In compliance with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) (SPS), the project's safeguard categories are as follows. The project will construct new faculty facilities to accommodate more than 5,000 students and faculty staff across four different locations. An initial environmental examination was prepared for each location, in accordance with ADB's website. Public consultations were carried out with local residents, university staff, and public and private sector agencies. The initial environmental examinations identified environmental impact by location time. Mitigation measures focus on Solid-wast management and wastewater drainage and treatment, Reservation limits to minimize project impact to a nearby water body, and occupational health and safety. The initial environmental examinations propose Capacity building for the PMU and PIUs, Inclusion of an environmental management plan in bidding documents, and Inspection supervision during construction. At the detailed engineering design stage, the PMU will update and finalize the environment management plan. Estimated costs to implement this plan were included in the project costs.
Three out of the four universities acquired lands for the faculty facility development, and the fourth university already had its own land. No additional land will be acquired under this project. The due diligence report confirms that there is no involuntary resettlement impact in the acquired land as per the SPS. There are no indigenous peoples within the project area as per the SPS.
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Risks
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Mitigation Measures
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Limited Social norms constraining female enrollment and employment in technical areas
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Dedicated support for female students' career guidance, industry attachment programs, and mentoring programs will be implemented
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Limited cooperation from industries leading to lower graduate employment and underutilization of facilities
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Close industry consultation in program design and implementation, industry liaison officers for close industry engagement, and demand-based facility development will be pursued during the project implementation
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Fiscal constraints may undermined financial sustainability
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Recurrent budget allocation and expenditures will be closely monitored to ensure sustainable operation
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Limited staff capacity at executing and implementing agencies with ADB guidelines and reporting and disbursement procedures may affect project management effectiveness and accountability
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The PMU and PIU will have adequate staff. A detailed PAM has been developed to guide effective and accountable utilization of loan proceeds and mitigate risks. PMU and PIU staff will be oriented on PAM and specific training will be conducted.
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Weak fixed asset management and financial information system
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Common accounting software including asset registry system will be used by PMU and PIUs. PMU and PIU staff will be trained in improved information system practices
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Weak internal audit capacity at MHECA and some universities and delay in external audit
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A dedicated PMU internal auditor to support all PIUs in project implementation activities in coordination with internal auditors at MHECA and the universities. Annual audit will be carried out by an independent auditor, acceptable to AGD
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