SL Completion of Bumbuna Hydroelectric project - IDA Guarantee

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Closed

The main development objective from the Completion of the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project is to accelerate economic growth, and poverty reduction, through the development of least-cost, power generation for domestic use in an environmentally sustainable, and efficient manner. In addition to mobilizing private capital, the proposed Project will promote private sector involvement in the management of the power sector, and sustainable sector reform. The first component - Hydroelectric and Transmission Infrastructure - entails the construction of a) an asphalt concrete dam with a 440 m crest-length; b) a water intake structure; c) two "morning glory" spillways with associated tunnels; d) an above-ground powerhouse with two 25 MW turbo-generator units; and, e) a 30 km Y-shaped reservoir with 445 million m3 storage capacity. Further construction includes the installation of switchyards to transmit electricity to Freetown, through a single-circuit transmission line on self-supporting steel towers. The second component will fund the implementation of the Dam/Reservoir, and the Transmission Line Resettlement Action Plan, with livelihood restoration and agriculture stabilization subcomponents, in addition to a comprehensive Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan (EMP). The EMP encompasses the construction phase mitigation, and monitoring activities associated with the first component, including the monitoring of public health impacts on diseases such as bilharzia and malaria. It also includes the preparation and initiation of the Bumbuna Watershed Management Plan (BWMP) with a Land and Soil Management, Agro-forestry and Forestry, Agricultural Development and Downstream and Reservoir Fisheries Management Programs. The establishment and management of the Bumbuna Conservation Area (BCA) will preserve and protect biodiversity in the Bumbuna watershed as a Conservation offset. This component also includes the Upper Seli Community Development Initiative (USDCI), which will benefit indirectly affected communities in the project area, and, capacity building for relevant ministries, and agencies for sustainable implementation of the project safeguard measures. Finally, the Technical Assistance component will fund the management and supervision of activities under the second component, and in addition, provide support to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the Dam Review Panel (DRP), and the Environmental and Social Advisory Panel (ESAP).

FY17 - Energy and Extractives

World Bank

Project

Road, Water Supply and Storage, Power Generation (CCGT), Hydro, Tunnel, Metal, Commercial, Raw Materials, Steel, Cement, Government