Universidad de Montevideo

completed

- 2 - April 27, 2000International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)The proposed three-year project will help improve Universidad de Montevideo competitive position in the Uruguayan higher education. The main components of the project are: - buying, remodeling, and furnishing three buildings, each with a space of 600 m2;- construction of an education building with approximately 1,000 m2;- expanding the University’s library; - growing its student loan program; and - refinancing debt.This is a category B project according to IFC’s environmental and social 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. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:- site selection and site environmental and social (including land/property ownership and use/occupation) conditions;- source and adequacy of water supply;- sewage treatment and disposal;- waste/garbage management and disposal;- use of asbestos-containing building materials- fire protection and life safety.The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable governmental and World Bank requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that followThe new site for the university will be located in an urban area in a residential neighborhood. The first phase of the project will consist of the refurbishing and expansion of the existing facilities in an area of 640 m2. The second phase of the project will consist in the construction of a new three floors building in an area of 700 m2. This new building will be used as classrooms, conference rooms, faculty offices and library. The property were purchased from private owner on a “willing seller – willing buyer” basis. The project site is not located near sensitive habitats and no resettlement nor economic displacement has occurred as a result of the project.Liquid waste (including sewage) will be treated at the municipal wastewater treatment facility. The solid waste generated at the University will be collected and disposed of by the municipal collector. The University will establish and implement a recycling program.Potable water will be supplied by the municipal authorities. The sponsor has committed that no asbestos-containing building material will be used, and all cooling systems will be CFC-free.The sponsor has presented plans to address the fire safety which included the following: a full sprinkler system, smoke detectors and a fire hose reel system, as well as an enhanced system of fire egress from the building. In addition, the sponsor is preparing in conjunction with the local fire authorities a fire plan for the building including wardens and an escape plan in the event of both fire and earthquake.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 Universidad Montevideo and by conducting periodic supervision.Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Universidad Montevideo proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and host country requirements.