Grameen Phone (Bangladesh) Ltd.

completed

- 2 - International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name BANGLADESH: GrameenPhone LimitedRegion AsiaSector TelecommunicationsProject No. 007954 1. This project involves the phased development of a GSM cellular phone network throughout both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. The Company launched operations in Dhaka in March 1997, and over the next six years plans to expand service serve more than 180,000 subscribers throughout the whole of the country. A total of 400 base stations and 112 microwave towers will be built over a period of 4 years, either on existing commercial building rooftops (or in leased space inside buildings) in cities, or along existing railroad track rights-of-way in rural areas. In addition, 5 switching centers will be established in key locations throughout the country.2. This is a Category B project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure because a limited number of specific environmental impacts may result from this project. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor by IFC’s Technical and Environmental Department staff. The following potential environmental, safety and health impacts of the project were analyzed:· selection and acquisition of new station and transmission sites and switching centers;· liquid and solid waste management;· use and storage of hazardous materials;· ambient noise;· fire protection and emergency response; and· workplace health and safety (including air quality, noise, electrical hazards).The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with the Government of Bangladesh laws and regulations and applicable World Bank requirements. The information about how these potential impacts are addressed by GrameenPhone is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. In urban areas, new communications equipment will be installed in and/or on the rooftops of existing buildings. In rural locations, GrameenPhone will establish these base stations and tower sites on existing Bangladesh Railroad-owned properties and Grameen Bank branches or properties. General agreement and understanding exists for the acquisition of these sites, and no persons are expected to be displaced in the process. The land acquisition process will comply with the World Bank’s social resettlement policies.4. Solid waste (e.g., office paper waste) will be collected by third parties and sold to recyclers or disposed in approved off-site facilities. Sanitary sewage will be managed in accordance with World Bank guidelines. Spent batteries will be disposed/recycled at approved off-site facilities. Diesel generator waste oil will be collected by approved recyclers or otherwise licensed agents for proper off-site disposal as fuel.5. The handling and storage of hazardous materials will be confined to that of diesel and lubricating oils. In all cases, containers or tanks will be clearly labeled, and will be located in areas where any spills can be contained (i.e., interior rooms with concrete floors or exterior bunded areas) and cleaned up with the use of absorbent materials.6. Excessive ambient noise from any stand-by emergency power generators established in open air locations will be controlled through suitable attenuators such as silencers and acoustic enclosures.7. Adequate fire safety and fire-fighting allowances have been made in systems design, and procedures for fire prevention and safety will be implemented. Fire extinguishers of powder-type ABCE will be used for both office areas and technical rooms. Ionization-type smoke detectors will be used. Employees are trained in emergency response and fire-fighting, including the location and proper use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and spill absorbent materials, and provision of regular fire drills.8. Workplace health and safety is ensured in several ways. Microwave transmitters and receivers are designed to ensure that maintenance and operating staff exposures are within safe levels. Strict safety procedures will be implemented for maintenance activities on electrical equipment. Equipment will be grounded, well insulated, and will conform with applicable codes. Guard railings and safety nets will be provided on and around towers and antennas, and authorized employees will be provided with adequate personal protective equipment.9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that GrameenPhone’s proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and the Government of Bangladesh’s requirements.10. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the lifetime of the project by evaluating reports submitted annually to IFC by GrameenPhone and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.L:\WPEU\STEPHEN\ERS\GRAPH.ERS11/10/97 12:09 PM