stakeholder engagement plan - sppmb.npt.evn.vn

VIETNAM ELECTRICITY

NATIONAL POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION

_____________________________

RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCELERATING CHANGE (REACH)

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP) (DRAFT DOCUMENT)

APRIL 2021

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP)

Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | i

PREFACE

This document is called the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the “Renewable Energy

Accelerating Change (REACH)”. It is developed in compliance with World Bank’s

Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), specified in the Environmental and Social Standard

10 (ESS10) - Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. This SEP defines a process

and approach to stakeholder consultations and disclosure for 6 provinces under REACH,

including: Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Dong Nai

Provinces.


Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Project Overview ...................................................................................................... 1

1.2. Objectives of the REACH ........................................................................................ 1

1.3. Project Components ................................................................................................. 1

1.4. Project Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ................................................ 3

1.5. Objectives of SEP .................................................................................................... 3

II. LEGAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................. 4

2.1. National Regulations ................................................................................................ 4

2.2. World Bank’s Requirements for Stakeholder Engagement ........................................ 5

III. BRIEF SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................. 5

IV. STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS .......................................... 6

4.1. Project Affected Parties ............................................................................................ 6

4.2. Other Interested Parties .......................................................................................... 11

4.3. Disadvantaged/Vulnerable Individual and Groups .................................................. 13

4.4. Summary the Needs of Project’s Stakeholders ........................................................ 15

V. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM ..................................................... 19

5.1. Purpose and Timing of Stakeholder Engagement Program...................................... 19

5.2. Proposed Strategy for Consultation ........................................................................ 22

5.3. Proposed Strategy to Incorporate the Views of Vulnerable Groups ......................... 30

5.4. Implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) .................................. 30

VI. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM)..................................................... 32

6.1. Objectives of GRM ................................................................................................ 32

6.2. Project Grievance Redress Mechanism ................................................................... 33

VII. MONITORING AND REPORTING ......................................................................... 36

7.1. Involvement of Stakeholder in Monitoring Activities ............................................. 37

7.2. Reporting back to Stakeholder ................................................................................ 37

VIII. RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ................................................... 38

8.1. Resources ............................................................................................................... 38

8.2. Management Functions and Responsibilities .......................................................... 39

8.3. Budget for the SEP Preparation and Implementation .............................................. 39

LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND MINUTES OF CONSULTATION MEETING ......................... 51


Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | iii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 - List of Project-Affected Parties ....................................................................................8

Table 2 - List of Other Interested parties ................................................................................... 11

Table 3 - List of disadvantaged/vulnerable groups .................................................................... 14

Table 4 - Summary of Stakeholder Needs ................................................................................. 16

Table 5 - Stakeholder Engagement and Disclosure Methods ..................................................... 20

Table 6 - Strategy for Consultation Activities ........................................................................... 25

Table 7 - Potential FPIC Steps .................................................................................................. 30


Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | iv

ABBREVIATIONS

CPC : Commune People’s Committee

CSC : Construction Supervision Consultant

DARD : Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

DOC : Provincial Department of Construction

DOCST : Provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism

DOIT : Provincial Department of Industry and Trade

DONRE : Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment

DOT : Provincial Department of Transport

DPC : District People’s Committee

EMDP : Ethnic Minority Development Plan

EMPF : Ethnic Minority Policy Framework

ESCP : Environmental and Social Commitment Plan

ESF : Environemental and Social Framework

ESIA : Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

ESMP : Environmental and Social Management Plan

ESS : Environmental and Social Standards

ESS10 : Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure

EVN : Vietnam Electricity

E&S : Environmental and Social

GBV : Grievances related to Gender Based Violence

GHG : Green house gas

GOV : Government of Vietnam

GRM : Grievance Redress Mechanism

LEP : Law on Environmental Protection

LFDC : District Land Fund Development Centre

LMP : Labour Management Procedures

MARD : Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

MOC : Ministry of Construction

MPI : Ministry of Planning and Investment

MOIT : Ministry of Industry and Trade

MONRE : Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

MOT : Ministry of Transport

NLDC : National Load Dispatch Centre

NPT : National Power Transmission Corporation

PAP : Project Affected Person


Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | v

PAPs : Project Affected Parties

PC : People’s Committee

PECC : Power Engineering Consulting JS. Company

PPC : Provincial People’s Committee

PMB : Project Management Board

PSDP : Power Sector Development Plan

PTC : Power Transmission Company

ROW : Right of way

RP : Resettlement Plan

RPF : Resettlement Policy Framework

SEP : Stakeholder Engagement Plan

SPMB : Southern Power Project Management Board

SS : Substation

REACH : Renewable Energy Accelerating Change

TOR : Term of Reference

T/L : Transmission line

VRE : Variable renewable energy

WB : World Bank


Renewable Energy Accelerating Change (REACH) P a g e | 1

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Project Overview

1. Over the past decades, energy sector has been a fundamental enabler of inclusive economic

development. Energy sector's institutional and administrative arrangements were able to

successfully manage growth. EVN has been able to transform into one of the best performing

power utilities in the region. However, as Vietnam plans its next phase of growth, energy sector

stands at an inflection point. Given the rapidly evolving nature of Vietnam's economy, the coming

decades would require a strong focus by the energy sector on the 'quality', and not just the 'quantity'

of growth. The key challenges confronting the sector include: (i) managing the transition to clean-

energy based power system, (ii) ensuring energy security under the new growth factors, and (iii)

bringing in modern efficiencies and new technologies which keep pace with the changing nature

of the energy industry. Adapting to these new challenges would once again require bold vision of

the authorities as well as a strong reform agenda capable of reshaping the sector and its

institutional landscape. government’s climate impact mitigation strategy.

