REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION) – Independent Environmental and Social Audit of the ESMP Implementation of the GERMP Jambur Solar Plant and the GBA Transmission and Distribution Modernization

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

The Gambia

Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP)                                                                                            

Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: IDA-D6530

Assignment Title: Independent Environmental and Social Audit of the ESMP Implementation of the GERMP Jambur Solar Plant and the GBA Transmission and Distribution Modernization

Reference No: GM-NAWEC-448951-CS-CQS

The Republic of The Gambia together with the International Development Association (IDA), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU), collectively the “Lenders”), are implementing a new energy project (the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP) to improve power generation and transmission capacity in the country. The GERMP aimed to increase the energy generation capacity through renewable sources, reinforce the transmission infrastructure in the Great Banjul Area, and in the provinces across the country. It is expected to improve efficiency of NAWEC’s transmission network and increase access to electricity for socio-economic development of the country.

The project development objective (PDO) is to improve the operational performance of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), and its capacity to dispatch variable renewable electricity. This is in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP-2018-2021), the Gambia Electricity Sector Roadmap (2017) and the National Energy Policy (2014-2018), among other national policies which promote the extension, reliability, and quality of the national energy supply, as well as diversifying energy sources to include renewables.

The objective of the E&S audit is to perform an independent assessment of the environmental and social management of GERMP Jambur solar plant, and the GBA Transmission and Distribution Modernization in line with the requirements established in the ESMF, ESIA and RAP. Focus will be placed on examining whether a system for addressing environmental and social aspects of the project and sub-project activities have been functional and adequately resourced and whether implementation of mitigation measures and established mechanisms as contemplated in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is in line with the Operational Policies as elaborated in the ESMF. Based on audit findings, gap-filling and enhancement measures with agreed action plans will be recommended for the project going forward.

The focus of the Environmental and Social audit will be on GERMP Jambur solar plant, and the GBA Transmission and Distribution Modernization works.

The audit will comprise of an independent evaluation of the overall environmental and social management in line with the GERMP ESMF, and GERMP Jambur solar plant, RAP for Jambur solar plant and the GBA Transmission and Distribution ESIAs.

Specific responsibilities include:

  1. Develop a workplan to undertake an E&S audit program.
  2. Review and assess the adequacy of the project stakeholder identification, analysis and engagement progress and assess current and planned stakeholder engagement activities as outlined in the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).
  3. Conduct an environmental and social audit as per the audit program.
  4. Assess the implementing agencies’ capacities and resources to implement environmental and social management measures.
  5. Assess the capacities and resources of project consultants, contractors, and Owner Engineer in implementing and addressing all relevant environmental and social risks and impacts of these two components under GERMP, in particular specific E&S risks that were identified in the ESMF/ESIAs.
  6. Auditing risks related to labor influx, covering Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS), signing code of conduct and community, health, and safety.
  7. Auditing of the effectiveness of the project’s Grievance Resolution Mechanism (GRM) in terms of its accessibility, credibility, effectiveness in resolving grievances, resourcing, etc.
  8. Auditing the projects stakeholder engagement activities for the Jambur solar park and associated transmission lines throughout the duration of the project lifecycle and identify if they were sufficiently identifying stakeholder priorities.
  9. Present audit findings and recommend gap-filling and enhancement measures for the overall environmental and social management, with action plans agreed by the NAWEC-PIU.

The duration of the assignment is 35 working days. The consultant shall prepare a separate report assessing the overall management of ESMF/ESIA implementation, and separate reports for the various activities with site-specific findings and recommendations. A synthesis report on gaps, strengths and weaknesses of both overall project and site-specific management of E&S risks, with recommendations for improvement, shall be prepared in the final report.

For an Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) compliance audit, key deliverables include:

  • Inception report and Audit Plan and Scope Document
  • Compliance Checklist
  • Environmental and Social Compliance Audit Report
  • Non-Compliance and Corrective Action Log
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Records
  • Grievance Resolution Mechanism (GRM) Review Report
  • Training and Capacity-Building Evaluation Report
  • Monitoring and Data Collection Review
  • Incident and Accident Review Summary
  • Closure and Restoration Status
  • Audit Summary Presentation and Follow-up Plan

National Water and Electricity Company Limited (NAWEC) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

It is brought to the attention of the Consultants in accordance with paragraph 5.9 of the ” Borrowers Procurement Regulations for seeking Investment Project Financing (FPI)” (July 2016), revised in November 2017 and July 2018 and November 2020 (“Regulations “Procurement”): Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, current edition of the World Bank Conflict of Interest Rules, are applicable.

