São Tomé and Príncipe - Second Transport Sector Development and Resilience Project

Overview & Synopsis

Second Transport Sector Development and Resilience Project for Sao Tome and Principe has the development objectives to improve connectivity and climate resilience of the northern transport corridor. Component 1. Climate Resilient Road Protection and Rehabilitation of the Northern Economic Corridor will rehabilitate priority links and deliver climate-resilient protection works, technical studies, supervision, and emergency civil works; Sub-component 1.1 will upgrade and protect 13 km of National Road 1 (EN1) from Guadalupe to Neves through drainage enhancements, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and parking area improvements, and stabilization of critical slopes using gray, green nature-based solutions and hybrid approaches, complemented by climate-informed sidewalks, safe pedestrian crossings, and rapid climate-related emergency works; Sub-component 1.2 will rehabilitate and protect 2.8 km of the Lagarto Bay Marginal Road (ES101) linking the international airport and the capital through armor-stone revetments and concrete walls, improved pavement and drainage, 100-year design hydraulic structures at two river crossings with wing walls, climate-informed sidewalks, a bicycle lane and public spaces, assessment of feasible coastline resilience solutions such as beach nourishment and integrated water resource management, and emergency works; Sub-component 1.3 will finance feasibility and engineering studies, bidding documents, environmental and social assessments, supervision and quality assurance for EN1 and ES101, prepare future investments to increase network redundancy, and implement the resettlement plan for project-affected people; Sub-component 1.4 will improve accessibility and road safety for students on roads serving about five schools near EN1 through solar-powered lighting, high-visibility signage, traffic calming for motorcyclists, and community engagement using a people-centered, gender- and community-sensitive design approach. Component 2. Road Sector Institutional Strengthening will build capacity for climate-resilient, gender-responsive asset management and policy reform; Sub-component 2.1 will equip agencies with asset management tools and software, analyze and strengthen the Roads Maintenance Intervention Groups (GIMEs) and their performance-based contracting and financing, pilot emergency preparedness and debris-clearing, develop income diversification options such as composting source-segregated bio-waste with methane control, and deliver technical, managerial, and certified trainings including literacy, digital skills, and leadership pathways for women, supported by measures such as revising GIME statutes to include a minimum 30 percent quota for women in membership and leadership and piloting an internship program at the National Institute of Roads (INAE); Sub-component 2.2 will mainstream climate adaptation, emergency response, road safety, and gender in the transport sector by developing a national road sector strategy, an INAE organizational reform and business plan, improved National Road Fund regulations for predictable maintenance financing, and a national road safety strategy with analysis of vehicle inspections, with reforms suitable for inclusion in Development Policy Operations. Component 3. Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management will support the Project Implementation Unit’s operations, monitoring and evaluation including impact evaluations, communication, workshops, knowledge products, and office functionality including solar electricity; Sub-component 3.1 will implement monitoring, evaluation, learning, and dissemination, and Sub-component 3.2 will finance PIU operations and fiduciary support. Component 4. Contingent Emergency Response Component will allow rapid reallocation of uncommitted funds to eligible crisis or emergency response in line with established procedures.