AEF Conrad Plaza

completed

1Environmental Review Summary (ERS) Project Name AEF-UGANDA-Conrad Plaza Region Sub-Saharan Africa Sector InfrastructureProject No. 007260 August 30, 19961. This project involves the construction and development of a seven story office and commercial block in Kampala. The building will be of an “international standard” with 2 shopping levels and 5 office floors. Total project cost is estimated at US$4 million of which AEF has been approached to provide a loan of US$1.25 million and an equity investment of US$250,000.2. 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, and the technical review completed by IFC’s Environment Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed: - liquid and solid waste disposal; - sewage treatment/disposal; - water and power supply; - ambient noise and dust levels; - secondary containment for fuel storage; - PCBs; - CFC-free cold storage and air conditioning; - fire safety measures (including installation of sprinklers, smoke - detectors, audible alarms, and a central fire detection system); - earthquake protection; and - employee training and general safety.The sponsor has submitted a plan addressing these issues and has committed to comply with applicable government and World Bank policies and guidelines. The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The sponsor will dispose of all wastes in accordance with local regulations as established by the Kampala City Council. Dust generated during construction will be adequately controlled through sprinkling of waste dirt and other rubble aggregates. Ambient noise levels during construction will be dampened via boarding to be erected prior to commencement of work.4. The sponsor has an established agreement with the National Water and Sewage Corporation to discharge sewage into the public system for treatment by the local sewage treatment plant. Storm water drainage will be directed, through an oil interceptor, to the Kampala City Council storm water drain.5. Power supply will be obtained from the national grid. All transformers will be PCB-free. There will be a generator based back power supply for the water and fire hose-reel booster pumps. Generator fuel storage tanks will have secondary containment structures. The central air conditioning equipment to be installed will be CFC-free.6. Conrad Plaza''s contractor will strictly observe Government of Uganda and Kampala City Council regulations as well as World Bank guidelines with regard to occupational health and safety issues. Employees will be provided with personal protective equipment. The sponsor has incorporated improved workplace housekeeping procedures including inspection and certification of the scaffolding and site services safety as required by local regulations.7. With regard to fire safety, the building will be equipped with automatic sprinkler, fire hydrant and hose-reel systems. The hose-reel system will be located in all staircase lobbies. Portable fire extinguishers, sand buckets and fire blankets will be provided and will be strategically located. The National Environmental Protection Authority guidelines have been followed by the sponsor in the ventilation of fire escape staircases. The building manager will be a certified fire expert and will conduct periodic training and safety fire drills for all building occupants on a regular basis.8. In addition, the building will be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice. Floors have been zoned for tracking on the central fire indicator panel. A repeater panel will be installed in the central control room. All alarms will be tested regularly in accordance with the Government of Uganda regulations. Heat and smoke detectors will be installed and linked to the fire alarm system.9. The sponsor has performed wind and earthquake analyses to ensure stability and safety of the structures. The lightening protection system has been designed in compliance with the British Standard Code of Practice.10. 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 Uganda requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.11. IFC will monitor Conrad Plaza’s ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating environmental performance reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.