Evaluation Criteria

The audit team is expected to be a firm with appropriate and sufficient capabilities, resources, and experience to execute the full extent of the scope of services to a very high quality. The team will mainly comprise relevant experts in environmental management, social risk management, and other experts in specific topics such as OHS and community, health and safety, SEA/SH. The team must have experience in environmental and social assessments and risk management in major infrastructure projects. All team members should demonstrate the following skills and experience:

  • Strong and demonstrated interpersonal skills, and experience communicating with senior government officials, communities and large groups of people, ability to organize and conduct technical workshops related to audit findings
  • Excellent working knowledge experience on Gambian legislation and regulations related to environmental and social risk management, and as outlined in the project ESMF/ESIAs, is required for all specialists
  • Field experience and good knowledge of the implementation of World Bank’s safeguards policies (or that of other international financial institutions), including the Operational Policies, and the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is desirable
  • Proven writing and analytical skills, ability to initiate innovative approaches
  • Proven ability to work as a team-player with multi-tasking skills, experience in facilitation, presentation, communication and computational skills, attention to details and client orientation
  • Competency in the use of standard desktop publishing applications (e.g., Microsoft Office); and
  • Auditing Experience: At least 5-10 years of experience conducting ESMP compliance audits or similar assessments.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, project developers, and regulators.
  • Ability to communicate and write effectively in English
  • Environmental and Social Expertise: Proven knowledge and experience in environmental and social safeguards, including mitigation measures, monitoring, and compliance.
  • Sector-Specific Knowledge: Familiarity with the specific industry or project type in energy sector.
  • Understanding of ESMP Frameworks: Demonstrated understanding of ESMP guidelines, relevant laws, and international standards
  • Ability to identify gaps and propose actionable recommendations.
  • Experience in preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive audit reports.
  • Demonstrated impartiality and absence of conflicts of interest.
  • Commitment to ethical auditing practices.
  • Relevant academic qualifications in environmental science, social sciences, engineering, or related fields.
  • Certifications in environmental auditing, impact assessment, or sustainability (e.g., ISO 14001 auditor certification).
  1. Environmental Specialist (Key Specialist)
  • At least a master’s degree in environmental science / engineering / planning
  • A minimum of 10 (ten) years relevant professional experience particularly in environmental management of Energy infrastructure projects
  • Demonstrated experience in environmental impact assessments and development of risk management instruments, especially addressing impacts on civil works projects; and
  • Experience in conducting similar audits and possess an auditor certification for ISO, and relevant environmental management systems
  • Relevant academic qualifications in environmental science, social sciences, engineering, or related fields.
  • Certifications in environmental auditing, impact assessment, or sustainability (e.g., ISO 14001 auditor certification).
  1. Social Risk Specialist (Key Specialist)
  • At least a master’s degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, or community development
  • A minimum of 10 (ten) years relevant professional experience particularly in social risk management in infrastructure projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in social impact assessments and development of risk management instruments, especially addressing impacts on vulnerable or diverse groups (e.g., people with disabilities), land acquisition and resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, etc.; and
  • Experience in conducting similar audits, especially in the areas of social risk management.
  1. Stakeholder Engagement and Gender Specialist (with experience in SEA/SH)
  • At least a master’s degree such as social development, public policy, gender studies, or related field
  • A minimum of 10 (ten) years relevant professional experience or equivalent combination of education and working experience in stakeholder engagement, Gender considerations in infrastructure projects, Gender Based Violence (GBV) and SEA/SH management, gender studies and post-disaster contexts
  • Experience in developing and accessing SEA/SH guidelines, management systems, checklists, and training courses on SEA/SH; and
  1. Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist
  • At least a master’s degree in occupational health and safety (OHS), safety at work, other relevant disciplines
  • A minimum of 10 (ten) years’ relevant professional experience particularly in OHS management of infrastructure or civil works projects
  • Demonstrated experience in OHS assessments and supervision and development of OHS management instruments for major infrastructure projects for both workers and communities; and
  • Experience in conducting similar audit and possess an auditor certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by clicking on the link below.