2. The Government of Vietnam has requested the World Bank (WB) to finance the

Renewable Energy Accelerating Change Project (REACH). This project is in line with the Seventh

Power Sector Development Plan (PSDP7/8). The proposed project will contribute to the improved

capacity of the electricity grid for enhanced variable renewable energy (VRE) integration of

private sector-led renewable energy generation and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,

reduced electricity costs, reduction in dependence on fossil fuels, and reduction in air and water

pollution. The total cost of project is $350 million USD. The proposed Project will be implemented

from 2022 - 2026. The Project comprises of two components, (1) Grid Strengthening for VRE

Integration and (2) Dispatch Management.

3. EVN will be the project owner and responsible for coordinating with all relevant

Government agencies as well as its subsidiary companies responsible for following respective

components. The National Power Transmission Corporation (NPT) will implement Component 1,

while the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) will implement Component 2. The project will

be implemented in Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Dong

Nai provinces.

4. The Project will apply the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and

comply with applicable Vietnamese legislations. The REACH’s environmental and social risk has

been rated at Substantial. Nine out of the ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) in the

ESF are relevant to the Project, including: i) ESS1 - Assessment and Management of

Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts; ii) ESS2 - Labor and Working Conditions; iii) ESS3

- Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management; iv) ESS4 - Community Health

and Safety; v) ESS5 - Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement

; vi) ESS6 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources;

vii) ESS7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local

Communities; viii) ESS8 - Cultural Heritage; and ix) ESS10 - Stakeholder Engagement and

Information Disclosure.

1.2. Objectives of the REACH

5. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the capacity of the electricity

grid to integrate private sector led renewable energy generation projects.

6. The proposed project is comprised of the following two components: (i) Grid

Strengthening for VRE Integration Component; and (ii) The Dispatch Management Component.

1.3. Project Components

7. The Project includes the following components:



Component 1: Grid Strengthening for VRE Integration (US$ 330 million of which US$182

million from WB and US$ 142 million from EVN)

8. Component 1 provides financing for power grid’s physical infrastructure (transmission lines

and substations) upgrades and development. It will also incorporate World Bank’s guidance on

investments in power grid infrastructure focusing on resilience to climate change. A brief

description of the physical infrastructure investments is included below:

a) Sub-Component 1.1: Transmission Backbone (500 kV) (US$ 318 million of which US$

174 million from WB and US$ 144 million from EVN). Sub-Component 1.1 provides

financing for construction of two new 500 kV transmission lines and substations which

are critical for evacuating power from renewable energy producing centers to the demand

centers. This investment in backbone transmission grid strengthening will enable a better

integration of around 543 MW of existing/under construction solar and wind energy

projects and unlock around 2.3 GW of new generation (see Table 2). The new unlocked

generation is expected to mobilize US$ 1.2 billion in private investments in the short-term,

and another US$ 3.7 billion in private investments in the medium-term. It is anticipated

that all these new VRE projects will directly replace new coal power plants as per the draft

PSDP 8. In addition, it will enable a reduction in transmission losses in those regions.

i. 500 kV Bac Chau Duc Transmission Line and Substation. This includes 10 km long

quad-circuit 500 kV transmission line (T/L). In addition, substation (SS) capacity of

950 MVA will be added as part of this sub-project. The location of the sub-project is in

the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province in the Southern region of Vietnam. Total estimated

cost of this sub-project would be US$ 75 million, of which US$ 41 million would be

mobilized by the World Bank and the remainder by EVN.

ii. 500 kV Krong Buk - Tay Ninh 1 Transmission Line. This includes nearly 300 km long

double circuit 500 kV transmission line. The physical footprint of this transmission line

will traverse several provinces from the central highlights of Dak Lak to the South

Eastern province of Tay Ninh. The total estimated cost of this sub-project would be

US$ 243 million, of which US$ 133 million would be mobilized by the World Bank

and the remainder by EVN.

b) Sub-Component 1.2: Curtailment Reduction (220 kV) (US$ 12 million of which US$ 8

million from WB and US$ 4 million from EVN). Sub-Component 1.2 provides financing

for rehabilitation of 220 kV network of the existing grid infrastructure targeting

curtailment reduction of VRE projects. These could include:

i. 220 kV Phuoc Dong Substation which includes an upgrade of 250 MVA of substation

capacity and associated equipment. The location of the sub-project is in the Tay Ninh

province in the South East of Vietnam. Total estimated cost of this sub-project would

be US$ 12 million, of which US$ 8 million would be mobilized by the World Bank and

the remainder by EVN.

Component 2: Dispatch Management (US$ 20 million of which US$ 12 million from WB and

US$ 8 million from EVN).

