Beaconhouse

completed

March 14, 1996Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Pakistan-Beaconhouse School SystemRegion Central AsiaSector Industrial and Consumer Services (Education Sector)Project No. 0072951. This project involves the construction of 19 purpose-built school buildings at multiple locations to supplement the existing schools of the Beaconhouse School System (BSS), the largest network of coeducational private schools in Pakistan. In 1995, more than 29,000 students were enrolled in its 64 schools in 15 cities. Until 1988, all BSS schools were converted residential premises. BSS’s first purpose-built school was constructed in 1988 in Hyderabad; since then seven more have been constructed in Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore. Fourteen of the new buildings will be used on a single shift basis; the remainder will be used on a double shift basis. The buildings will be of masonry construction, two to three stories above ground, and will not be air conditioned. BSS does not provide canteens in its schools, and does not provide student transportation. The project will generate employment for approximately 2,000 people and, when completed, will increase BSS’s enrollment by 25,000 students.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 appraisal and site review completed by IFC’s Technical and Environment Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· liquid effluents;· waste disposal; and· fire protection and life safety.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. Sites have been selected for most of 19 buildings, and except for one location in Lahore that will utilize a septic tank system, all sites are expected to be connected to the municipal sewer system. Solid wastes will be disposed of in municipal landfills. Prior site use and avoidance of contaminated land were considered in site selection. All buildings will be constructed in accordance with the fire prevention and emergency response provisions of local codes and regulations, such as local bylaws requiring two stairways/exits to all floors. Asbestos-containing building products will not be used. There are very few combustible materials in the school buildings except in laboratories, where extinguishers are available. All new buildings will be equipped with basic fire detection and alarm systems. All of the proposed schools will have first aid facilities and a teacher who is trained in first aid, and new schools will be equipped for the needs of handicapped children.4. BSS’s rented school buildings predominantly consist of old residential properties in urban areas, which are partly renovated and painted to adapt them for school use. BSS management has done a credible job of adapting residential houses to suit the educational and safety needs of a school, within the constraints of leased premises. BSS’s construction program has, to date, been conducted by several architects and contractors, including BSS’s in-house construction team. BSS has agreed to suitably upgrade safety aspects of its existing purpose-built schools in the areas of emergency egress and handicapped access. It is anticipated that the in-house team will perform most of the construction of the new schools. At IFC’s recommendation, BSS will employ a schools architect, acting as a lender’s supervisor, to support the designated BSS architect and oversee that construction specifications and execution are up to standards.5. 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 Pakistan requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.6. 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.L:\WPEU\KITT\BEACON.ERSMarch 14, 1996 11:32 AM