Southern Africa - Trade and Connectivity Project : Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report for Rehabilitation of Liwonde–Matawale (M003) Road

Overview & Synopsis

The Liwonde–Matawale (M003) Road Rehabilitation Project under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) aims to improve transport connectivity, mobility, access to markets and social services, road safety, and economic opportunities along the project corridor in Malawi. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment identifies potential environmental and social risks and proposes mitigation measures including: (1) implementing the Resettlement Action Plan and ensuring prompt compensation before construction activities begin; (2) prioritizing local employment, including women and vulnerable groups, while enforcing fair labor practices and worker grievance mechanisms; (3) developing and implementing Labour Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Traffic Management, Waste Management, GBV/SEA/SH Prevention, and Community Health and Safety Plans; (4) providing personal protective equipment, health and safety training, first aid facilities, and medical services for workers; (5) preventing gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and child and forced labor through codes of conduct, training, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms; (6) controlling dust, noise, erosion, water pollution, and waste through environmental management measures and monitoring programs; (7) protecting biodiversity, riparian ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and cultural heritage resources through restoration, conservation, and chance-find procedures; and (8) maintaining stakeholder engagement, grievance redress mechanisms, road safety awareness, and continuous environmental and social monitoring throughout construction and operation to ensure sustainable project implementation.