9. Component 2 finances system management infrastructure (sensors, hardware, and software)

for the power grid operator to digitize and automate the tasks for VRE integration. As the volume

of VRE increases in the generation mix, the number of power plants is expected to be dramatically

increase (for instance, the number of solar power plants has increased from about a dozen a few

years ago to over 150 plants today). This created difficulties for the National Load Dispatch Center

(NLDC) to visualize, monitor, and control the network. In addition, the variability of the solar and

wind energy also requires additional sensitivity in management of operations with regards to

efficient forecasting of the supply and demand, as well as faster response to voltage and frequency



changes. The investment supported under this component will be part of the new state-of-the-art

NLDC Control Center, which is being setup by EVN with the anticipated enhancements required

for grid management needs.

i. Control Center Automation. A SCADA with Automatic Generation Control (AGC)

for frequency and Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) for voltage management will be

financed to improve the reliability of the grid and the integration of VRE. This financing

will be used to acquire specialized set of latest Energy Management System (EMS)

applications and information technology systems whose role is to gather and analyze

real time data as well as to apply the AGC and AVC to ensure system stability. This

component will provide cutting-edge digital and disruptive technologies, and will

support ongoing modernization efforts of the power grid for monitoring, control, and

dispatch towards greater usage of VRE. Total estimated cost of this sub-project would

be US$ 20 million, of which $18 would be mobilized by the World Bank and the

remainder by EVN.

10. Institutional arrangements and capacity for implementation and sustainability. EVN

will be the overall responsibility for implementing the project and will be responsible EVN will

be the overall responsibility for implementing the project and will be responsible for: (i)

coordinating with all relevant Government agencies as well as its subsidiary companies

responsible for respective components. Component 1 will be implemented by EVN’s National

Power Transmission Company (NPT) and Component 2 will be implemented by the NDLC. NPT

and NLDC would assign specific project management boards to undertake day-to-day

management of the project related tasks. In this preparation phase, Southern Power Management

Board (SPMB) of NPT is responsible for preparing E&S documents.

1.4. Project Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

11. During project identification, 3 subprojects of Component 1, involving the construction of

500kV and 220kV transmission lines and substations, have been screened. Most of the activities

under this component would involve civil works includes construction of the substations and T/L

tower foundations; installation of T/L and transformers; erection of power towers and wiring.

Some subprojects under this component may also include construction of small and short access

roads and clearance of right of way (ROW).

12. The project would not have impacts critical natural habitats and forests, or important

physical cultural resources. The majority of the potential adverse impacts relate to land acquisition

and clearance, construction related impacts, and health and safety risks associated with operation

of high-voltage substations and transmission lines of the subprojects under Component 1.

However, these potential impacts are expected to be moderate to high, temporary, site-specific

and mostly reversible and mitigation measures can readily be designed in most cases.

13. Component 2 of the project focuses on enhancing the system management infrastructure

(sensors, hardware, and software) for the power grid operator to digitize and automate the tasks

for VRE integration. Besides, automate the Control Center to improve the reliability of the grid

and the integration of VRE. These activities are unlikely to cause adverse E&S impacts and risks.

1.5. Objectives of SEP

14. The stakeholder engagement process serves various purposes. The objective of the SEP is

therefore to:

(1) Provide ongoing information on the project to government agencies, international

development partners, national non-government organizations, private sector partners and

indigenous communities and the general community;



(2) Provide timely and appropriate information prior to and during the implementation of the

project to enable informed participation in the project and definition of appropriate

mitigation measures;

(3) Encourage equal participation of all affected groups in the consultation process;

(4) Disclose if any, environmental or social impacts of the project and proposed mitigation

measures;

(5) Obtain stakeholder input on any mitigation measures;

(6) Provide ongoing information on the implementation of the mitigation measures;

(7) Facilitate open and continuous communication and consultation between various

stakeholders and communities;

(8) Address any concerns, comments and provide feedback to concerns through a Grievance’s

Redress Mechanism (GRM) to satisfactory manage and mitigate any concerns about the

project.

15. The SEP requires a process and approach for stakeholder consultations and disclosure of

the REACH:

(i) Stakeholder engagement requirements of national policy and applicable World Bank

Standards.

(ii) Stakeholders that are likely to be affected and those that will influence the project and its

activities.

(iii) Approaches and schedule for consultation and engagement with stakeholders during

preparation of the SEP.

(iv) Processes, structures and timing for sharing project information aiming at ensuring regular,

accessible, transparent and appropriate feedback.

(v) Proposed Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for REACH.

II. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. National Regulations

16. This SEP considers the existing institutional and regulatory framework within the context

of the following main Government of Vietnam (GOV) legal instruments:

The Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (2013), effective 1 January 2014.

The Law on Environmental Protection (No.55/2014/QH13) dated 23 June 2014, Decree

on Environmental Protection Planning, Strategic Environmental Assessment,

Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Protection Plans (No.18/2015/ND-

CP) dated 14 February 2015, and Decree on amending and supplementing a number of

articles of Decrees on the implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection

(No.40/2019/ND-CP) dated 13 May 2019 are key legal frameworks for environmental

management in Vietnam.

The Land Law 2013 implementing decrees (Nos.43/2014, 44/2014, 47/2014, 01/2017,

104/2014 and 148/2020) and Circular 37/2014 provides a comprehensive framework for

land acquisition and resettlement. At provincial level, the PPCs have issued decisions on

compensation, assistance and resettlement when the State acquires land, based on the Land

Law and implementing decrees.



Law on Complaints, 2011. This Law and implementing Decree No.75/2012/ND-CP

identify the legal framework on grievances.