ToR for ESMP Audit GERMP Solar and GBA TLine

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications-based Selection method (CQS) set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 30th January 2025.

The address above referred is:

Managing Director

Attention: Mrs. Haddy Njie – Project Coordinator

Address: National Water & Electricity Company Limited,

Project Implementation Unit

Emporium III Building, Fajara

114 Kairaba Avenue

Floor/ Room number: Conference Room, 1st Floor

City: Banjul

Country: The Gambia

Telephone: +220 3664125 / 3182113/ 7009342

Electronic mail address: hnjie@nawec.gm, (and copy to mfsanyang@nawec.gm)

Joint Press Release Gambia: strong international support for a new era of renewables with inauguration of historic 23 MWp solar plant

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Gambia, 14 March 2024

Joint Press Release

Gambia: strong international support for a new era of renewables with inauguration of historic 23 MWp solar plant

  • A significant strategic project with strong substantial economic and social impacts, the recently inaugurated solar photovoltaic plant in Jambur is poised to supply electricity to approximately 18,500 households. This power plant supported by The Government of The Gambia and its development partners is part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing the contribution of renewable energy within the electricity sector.
  • This plant will be complemented by other critical transmission and distribution upgrades in the NAWEC network to ensure the availability of reliable, clean, and stable energy supplies across The Gambia. At a total cost of $165m, the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP) financed by the WB, EU & EIB remains the single largest energy project in The Gambia and promises to significantly support the turnaround of the energy sector particularly as the Gambia accelerates its vision towards Universal Access. This project remains a critical anchor towards the implementation and actualization of the Gambia’s long-term energy sector roadmap.
  • The project contributes to gainful employment creation in The Gambia with 1,250 direct jobs created from the construction phase to operation and maintenance. To ensure sustainability, a three-year operations and maintenance contract (O&M) has been signed as large scale solar PV is entirely new to the sector.

The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), along with the European Investment Bank, the European Union, and the World Bank, has recently inaugurated a new milestone in the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP). The Inauguration Ceremony, which was presided over by His Excellency Adama Barrow, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, celebrated the completion of a 23 MWp Photovoltaic Solar plant in Jambur, Kombo South District, West Coast Region.

This project component consists in the construction of a new 23 MWp solar park tied with 8MWh battery storage and aims to revolutionize power generation in the Gambia by serving as a direct complement to current generation sources while decreasing the dependence on import. These investments are all inherently tied to the Gambia’s Energy Sector Roadmap 2021-40.

A project with a strong economic and social impact

GERMP contributes to improving the livelihoods of populations within beneficiary communities, promoting job creation, and facilitating the provision of quality medical, educational and social services through better electricity supply. These improvements will contribute to the national objective of reducing poverty and boosting prosperity.

Now that it is operational, the project will progressively increase energy supply in The Gambia by a fifth and transform access to electricity in rural communities. The project will improve access to energy, ensure that education and health services benefit from reliable energy and help address electricity shortages in the country.

Energy demand in The Gambia has increased by 5.5% per year in recent years and today’s connection of the new 23 MWp solar plant to the national energy grid will significantly increase Gambia’s current generation capacity of 98 MW and enable electrification of rural areas.

A strong commitment

The European Union, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have been strong partners of African countries for more than half a century. This project further strengthens their presence in Africa with strong collaboration between institutions. Over the past decade, the European Union, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have invested in innovative technologies, green energy, water, education, agriculture, telecommunications, health and business in more than 40 countries on the continent.

In the context of this project, solar power and clean energy supply across the country is financed by the European Investment Bank (EUR 65m), the European Union (EUR 40m) and the World Bank (EUR 36m).

H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia

“As this is a utility scale solar PV plant, we have designed it to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuel for electricity generation. In the same vein, the project is to accelerate the pace towards generating fifty (50) percent of the nation’s power supply from renewable energy sources by 2030. This is our national target, and the message is clear: as a responsible member of the international community, The Gambia is committed to the global energy transition. The Plant project clearly demonstrates the country’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and greening our energy landscape. Further to this, as a clean energy source and a major vehicle for climate change mitigation, the solar plant will contribute to the realisation of The Gambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions”.

