during construction and operation of project interventions. i.) The Contractor is required to comply with the frame of reference and standards of the project. While this ESMP provides background information, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of any information provided and, irrespective of any inaccuracy or incompleteness, to comply with the frame of reference and standards.ii.) The frame of reference for the environmental standards is to avoid impairing (a) the health or wellbeing of people, and (b) land capability.iii.) GEDCo should monitor compliance with the frame of reference and project standards and report to PEA.iv.) The ultimate responsibility for non-compliance with the standards in this document lies solely with the contractor. GEDCo retains the right to enforce compliance with the standards irrespective of non-compliance.

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(ESMP) table for the electrical projects:

Phase Activity Measures to mitigate the activity impacts Responsible side

Process ofImplementingthe projects

Public health

To maintain the public health and to mitigate the impacts of the magnetic fields which affect citizens lives, the proposed Medium voltage networks lines had been designed horizontally to be away from the buildings distance not less than 2 m according to the international standards, and in planning stage GEDCo will take into consideration that the electrical networks do not pass over buildings and houses

GEDCo

Excavation waste

The Contractor shall get rid of remnants of excavation in safe places that have been previously selected by the concerned municipality. However, excavated soil/dirt will be used to refill once cables are laid.

EQA and the contractor

Historical and cultural

properties

Digging works will occur only at a depth of 1 m but if any historical assets are found (chance finds) during drilling works, the work will be stopped immediately. The contractor will inform Archeology institution and work will not be resumed except after getting the required permission or finding an alternative project route.

Contractor

DustThe vehicles used for transporting the materials will be covered and water will be sprayed during windy or stormy weather.

Contractor

Noise

During the excavation the contactor shall undertake works during the daytime so as to cause least disruption and inconvenience to the local population. In the event that there are any complaints, then measurement will be taken (55db during day and 45db during night).

Contractor

Emission of exhausts

All vehicles in the work location shall be licensed and insured and be exposed to check regarding emission of exhausts from environment authority, and to be sure that emission rates are not over the permitted limit.

Contractor

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Disabling the infrastructure and services

due to excavations

To avoid any damages that may occur to the communication cables, water networks, waste and rainwater, the contractor shall inform and get the required permissions/licenses before starting drilling and taking the required precautions in order not to harm the infrastructure. In the event that this happens inadvertently, the contractor will repair any damage immediately.

Contractor

Traffic Jam

To avoid or minimize expected traffic jam in places where digging will take place, good coordination with relevant institutions such as municipalities, police traffic will be observed. This can reduce the impact to a minimum. There will also be official declarations/announcements of road closures as a result of excavations before the start of the project.

Traffic Authority and Contractor

Public Safety

The work sites will be closed at the installation of the poles and wires to the public, and signage will be placed to illustrate clearly the areas of excavation to avoid falling and accidents. The workers will be equipped in the workplace with safety equipment such as personal protective shoes and clothing, caps, goggles; appropriate to the nature of work situation as well as warning signals of phosphorus in the project sites, in order to maintain the safety of visitors to work sites. All who enter the work site will be provided with helmet and signs. Only specialist workers will be allowed to operate any machinery and equipment in order to reduce the incidence of accidents. As much as possible, implementation of any part of the project will be avoided during the night hours.

Contractor

TreesIt may be needed to cut some stems and leaves of trees that are very close to the proposed power lines after taking the necessary permissions from the owners of these trees (municipalities) taken not to damage the these trees.

GEDCo and the contractor

Soil erosionTo prevent soil erosion during the digging process for the bases of the poles or to bury the underground cable, the soil will be compacted. Also work will be stopped during heavy rains to reduce soil erosion and accidents.

Contractor

Restore the work site as it

was

Work site will be restored as it was and any damage to the surrounding land and roads will be repaired.

Contractor

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Loss of Housing or access to

assets All the project activities, even if there will design changes, will be done on public land and will not result in: (i) involuntary taking of land; (ii) relocation or resettlement; (iii) loss of assets or access to assets, and (iv) loss of income sources or means of livelihood.

GEDColoss of income sources or means of

livelihood's

Prepaid meters Before

installation

The fear of citizens

GEDCo plans to install the prepaid meters only to the willing people and the financially able people in this stage: (GEDCo's employees, commercial, industrial sector, residential towers) and will not be targeting the poor people.

Media campaign will be implemented (local radio - newspapers - GEDCo's website). Explanatory brochures will be distributed with the bills. Workshops will be held to explain the benefits of pre-payment meter system and to

answer the citizens' questions.