The Law on Reception of Citizens, 2013. The Law is stipulating responsibilities in

receiving citizens, and the rights and obligations of complainers and denouncers.

Ordinance No. 34/2007/PL-UBTVQH11 on exercise of democracy in communes, wards

and townships. This ordinance stipulates projects and information that have to be

disclosed, discussed, decided and monitored by the people.

2.2. World Bank’s Requirements for Stakeholder Engagement

17. The World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) includes Environmental

and Social Standard (ESS) - “Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure” (ESS10),

which recognizes “the importance of open and transparent engagement between the Borrower

and project stakeholders as an essential element of good international practice”. ESS10

emphasizes that effective stakeholder engagement can significantly improve the environmental

and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a significant

contribution to successful project design and implementation.

III. BRIEF SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

ACTIVITIES

18. Since 2020, NPT/PMBs and consultants had held many meetings, documents to consult,

discuss and choose the location option of the sub-project and consultation on E&S documents

(ESMF, ESCP, SEP, LMP, EMPF and RPF). Documents and meetings are summarized in the

Annex 1.

19. Negotiations are underway with the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province to agree on

the construction site of the 220kV Phuoc Dong substation subproject.

20. For the 500kV Krong Buk - Tay Ninh 1 subproject, because the subproject is in the Pre-

Feasibility Study stage, the line direction is selected and preliminary agreed with the local

authorities. After the Pre-Feasibility Study has been approved and transitioned to the Feasibility

Study phase, the meetings and formal agreements with the local authorities at all levels (district,

province) and related agencies will be implement.

21. During this SEP preparation, the consultant has joined the meetings with NPT, PMB,

World Bank Task Team dated 22 December 2020 and conducted site visits to proposed

components in 06 provinces from 11 to 15 January 2021.

22. Five stakeholder consultations on E&S documents (ESMF, ESCP, SEP, LMP, EMPF and

RPF) with DONRE of provinces Binh Phuoc, Dak Nong, Dak Lak and Dong Nai was carried out

from January 14, 2021 to March 17, 2021.

23. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, consultation meetings on environment and society

(ESMF, ESCP, SEP, LMP, EMPF and RPF) in Tay Ninh and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces have

not been conducted. In the next time, consultation meetings at these provinces will be conducted

(scheduled for March or April 2021), and adapted to Covid-19 pandemic situation.

24. During the next stage of project preparation, various consultation activities with the local

community, district will be carried out by various modalities (focus group discussions, in-depth

interview). Group discussion is an effective means of consultations for it encourages the sharing

and discussion regards views and ideas related to the proposed project.

25. The implementing agency (SPMB/PECCs), with the support of their consultant, will carry

out additional consultations at the district level before the end of May 2021 in North Chau Duc



and Krong Buck subprojects. These additional consultations will be carried out with local

stakeholders: representatives from commune and district People Committees (PCs), Women

Union, and CEMA for those areas where ethnic groups are present. The districts selected to carry

out the additional consultations at the district level will be those where the project will very likely

finance activities, even though the final technical designs have not been finalized yet. The SPMB

will document the stakeholder's feedback through consultation minutes. The Project SEP, and the

rest of the ESF instruments (if required), will be revised, updated, and redisclosed accordingly.

IV. STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

26. Project stakeholders are people and entities who have a role in the Project, or could be

affected by the Project, or who are interested in the Project. Project stakeholders are defined as

individuals, groups or other entities who:

(i) are impacted or likely to be impacted directly or indirectly, positively or adversely, by the

Project (also known as ‘affected parties’); and

(ii) may have an interest in the Project (‘interested parties’). They include individuals or

groups whose interests may be affected by the Project and who have the potential to

influence the Project outcomes in any way.

4.1. Project Affected Parties

27. Affected parties include those directly or indirectly affected by the Project either

negatively or positively. This group includes:

1. EVN: who is responsible for coordinating with all relevant Government agencies as well

as its subsidiary companies responsible for following respective components.

2. NPT: who will implement Component 1 of the Project.

3. National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC): who will implement Component 2 of the

Project.

4. PMBs (under the NPT): who will be responsible for preparation and construction of

subprojects.

5. Power Transmission Companies (PTCs - under the NPT): the unit will support power

cut-off of existing transmission lines for construction and connection of sub-projects

6. Local businesses affected by the construction of subprojects: this group includes:

- Businesses have land acquisition for substation and tower foundations of the transmission

line

- Businesses have structures relocated

- Businesses have trees and crops affected

- Businesses have land in ROW of the transmission line

7. Local communities and individuals affected by the construction of subprojects: this

group includes:

- Households have land acquisition for substation and tower foundations of the

transmission line

- Households have houses and structures relocated

- Households have trees and crops affected

- Households have land in ROW of the transmission line



- Households nearby the subproject area

- Households along the road for transportation of construction materials and equipment

- Women (female members of the affected households)

- Other vulnerable groups (disabled, poor/near poor, landless households, ethnic minority

people).



Table 1 - List of Project-Affected Parties

Project-affected

parties

Indicative

description

Identified groups of

project-affected parties Relevance to the Project Impacts Engagement methods

Project

beneficiaries

- Executing/

implementing

agencies

- EVN, NPT, PMBs

- Executive/ implementing

authorities.

- The project is expected to

bring about environmental

and social benefits in the

long term from: i) improve

infrastructure to increase

the efficiency of power

transmission; ii) Enhance

the reliability of power

system; and iii) Reduce the

power system losses;

- Positively

affected.