Mr. Nani Juwara, Managing Director at National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)

“The significance of this solar plant cannot be overemphasized. It symbolizes our unwavering commitment to driving change and pioneering progress in The Gambia’s transition towards a clean and sustainable energy future. By harnessing the power of the sun to produce 23MW of clean energy, we are not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also contributing to environmental protection and safeguarding the well-being of future generations. Moreover, the inauguration of this solar plant marks a crucial milestone in our quest for energy security. By diversifying our energy mix and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, we are enhancing our energy independence and fortifying the stability and reliability of The Gambia’s power supply system”. 

Mr. Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President at the European Investment Bank (EIB)

“I am delighted that the European Investment Bank is supporting this new solar plan with such economic and social impact for populations in Gambia, particularly in rural areas. It will have a positive impact on people’s daily lives of over 800,000 inhabitants in improving also medical, educational and social services through better electricity supply. This project also contributes to developing green energy while decreasing the dependence on import. It is a very good illustration of the priorities of the EIB as the EU Climate Bank, which supports clean energy investments in Africa.”  He added: “With EIB Global, our branch dedicated to development, our objective is to finance high-impact projects outside the EU while strengthening our partnerships. Our ambition is to support the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and key sectors in countries across the African continent such as innovation, renewable energy, water, agriculture, and transport.”  

H.E. Corrado Pampaloni, Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia

“This power plant is part of the “Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project” and it is particularly important for the achievement of a swift transition towards solar power and clean energy supply across the country. Increased access to green energy is only one of the benefits of the project. We expect 1,250 direct jobs linked to the construction, operation and maintenance. The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project is backed by significant funding from the European Investment Bank (EUR 65m – which corresponds to more than 8.9 billion dalasi), from the European Union (EUR 40m – almost 3 billion dalasi) and from the World Bank (EUR 36m – almost 2.7 billion dalasi). The EU support is part of the EU Global Gateway, which is an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and connectivity between Europe and Africa. Through Global Gateway, the EU supports investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s values and international norms and standards. Green energy is a key priority area under the Global Gateway. The Ambassador concluded by saying that “I would like to re-affirm here, today, the commitment of the European Union to support The Gambia to ensure a bright and prosperous future for its people. Reliable access to energy is an indispensable element to realise this vision”.

Feyi Boroffice, Resident Representative of the World Bank to The Gambia

“The World Bank is pleased to join The Government of The Gambia to witness this remarkable milestone in the Energy Sector. This marks the first time in the Gambia’s history where a utility scale solar plant of 23 Megawatts Solar PV capacity and 8-Megawatt hours battery storage is being commissioned. This solar plant allows NAWEC to finally shift away from expensive heavy fuel oil-based generation which is costly and harmful to the environment. The vision of universal access to energy is being supported by the World Bank through the development of medium and low voltage networks across The Gambia. Through the bank financed GERMP and ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Projects, over 700 communities will be provided electricity for the first time in the country’s history. These are significant historic milestones for The Gambia. There are also plans underway to develop the country’s potential to become an electricity exporter to the sub-region through the development of a 150MW solar park in Soma.”

Note to editors

National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)

The National Water And Electricity Co. Ltd (NAWEC) is a public limited liability company established in June 1996, mandated to provide electricity, water, and sewerage services in The Gambia. It succeeded the Gambia Utilities Corporation (GUC) and the Utilities Holding Corporation (UHC). NAWEC operates under a Board of Directors, with the Managing Director overseeing operations. While

NAWEC has achieved financial sustainability for normal operations, it lacks resources for system expansion and maintenance.

The Gambia aims to achieve Universal Access to electricity by 2025, as stipulated by H.E President Adama Barrow. NAWEC will implement this goal primarily through its grid infrastructure, benefiting from the country’s favourable geography. A planning instrument, the Universal Access by 2025 Roadmap, has been designed to guide NAWEC in reaching this target and transforming the electricity sector. This roadmap aims to ensure that Gambians have reliable and affordable electricity in the future, with NAWEC evolving into an efficient, self-sustaining national power utility.

About the European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union made up of 27 European countries. It is based on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts on a global scale to promote the sustainable development of societies, the environment and economies, for the benefit of all.

The EU Delegation to The Gambia acts as the interface between the European institutions and the Government of The Gambia and its population. Over the years, the role of the Delegation has evolved to cover a wide range of issues.