GEDCo

Prepaid meters During

installation

Notice for the Citizens

Citizens will be notified of the dates of installation of prepaid meters. Field visits will be organized to the installation places Following the field visits to the installation places and determining the materials

needed for installation, GEDCo will provide all the needed equipment and material.

GEDCo

Public Safety

In order to maintain the safety of workers and the customers in the work site, all those who enter the work site will be provided the tools necessary for safety.

GEDCo will work to put back the work place as it was before and will repair any damage that may result from works during installation.

GEDCo

Prepaid meters After installation

Technical Support

There will be technical support given around the clock through the allocation of landline phones in all branches also technical support units will be formed in all branches.

GEDCo

Sale centers GEDCo will provide points of sale in the collection centers and all branches. GEDCo

Cost for implementing the mitigation measures as outlined above will be embedded in the works contract as part of the contractor's responsibility. A monitoring plan will be used as the monitoring stages required ensuring conformity with the principles and procedures laid down in the national environmental legislation during the planning project design construction and operation activities of the proposed Gaza Electricity Network Rehabilitation Project.

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7. Monitoring Protocol for electrical Lines

7.1 Monitoring Plan

A detailed environmental monitoring plan has been developed to verify that predictions of environmental impacts are accurate and that unforeseen impacts are detected at an early stage and allow corrective measures to be implemented, if needed. During the construction phase the plan provides for dust, noise, visual impacts, service disruption and safety monitoring.During the operation period, monitoring is planned in terms of routine inspection of the health and safety of the workers and general public.

The Monitoring Plan is developed and presented at the end of this report as part of the ESMP.Environmental monitoring is an essential component of project implementation. It facilitates and ensures the follow-up of the implementation of the proposed mitigation measure, as they are required. It helps to anticipate possible environmental hazards and/or detect unpredicted impacts over time. Monitoring includes:

Visual observations Selection of environmental parameters at specific locations; Sampling and regular testing of these parameters.

Monitoring should be undertaken at a number of levels. Firstly, it should be undertaken by the Contractor at work sites during construction, under the direction and guidance of the GEDCo who is responsible for reporting the monitoring to the implementing agencies PMU.Table below outlines the overall package of environmental monitoring measures that will be implemented in relation to the facility as outlined in detail. The table also assigns general responsibilities for implementing each group of monitoring measures. A detailed implementation these costs are therefore described as ‘Within contract budget’ in Table below. Similarly, monitoring measures that will be carried out by GEDCO staff, with no additional expenditure required, are described as ‘Within operational budget’ in Table below.

WhatParameter to be

Monitored

Whereis the parameter

to bemonitored?

Howare the parameter to

bemonitored/ type of

monitoring equipment?

Whenis the parameter to

bemonitored frequency

of measurement orcontinuous?

MonitoringCost

What is the cost of

equipment or contractorcharges to

performmonitoring

Responsibility

Worker safety At constructionsite

Visual: Worker wearing

Equipment

Weekly random times none Construction

Contractor

Excavation Waste At constructionsite

Visual:Trucks covered or ground watered

Weekly:Random times

WeeklyMinor Construction

Contractor

Historical ,cultural and archaeological

Assets

At constructionsite Visual Continuously Minor Construction

Contractor

Dust levels At constructionsite Dust visible

Weekly, more frequently

during dry, windy weather

Minor ConstructionContractor

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Noise Levels At constructionsite

Observing noise level and taking

measurement only if there are complaints

from residents

Continuously Minor ConstructionContractor

Machineryengine

emissions

At constructionsite

Visual:Examine engine

exhaustCertification

Equipment first comes

to project siteMinor Construction

Contractor

Disruption of local traffic patterns

Roads at or near

construction site

Visual:Alternate

routes clearlyindicated

During traffic jams MinorConstruction

Contractor and Traffic Police

Public Safety At constructionsite Visual Continuously Minor Construction

Contractor

Trees Trimming At constructionsite Visual Continuously Minor

GEDCo ConstructionContractor

Soil Erosion At constructionsite Visual Continuously Minor Construction

Contractor

Accidents At constructionsite

Safety trainingfor workers,

accidentreports,

communityconsultation

Monthly ConstructionContractor

Restoration of work site

At worksite Visual at the end of work

period Minor ConstructionContractor

7.2 Implementation ArrangementsThe proposed Project will be implemented by the existing Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) at PEA, which is currently handling the implementation of other Bank and donor financed projects including the EUMP. The PMU is staffed with a director, procurement, financial management, accountant and other relevant staff. Key members of the PMU are experienced in implementing similar projects under the Bank’s procurement guidelines, policies and procedures. Therefore, the PMU will be responsible for handling all procurement and financial management issues related to the proposed Project. The PMU will also be responsible for coordination with GEDCo, World Bank and government authorities on the supply of equipment and materials to GEDCo and contract execution. GEDCo's Technical Department will be responsible for the implementation of the Project including the procurement and supervision of local contractors in Gaza for the installation and civil works.