- Moderate

impacts.

- Should be informed

on the progress of the

project, schedule of

civil works through

meetings and

progress reports.



project through

public meetings and

information posted at

local levels.

People who will be

physically or

economically

displaced by the

project

- Physically or

economically

persons

displaced by the

Project.

- People who

reside or have

land and non-

land assets in the

Right of Way

(ROW) of the

proposed

investments.

- Businesses in project area.

- Residents living in and/or

around the proposed

project area.

- Ethnic Minority people.

- Women.

- Other vulnerable groups

(disabled, poor/near poor,

landless households).

- The project will cause land

acquisition and restrictions

on land use, which may

lead to physical

displacement (relocation,

loss of residential land or

loss of shelter) and

economic displacement

(loss of productive land,

assets or access to assets,

leading to loss of income

sources or other means of

livelihood).

- Negatively

affected.

- Moderate to

substantial

impacts.

- PAPs shall be

informed and

consulted during all

project

implementation to

ensure their views are

incorporated in the

RP and EMDP, and

project design

through public

consultation and

surveys.



Project-affected

parties

Indicative

description



- Potential Project Affected

Persons (PAPs) shall be

consulted using the plan

outlined in this SEP. This

will be done throughout the

project cycle to ensure their

views are incorporated in

the RPF/RP, EMPF/EMDP

and project design.

- PAPs shall be

consulted about their

choices and options,

particularly on

relocation issues and

restoration of

livelihoods, through

public meetings and

focus-groups

discussions.

Affected

organization

- Organization

whose activities

are interrupted,

affected by the

project

- Power transmission

companies (PTCs)

- The project needs to cut off

power of the existing

500kV and 220kV

transmission lines to

perform construction

(cross-section) and connect

the project

- Negatively

affected.

- Low

impacts.

- This organization

need to be informed

of the construction

progress at the cross-

connecting and

connected location,

and the electrical

connection diagram

in the area



Project-affected

parties

Indicative

description



Local community

residing around the

project areas

- Local

community who

are exposed to

pollution, traffic

safety risks,

gender risks,

among others.

- Residents living in and/or

around the proposed

project area;

- Workers of the contractors.

- Women;

- Other vulnerable groups

(disabled, poor, landless

households).

- The project is likely to

cause adverse

environmental and social

impacts on the local

community in the project

areas.

- Negatively

affected.

- Low to

moderate

impacts.



project, mitigations

measures and GRM

through public

meetings and

information posted at

local levels and

conduct the Focus

Group Discussions

(FGDs) with women

and vulnerable

groups.



4.2. Other Interested Parties

28. Interested Parties are those who may have interests in this project and/or the ability to

influence its outcome, either positively or negatively. This group includes:

(i) Central government agencies: MOIT, MONRE, MPI, MARD, MOC, MOT who may

directly involve in the process of regulation updates/revision enabling/facilitating the

Project activities.

(ii) Local authorities (Province, District, and Communes): who will heavily in the site

selection process, and land acquisition, compensation and resettlement activities

(especially for subprojects of Component 1).

(iii) Mass organizations: who are mobilization, mediating problems and dissemination of

information.

(iv) Renewable energy companies and investors: they benefit from the connection to the

national power transmission system

(v) Local power companies: they benefit from increased power transmission in the area

(vi) Surrounding communities: who are not directly affected by subsprojects, but have

general interest in project implementation in their locality (commune, district or province)

(consumer groups)

(vii) Research institutes: who are related to power system (National universities, Institute of

Energy)

Table 2 - List of Other Interested parties

Stakeholder Interests Indicative List

Degree of Influence

and Engagement

methods

Central

government

agencies

- Ministries and

government agencies

are key stakeholders

for the project and

needs to be informed

about project

progress.

- State ministries and

government agencies

need to ensure project

compliance with

national legislation.

- Ministry of Industry

and Trade (MOIT)

- Ministry of Natural

Resources and

Environment

(MONRE).

- Ministry of Planning

and Investment (MPI).

- Ministry of

Construction (MOC).

- Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural

Development

(MARD).

- Ministry of Transport

(MOT)

- High influence.

- Comments on the

proposals and design.

- Advise the Prime

Minister in

accordance with

functions and duties.

- Issue dispatch,

relevant decisions to

accelerate the project

process.

Provincial

People’s

Committees

- Provincial PCs are the

highest authority to

promulgate

regulations, solve

- PPC.

- Department of

Industry and Trade

(DOIT)

- High influence.

- Agreement on

location of sub-

projects.




Degree of Influence

and Engagement

methods

issues concerning

guidelines and

policies, and give

instructions for the

Project

implementation and

are the links between

the functional

organizations in the

Project

implementation. The

relevant Provincial

departments are also

interested in the

Project at their

sectoral

responsibility.

- Department of

Agriculture and Rural

Development

(DARD).

- Department of

Construction (DOC).

- Department of Natural

Resources and

Environment

(DONRE).

- Department of

Transport (DOT).

- Chair meetings to

implement sub-

projects in the area

- Advise on the tasks

and responsibilities of

the management unit.

- Leading role in

intensive consultation

activities.

People’s

Committees

of District

and

Commune

- Local government

institutions protect the

rights of inhabitants in

the project area and

represent the local

communities/PAPs.

