AEF Abercrombie & Kent (Tanzania) Ltd.

completed

International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS) International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupProject Name Tanzania:Abercrombie & Kent (Tanzania) LimitedRegion Sub-Saharan AfricaSector Tourism Project No. 0071781. This project, which is being financed through the Africa Enterprise Fund, involves the first phase of a purchase by Abercrombie & Kent (Tanzania) Ltd. of 30 minibuses in two phases over two years. A&K Tanzania is a ground operator that markets holiday packages to game parks in Tanzania, and uses the ten-passenger minibuses for local transportation. Because of the rigorous conditions in which the vehicles are used, A&K Tanzania will begin an annual renewal program whereby the average age and number of vehicles in the fleet will be reduced over time. Regular replacement of older vehicles in the fleet will increase efficiency through reduction of repair costs and downtime. The company currently operates a 57 vehicle minibus fleet.2. This is a category B project according to IFC''s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed: . solid waste; . oil/fuel storage and spill prevention; . vehicle emissions and safety; and . fire protection.IFC has reviewed A&K Tanzania’s Environmental Information Memorandum and attachments, which address all of the environmental health and safety issues listed above, as follows:3. A&K Tanzania has three in-house workshops for performing the maintenance and repairs of its vehicles. Waste engine and gear oils are recycled locally by selling used oil to a company which uses the oil to operate an industrial furnace. Parts that are removed from vehicles (e.g., tires, tubes, batteries) because they are no longer serviceable in the tourist industry are locally sold and reused. Other solid waste and domestic trash is disposed of in accordance with local practices.4. The company operates two diesel fuel dispensing stations; these are centralized to control inventory and quality. Both stations have large storage tanks (22,500 liters and 13,500 liters, respectively) and proper fuel dispensing pumps. These stations are the property of the supplier of A&K Tanzania’s fuel and lubricants and are regularly serviced and maintained by the supplier in accordance with local standards for spill protection and fire protection.5. A&K Tanzania purchases its vehicles through the franchise holders of the different makes in Tanzania to ensure that they comply with all local requirements. The vehicles are maintained in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers. In order to further ensure reliability and safety, the company has implemented an enhanced program of body and mechanical vehicle maintenance. A&K Tanzania has a driver training program that includes regular seminars for the driver/guides which include such topics as customer relations, park regulations, first aid, proper operation of vehicles and roadside repairs.6. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Tanzania requirements, and applicable World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.lb\aef\tanzania\a&k.ers