Therefore GEDCo will be responsible for implementation of contracts/works, and will report to the PMU on implementation of contracts (including compliance with ESMP). GEDCo will be responsible for supervising the contractor and thereby ensuring that all project works are in compliance with the ESMP. GEDCo has the capacity to undertake supervision of works and to ensure compliance with the required environmental measures. The PMU will be responsible to aggregate information on compliance with the ESMP, and include as a section in the reporting to the World Bank. Further, capacity of GEDCo’s Environment Safety Unit will be strengthened on World Bank safeguard policies, requirements and reporting.

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8. CONCLUSION

Based on field work and consultations with project affected people, local and national government agencies and other organizations it is clear that the project will result in significant positive social and environmental impacts.

The project will contribute to the generation of significant social and Environmental development outcomes. The main benefits as a result of the project is that it will improve the reliability of electricity networks; reduce losses; improve the safety of the electricity network; and reduce power outages. Some other benefits include improving electricity service for the citizens in all Governorates; reducing physical dangers caused by old electrical networks away from houses; reducing the problem of electricity cuts for the citizens who get the electricity from old networks; connecting the remote areas with electricity, which lie along the distribution lines; and reducing operating the generators used by citizens in their houses and shops due to electricity cuts, and this will maintain the safety of the environment and also reduce the noise level resulting from these generators. There will be a very small incremental increase in power supply, however, as a result of project interventions; the network will be prepared and ready for handling additional power supply when it comes into Gaza.

Any potential negative environmental impacts will be temporary, site-specific, reversible and minor in nature. Further, any adverse impacts will be during the construction phase and can be mitigated with the implementation of standard good practice construction codes by the contractor and measures outlined in the ESMP. Positive social and environmental impacts will far outweigh potential negative impacts.

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Annex (1)Map of the Project area

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Annex (2)

REFERENCES

1- Palestinian National Authority - Energy & Natural Resources Authority -Electric Utility Management Project (EUMP) - Environment and Social Safeguards Documents.

2- World Bank Group (1999): THE WORLD BANK OPERATIONAL MANUAL - Operational Policies – OP401 -Environmental Assessment.

3. Project Concept Note for Gaza Electricity Network Rehabilitation Project - World Bank

4. Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) for Palestine Electric Utility Management Project (EUMP) – World Bank

5- ISO 14001 - Environmental management systems Requirements with guidance for use.

6- World Bank (1994a). Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures and Cross-Sectoral Issues.

7- Palestinian National Authority - Palestinian Environmental Law NO (7) 1999

8- Palestinian National Authority - Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics -General Census of Population and Housing, and Establishment -2007

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Annex (3)List of Consulted Stakeholders

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List of consulted stakeholders:

Gaza Governorate list of participants’ page1:

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Gaza Governorate list of participants’ page2:

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North Governorate list of participants list:

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Khanyounis Governorate list of participants’ page1:

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Khanyounis Governorate list of participants’ page2:

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Khanyounis Governorate list of participants’ page3:

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Middle Governorate list of participants’ page1:

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Middle Governorate list of participants’ page2:

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Rafah Governorate list of participants’ page1:

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Rafah Governorate list of participants’ page2:

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Annex (4)

Record of five Public Consultations

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a) Date , time , Location of the consultations:

Five Public Consultations were held in each of the five governorates as follows: - Gaza Governorate: The public consultation for Gaza Governorate was held on Sunday 16-

October 2011, 02:00 pm, Gaza City- Al-Remal - Ahmed Bin Abid Alazeez Street, Alkhozindar

Building the 7th flour.

- North Governorate: The public consultation for the North Governorate was held on Monday

17- October 2011, 10:30 am in Farah Hall East of Alskeikh Zayid round about.

- Khanyounis Governorate: The public consultation for Khanyounis Governorate was held on

Saturday 22- October 2011, 10:30 am in Khanyounis Municipality Hall.

- Middle Governorate: The public consultation for the Middle Governorate was held on Sunday

23- October 2011, 12:00 pm in Salsabeel Hall on Salah Eldin Street.