- District Land Fund

Development Centres

(DLFDCs) have

responsibility for land

acquisition,

compensation and site

clearance.

- Communes within the

Project area.


Development Centres.

- Moderate influence.

- Provide information

to stakeholders in

seminars, conferences

and during public

consultation.


- Provide information

to PAPs on

resettlement

implementation and

policy.

- Participate in

monitoring,

evaluation.

Mass

organizations

- They main role is

mobilization,

mediating problems

and dissemination of

information through

their members.

- Women’s Union.

- Farmer’s Association.

- Youth Union.

- Fatherland Front.


- To transmit concerns

of the community to

PMB, PPCs, DPCs.

- Support women and

vulnerable HHs.




Degree of Influence

and Engagement

methods

- These organizations

get feedback from the

population and can

channel complaints

and concerns

regarding any impact

of the Project on the

community.

- Mobilize community

participation in the

project.

- Receive comments

from local community

and deliver to

stakeholders.

Beneficiaries

of the project

- They benefit from the

national power

transmission system

- Group of renewable

energy companies and

investors.

- Local power

companies.

- Surrounding

communities

(consumer groups).

- Low to moderate

influence.

- Receive information

about the project.

- Participate in project

monitoring.

Research

institutes

- Universities/institutes

related to power

system

- National universities

- Institute of Energy

- Low influence

- Provide technical

guidance for the

project when required.

4.3. Disadvantaged/Vulnerable Individual and Groups

29. “Disadvantaged or vulnerable” refers to those who may be more likely to be adversely

affected by the Project. Such groups may be less able to take advantage of a project’s benefits.

Such groups are also more likely to be excluded from the consultation process. Various types of

barriers may influence the capacity of such groups to articulate their concerns and priorities about

project impacts.

30. Engagement with the vulnerable groups and individuals often requires the application of

specific measures and assistance aimed at the facilitation of their participation in the project-

related decision making so that their awareness of and input to the overall process are

commensurate to those of the other stakeholders. Within the Project Area of Influence, the

vulnerable groups may include and are not limited to the following:

(i) Elderly people and/or social policy householders (invalid soldiers, martyrs, heroic

mothers);

(ii) Poor/near-poor households;

(iii) Persons with disabilities and their caretakers;

(iv) Women, particularly women-headed households or single mothers with

underage/dependent children;

(v) Manual/traditional small-scale fishers;

(vi) The unemployed persons;

(vii) Ethnic Minority Community in the project area.



31. The Table 4 below indicates disadvantaged or vulnerable groups encountered under the

REACH.

Table 3 - List of disadvantaged/vulnerable groups

Disadvantaged/vulnerable

groups

Potential barriers to limit

stakeholder effective

engagement

Specific needs to address

the barrier

- Elderly people and/or social

policy householders

(invalid soldiers, martyrs,

heroic mothers);

- Poor/Near-poor

households, female-headed

household with dependents,

elderly, persons living with

severe illness, landless

HHs.

- Manual/traditionally small-

scale fishers

- The unemployed persons.

- Poverty.

- Absence of suitable family

person to participate.

- Mobility.

- Lack of time to participate.

- Lack of interest.

- Meeting at ward/commune

level.

- Individual meetings.

- Adjustment of timing of

meetings to avoid working

time.

- Provision of transport

allowance.

- Female community

members and female

workers.

- Potentially any of above

barriers.

- Focus group meetings.

- Childcare provision during

meetings.


meetings that allows

women to adequately tend

to their domestic duties.

- Mediation by Women’s

Union.

- People with disabilities. - Physical disabilities

preventing mobility.

- Various disabilities such as

visual and hearing

impairment.

- Blind language, braille

information.

- Accessible consultations

venues.

32. Vulnerable groups within the communities affected by the project will be further

confirmed and consulted through dedicated means, as appropriate. Specific measures to address

the needs of the poor and women will be put in place through both stakeholder consultation and

communication, livelihood restoration and land acquisition. There will be separate consultation

meetings conducted with vulnerable group/individuals and the purpose will be to explore the

critical issues for vulnerable and what method will be considered to support vulnerable people.

33. Disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups, who often do not have a voice to

express their concerns or understand the impacts of a project. In the present context, this would

include women, who for cultural reasons have low mobility and are hard to reach, disabled and



any displaced (internally or externally) families among the PAPs. Special efforts will be taken to

disseminate project information to these groups and to ensure their inclusion in the stakeholder

engagement process. To involve women, particularly among the PAPs, in the stakeholder

engagement process, the Project will work through female representatives in the affected

communities, to identify suitable venues and timing for consultations. Regarding disabled groups,

all venues for consultations, workshops and meetings should be selected with a view to facilitate

physical access for disabled. Displaced PAPs will be informed about meetings and consultations

via other community members in the area, and potentially through radio and social media.

4.4. Summary the Needs of Project’s Stakeholders

34. Summary the needs of REACH’s stakeholders is presented in Table 5.



Table 4 - Summary of Stakeholder Needs

Stakeholder

Groups Key characteristics

Languages

Needs Preferred notification means Specific Needs

Local affected

communities

- The project affected

households (PAPs)/relocated

households

Vietnamese - Meetings at ward/ commune

level.

- Separate consultation meetings

with relocated households and

ethnic minority households.

- Posters at commune PC office.

- Local media (radio, TV).