The Delegation’s mandate includes the following:

  • To actively promote the values and policies of the European Union, in an open and equal partnership with the Government and people of The Gambia.
  • To deepen the political dialogue on all issues of mutual interest and to strengthen the partnership.
  • To play a key role in implementing the EU’s development cooperation activities. In The Gambia, these cover a range of target areas such as infrastructure, governance, food security and rural development.
  • To inform The Gambia about the policies and programmes of the European Union, as well as its institutions and values.

The EU support to the “Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project” is part of the EU Global Gateway, which is an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and connectivity between Europe and Africa. Through Global Gateway, the EU supports investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s values and international norms and standards. Green energy is a key priority area under the Global Gateway.

About the European Investment Bank (EIB)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending institution of the European Union (EU) owned by its member states. It makes long-term finance available for sound and sustainable investments to help achieve EU policy objectives.

The EIB has been a strong partner of African countries for 60 years. Through EIB Global, the Bank is strengthening its presence in Africa. Over the past decade, the EIB has provided more than €28 billion for investments in innovative technologies, green energy, water, education, agriculture, telecommunications, health and companies in more than 40 countries on the continent.

EIB Global is the specialist arm of the EIB Group dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster a strong and focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside other development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the group closer to local people, businesses and institutions through our offices around the world.

About the World Bank

 The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Our mission is to end extreme poverty and boost prosperity on a livable planet. .

With 189 member countries, staff from more than 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries. Our core values embody what is most important to us as an institution, and in how we work with each other, our clients and our partners. They guide the decisions we make and the actions we take in carrying out our mission.

The International Development Association (IDA) is the part of the World Bank Group that helps the world’s poorest countries. Established in 1960, IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing zero to low-interest loans (called “credits”) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions.

Press contacts

National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)

Mustapha Choi, mchoi@nawec.gm, Tel: +220 283 5949

Website: www.nawec.gm

EIB

Anne-Cécile Auguin, a.auguin@eib.org, Tel:  +352 621 36 19 48

Isabelle Vovor, i.vovor@ext.eib.org, Tel: +225 07 67 47 66 31
Website: www.eib.org/press – Press service : +352 4379 21000 – press@eib.org

EU

Laura Carpino, laura.carpino@eeas.europa.eu, Tel.: +220 449 5146 / 449 7846

Website: www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/gambia_en?s=100

WB

Kujeh Kah, kkah@worldbankgroup.org, Tel:  +220 3800449
Website: www.worldbank.org/gambia

Joint Press Release – The Gambia Ushers in New Era of Renewables with Inauguration of Historic 23MW Solar Plant

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Joint Press Release

Kombo South District, The Gambia – 29th February 2024

The Gambia Ushers in New Era of Renewables with Inauguration of Historic 23MW Solar Plant

  • Driving Change: A strategic project with a strong economic and social impact.
  • Pioneering Progress: A landmark achievement in the country’s transition towards a clean and sustainable energy future.
  • Clean Energy: Produces 23MW of clean solar power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental protection.
  • Energy Security: Increases energy independence and strengthens the stability and reliability of The Gambia’s power grid.
  • Economic Growth: Creates jobs, stimulates economic activity, and attracts further investment in renewable energy.
  • Sustainable Future: Paves the way for a more sustainable energy future for The Gambia, aligning with global climate goals.

On Saturday, 9th March 2024, the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), along with the European Investment Bank, the European Union, and the World Bank, will inaugurate the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP) Component 1 – a 23MW PV Solar plant in Jambur, Kombo North District, West Coast Region.

“The Jambur solar plant is a symbol of our commitment to a cleaner, brighter future for The Gambia.” declared His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, who will preside over the inauguration ceremony.

This significant project made possible through the collaboration of the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Union (EU), World Bank, and NAWEC under GERMP, represents a major step forward in diversifying The Gambia’s energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Public Invitation:

The public is warmly invited to join this historic event and witness the inauguration of this transformational project. We look forward to celebrating this pivotal moment in The Gambia’s journey towards a sustainable future.

#JamburSolar #RenewableEnergy #NAWEC #TheGambia #EIB #Worldbank

 

For further information, please contact the NAWEC communications unit Tel: 3664112