- Rafah Governorate: The public consultation for Rafah Governorate was held on Monday 24-

October 2011, 10:30 am in Nationalism association for Democracy' hall in Zouroub Tower the

second flour.

b) GEDCo's Panels for the open meetings: GEDCo's Panel for Gaza Governorate open meeting1. Eng. Gazi Elsalhi GEDCo's General Manager Assistant2. Mr. Jamal Elderdisawi Public Relation Manager3. Eng. Mohamad Hamad Gaza Technical Manager4. Eng. Magdi Yagi Precautions &Safety Manager5. Eng. Wael Ahmed Head of Studies & Documentation Section

GEDCo's Panel for North Governorate open meeting 1. Eng. Kamel Rabah GEDCo Technical Department Manager2. Eng. Gazi Elsalhi GEDCo's General Manager Assistant3. Eng. Magdi Yagi Precautions &Safety Manager4. Eng. Wael Ahmed Head of Studies & Documentation Section 5. Eng. Nidal Abou Owda Public Relation Section North Governorate

GEDCo's Panel for Khanyounis Governorate open meeting1. Eng. Gazi Elsalhi GEDCo's General Manager Assistant2. Mr. Jamal Elderdisawi Public Relation Manager3. Eng. Kamal Elqarra Khanyounis Technical Manager4. Eng. Wael Ahmed Head of Studies & Documentation Section5. Mr. Mohamad Elseedi Public Relation section Khanyounis

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GEDCo's Panel for Middle Governorate open meeting: 1. Eng. Gazi Elsalhi GEDCo's General Manager Assistant2. Mr. Jamal Elderdisawi Public Relation Manager3. Eng. Magdi Yagi Precautions &Safety Manager4. Eng. Yousif Abou Yousif Middle Technical Manager

GEDCo's Panel for Rafah Governorate open meeting:1. Eng. Gazi Elsalhi GEDCo's General Manager Assistant2. Eng. Yousif Abou Dagah Rafah Branch Manager3. Mr. Jamal Elderdisawi Public Relation Manager4. Eng. Magdi Yagi Precautions &Safety Manager5. Eng. Hassan Ateia Technical Engineer – Rafah

GEDCo's Staff assisting in the open meetings:1. Mr. Mohamad Alhasaina Photographer – Designer2. Mr. Tamir Elefranji Video Recording

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c) Sample of the invitations and the Banner used:

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d) GEDCo's opening the meetings:

1. GEDCo welcomed the participants and thanked them for their presence.2. GEDCo thanked the World Bank for its roles to help and support the Palestinian

People and in Particular it’s continues support to the energy sector and for financing the new project to improve the electricity situation in the Gaza Strip.

3. Explain the new electricity project and discuss the pre-paid meter system: in details explain about the projects proposed to be implemented in each Governorate and the positive impacts for these projects to improve the electricity situation, and the significant positive Environmental and social impacts.

4. Discuss the projects' negative impacts which expected to be minimal, temporary and site-specific and GEDCo's mitigations measures and its procedures with the contractors to reduce these negative impacts.

5. Open up the discussion for the attendants for their fears and concerns related to the implementation of the projects.

e) Summary of the Questions and Answers:

Q: What will be the targeted customer categories for the installing of the prepaid meters? A: GEDCo explained that this is a good system which can help in energy conservation and allow the customers to control expenditure and budget besides controlling consumption, this besides improve collection. its widely used in the West Bank and GEDCo plans here in this project to install the prepaid meters to the willing people and the able people : (GEDCo's employees, commercial , industrial sector , Residential towers ) and will not be targeting the poor people in this first stage.

Q: Are there will be land-take for electrical installations which will affect livelihoods and is there a plan for compensation for the affected families?

A: GEDCo assured to the people that the process of building new networks , the installation of the poles and transformers rooms in the projects do not require land acquisition , GEDCo has as necessary required and as always began to communicate and coordinate with the municipalities, ministries and stakeholders for the selection of project sites proposed to be in the public streets and do not fall in the property of the citizens and not to be inconsistent with the infrastructure during the implementation . GEDCo confirmed that in case of a complaint by any citizen, should be submitted in writing to GEDCo's management, and will be worked on with the citizen to resolve the dispute and resolve the issue.

Q: Are the projects designed to benefit all areas and all citizens in the Gaza Strip and that the medium electrical networks to be away from the people according to the technical standards?