- Separate consultation and FGDs

with women and affected persons

with a special consideration for

vulnerable and disadvantaged

groups.

- Suitable location for

consultations with PAP (i.e.

commune or village).


meetings to avoid working

time.

- Reaching absentee PAPs.

- Involve mass organization

(especially women’s union) in

consultation preparation to

ensure inclusion of women and

vulnerable and disadvantaged

groups in Stakeholder

engagement.

- Preparation of minutes of

meetings.

Local affected

businesses

- The project affected

businesses

Vietnamese - Email & mail notification and

telephone.

- Presentation and meetings.

- Discuss and comment on the

location of the sub-project.

- Release location agreement of

the sub-project.

Organization whose

activity is

interrupted and

- Power Tranmisison

Companies (PTCs)


telephone.

- Notification of construction

progress at cross and

connected location.



Stakeholder


Languages


affected by the

project

- Electrical connection diagram

in the area.

Implementing

agencies

- EVN, NPT, PMBs, NLDC Vietnamese - Workshops - Presentation of SEP’s

requirements.

Central government - Ministries and government

agencies


telephone.


- Aide-memoire.

- General information on the

project.

Government

agencies at

provincial and

district level

- PPCs, DPCs

- Relevant department in

provinces concerned with

project investments (i.e.

DOITs, DOTs, DARDs,

DONREs, DOCs).


telephone.



project

- Discuss and comment on the

location of the sub-project.

- Release location agreement of

the sub-project

Government

agencies at

commune level

- CPCs.

- Mass organizations

(Women’s Union, Farmer’s

Association, Youth Union,

Fatherland Front, ...).


telephone.



project

- Scale and level of

environmental and social

impacts of the project

Beneficiaries of the

project

- Group of companies and

investors in renewable energy.

- Local power companies.

Vietnamese - Posters at commune PC office.

- Local media (radio, TV).

- Information disclosure on

websites of EVN, NPT, PMBs


project



Stakeholder


Languages


- Residential community in the

area (Surrounding

communities).

Research institutes - National universities

- Institute of Energy


telephone.


project



V. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

5.1. Purpose and Timing of Stakeholder Engagement Program

35. The main goals of stakeholder’s engagement program are to create awareness of the key

deliverables of the project, keep stakeholders updated on key activities, and provide avenues for

affected people to voice their concerns and grievances. Main consultation activities planned is as

follows:

(i) ESIA, ESMP, RPF, EMPF, SEP, LMP and ECSP will be subject to consultations prior to

appraisal;

(ii) Subproject RPs/EMDPs will be subject to consultation once detailed design will be

available;

(iii) The ESCP will be shared for general orientation on the Government’s commitments;

(iv) During the project life cycle, it is planned to conduct, during the early stages of the project,

two meetings annually to update and consult stakeholders on project activities. During the

months leading up to, and during the construction phase, quarterly meetings will be

conducted.

36. Free printed copies of the ESIA/ESMP/RPF/EMPF/SEP/RP/EMDP/LMP and ESCP in

Vietnamese will be made accessible for the general public at the following locations:

(i) Offices of NPT, PMB;

(ii) DPC’s offices;

(iii) Commune PC’s office; and

(iv) Other designated public locations to ensure public dissemination of the project materials.

37. Electronic copies of the ESIA, ESMP, RPF/RP, EMPF/EMDP, SEP, LMP, and ESCP will

be placed on web-site of NPT, PMB and PPCs’ official websites. This will allow stakeholders

with access to the website via internet to view information about the planned development and to

initiate their involvement in the public consultation process. The website will be equipped with

an on-line feedback feature that will enable readers to leave their comments in relation to the

disclosed materials.

38. NPT, PMB will employ different means of communication to disseminate information to

different categories of stakeholders, and to engage them in consultations.

(i) To reach the maximum audience, radio spots (local radio) will be transmitted;

(ii) Information will be posted at commune PCs, to transmit brief information regarding the

project activities and upcoming consultations;

(iii) Workshop with the local communities for in-depth consultations;

(iv) Brochures and leaflets which will contain information on eligibility criteria and

entitlement matrix- these brochures will be distributed to affected people in the districts;

(v) Press releases/press conferences;

(vi) Consultations in the districts for all locally based stakeholder groups;

(vii) Separate meetings will be conducted for women, ethnic minority people (by using local

language speakers or interpreters, where required) and other vulnerable and disadvantaged

groups (as needed). Suitable location(s) will be identified with easy access.

39. The Table 6 below summarizes the proposed strategy for public disclosure.



Table 5 - Stakeholder Engagement and Disclosure Methods

Project

stage

Information to be

disclosed Methods proposed

Timetable:

Locations/dates

Target

stakeholders

Percentage

reached Responsibilities

Stage 1:

Project

preparation

(before

project

appraisal)

- Main features of the

project.

- Sub-projects

locations

- Consultation on

province and district

level

- The province

has the project.

- In the process

of negotiating

the project

location

- Local authorities

and agencies at

district and

provincial levels

- - NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

- Project key features.

- RPF, EMPF, SEP,

and LMP.

- Public consultation

(at ward/commune

level).

- Posting at districts/

commune PCs.

- Provincial PCs’

websites.

- World Bank website.

- Affected

communes.

- Before

appraisal

- All stakeholders - 100% - NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.


Development

Centres.

- Technical details on

project design.