A: GEDCo has done the planning for the projects in the best ways and methods to improve the electricity sector and to benefit all the citizens in Gaza Strip taking into

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consideration the people safety and taking into consideration minimal negative Environmental and Social impacts. In this regard any project will be implemented in any Governorate will benefit all the people in the as mentioned Governorate directly or indirectly and will contribute to benefit indirectly the other people in the other Governorates. In regard to the Overhead medium networks, they have been planed to be installed away from the houses in accordance with international technical standards.

Q: We request GEDCo to take its procedures to oblige the contractor to protect the public safety? A: GEDCo confirmed its commitment to the people that it will take its procedures that the contractor shall have full regards of and maintain safety measures and procedures to protect works, workers, the safety and convenience of the public during the implementation of the projects. And in the case of closing the workplace, GEDCo require the contractor to make walkways and corridors allow citizens of movement and accessing to their property and other sources of livelihood.

Q: Get rid of excavation waste as soon as possible and make sure to repair any damage to the infrastructure during the process of project implementation?

A: The contractor shall get rid of remnants of excavation in safe places selected by the concerned municipality. In addition the contractor is obliged to repair any damage to land, roads and infrastructure, if any, during the implementation of projects and in coordination with the concerned authorities and municipalities in order to restore the work site to its previous position as it was.

Q: We request GEDCo to take its procedures to oblige the contractor control dust and reduce noise and to reduce disruptions to traffic and to avoid working at times of peak traffic especially in areas where traffic jams around the community such as universities and hospitals?

A: GEDCo will seek to reduce these effects throughout following up the work with contractors, and the speed of accomplishment and the good coordination with the concerned municipalities. The Contractor is required during works to control dust by spraying water on the workplace to prevent dust from flying, also the vehicles transporting such excavation waste shall be covered. Also During the excavation the contactor shall reduce noise resulting from excavations or movement of transporting vehicles to the permitted level. In the areas where traffic jams around the community such as universities and hospitals GEDCo will seek to reduce disruptions to traffic and to avoid working at times of peak traffic or do the construction at night when necessary and when possible.

Q: The effect of the project to create jobs to the people in the Gaza Strip?

A. The project will help to provide employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, and local contractors to work in the implementation of the project, which include both men and women.

Q: Dose GEDCo has plan for the waste of material?

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A. There will be no materials waste; the discarded electrical and steel materials are either reused in the electrical networks or sold for recycling. So nothing will be wasted.

Q: Will the projects increase the available quantity of electricity?

A. One of the expected impact and benefits of the proposed projects is to increase the network capacity. One of the projects is to construct three new 22 kV underground feeders from the Gaza Power Plant (GPP) to load centers in Gaza city to transmit additional electricity supply from GPP which will be available when the ongoing expansion of the GPP substation is completed at the beginning of next year. The feeders will add a total of 36 MW to the network capacity. Also there will be another project to construct phase 1 of the 22 kV underground feeders from the proposed 161 kV north Substation to Gaza and North Governorates.

Q: We suffer from the generators which negatively affects the environment (air pollution and noise) what the impact of the projects on this issue?

A. the proposed project will increase supply of electricity and reduce outages as a result will reduce use of diesel generators. This will reduce noise and air pollution and will reduce probability of casualties from generators blowing up due to diesel leakage.

Q: What the impacts of the projects to improve the voltage to the people and reduce blackouts?

A. the projects will help in reduction of the networks faults which will reduce the blackouts, also there will be about 124 projects of networks rehabilitation in addition to installation about 70 transformers which will improve voltage performance and solve the voltage drop.

Q: have the projects been planned to serve future increase demand, and will they be synchronized with future interconnection with Egypt or the 161KV line?

A. the cross sections of the cables , wires and capacity of the transformers in the proposed projects were chosen to match current and future loads , also the proposed project of construction three feeders from the power plant to the load centers in Gaza will be useful in future interconnection with Egypt. The phase 1 project of the 22 kV underground feeders from the proposed 161 kV North Substation will be used when the 161kv project and the rehabilitation of the north substation are completed.

Q: what is the schedule of implementing the projects, when they will start and when they will be completed?

A. The Grant is expected to be approved in February 2012 , in September we expect that supply of material will be completed , then the installation and civil works will start as we expect that mid of 2013 all the projects would be completed.

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g) Conclusion:

The carried out public consultations were very informative and enriched the ESIA. The projects are expected to attain significant important environmental and social benefits that overweigh any limited adverse environmental and social impacts, which could be mitigated through the implementation of the proposed Environmental and Social Management Plan.

h) Photos of five Public Consultations:

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51

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i) Information for the public on GEDCo's website:

Please refer to the following links:

http://www.gedco.ps/public_consultaions.php

http://www.gedco.ps/print.php?id=260

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