- Compliance with

national regulations

and relevant

programs.

- Individual meetings.

- Emails.

- As needed

(and continued

throughout the

project life).

- Local

government,

state ministries,

mass

organizations

and community

groups.

- - NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

- Site-specific

environmental and

social impacts and

mitigation measures

in ESIA, ESMP,

- Public consultations

(quarterly basis).

- Individual meetings

through RP

preparation process.

- Prior to start of

civil work at

ward/

communes.

- Project affected

parties (PAPs).

- Community

groups

- - NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.



Project

stage

Information to be

disclosed Methods proposed

Timetable:

Locations/dates

Target

stakeholders

Percentage

reached Responsibilities

Stage 2:

Preconstruc

tion and

during

construction

RPF/RPs,

EMPF/EMDPs, SEP

and LMP.

- Awareness-raising

on the GRM.

- Preconstruction site

visits.

- GRM accessibility

will be advertised on

worksites and at the

commune level (e.g.

on notice boards).

- The GRM is

maintained

throughout the

project life.

supporting

PAPs.


Development

Centres.

- Employee Grievance

Procedure.

- Staff handbook.

- Group Meetings.

- Disclose GRM at

public places,

worksites and at the

commune level to

ensure all target

audience can reach.

- Prior to start of

civil work at

project site.

- Project workers. - - NPT, PMB.

- Construction

Supervision

Consultants (CSC)

- Contractors.

- Selection criteria and

TOR for employment

opportunities for

construction work.

- Group meetings with

mass organizations to

engage women and

vulnerable groups.

- Prior to start of

civil work at

ward/

communes.

- People who may

benefit from

employment

opportunities.

- - PMB’ E&S team.

- Women’s union

- Supervision

consultant.

Stage 3:

Post

construction

- Summary of the

outcome of project

monitoring

(including GRM).

- Summary to share at

public consultation

on a quarterly basis;

- Media releases

and/or newsletters

via email.

- Following the

completion of

civil work.

- All stakeholders. - - PMB’ E&S team.

- Independent

Monitoring

Consultant.



40. The above table will be revised and finalized once the Grant Agreement is approved and

its implementation is officially launched. Among others, the situation of COVID 19 outbreak in

Vietnam will be consider and taken into account. Government of Vietnam decided to gradually

resume all activities, except in some high risk areas. once the project sites are identified, detailed

consultation and engagement activities will be developed and reflected in the updated SEP. The

proposed activities are subject to the application of Government’s regulations and the Bank’s

guidance on COVID 19. Revised/Updated SEP will be re-disclosed per ESF requirements

5.2. Proposed Strategy for Consultation

41. The project implementing agencies will mostly employ interviews, focus group

discussions, open meetings, and workshops as a means of carrying out consultations. This will be

done right in the affected communes to enable easy participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged

groups of people. The strategy will also be different depending on the Project stage as presented

below.

Project preparation stage (before project appraisal)

42. While the details of some proposed investments are unknown at this stage, the consultation

will focus on a broader range of stakeholders to understand their general interests and concerns

on the project and its potential positive and negative impacts to inform the project’s environmental

and social frameworks. This is also the stage where potential vulnerable/disadvantaged groups

relevant to the project will be identified.

Pre-construction and construction stage

43. At this stage, the details of proposed investments will be determined and specific project-

affected parties (PAPs) identified. The consultation will focus on PAPs to address their concerns

through the implementation of subproject-specific environmental and social plans. The project

will ensure that the GRM will remain effective during the civil works to promptly address any

grievances from the PAPs. The PMB will pay particular attention to vulnerable groups to ensure

inclusion and non-discrimination of such groups.

Post construction/maintenance stage

44. At this stage, the consultation will focus on the feedback from PAPs on the performance

of environmental and social mitigations conducted during the construction stage. The consultation

on employment opportunities for operation and maintenance works (O&M) will be also

conducted. Areas for improvement and lessons learned should be identified for the following

subprojects. Dissemination and reporting back to general stakeholders on the outcome of the

monitoring and evaluation of the project will be also arranged.

Public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities during COVID-19

45. In the context of the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, the Government of Vietnam

(GOV) has taken various restrictive measures, imposing strict restrictions on public gatherings,

meetings and people’s movement, and others advising against public group events. People have

been advised to exercise social distancing, and specifically to avoid public gatherings to prevent

and reduce the risk of the virus transmission. These restrictions have affected Bank requirements

for public consultation and stakeholder engagement in the project. The Bank’s Technical Note on

Public Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement was issued to guide the public consultation and

stakeholder engagement activities during COVID-19 pandemic. The Note offers suggestions to

the client on managing public consultation and stakeholder engagement, with the recognition that

the situation is developing rapidly, and careful regard needs to be given to national requirements

and any updated guidance issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important that

the alternative ways of managing consultation and stakeholder engagement discussed with the



client are in accordance with the local applicable laws and policies, especially those related to

media and communication.

During preparatory stages

46. Where projects are under preparation and stakeholder engagement is about to commence

or is ongoing, such as in the project E&S planning process, stakeholder consultation and

engagement activities should not be deferred, but rather designed to be fit for purpose to ensure

effective and meaningful consultations to meet project and stakeholder needs. The project

implementing agencies should note some of the following:

Review the country COVID-19 spread situation in the project area, and the restrictions put

in place by the government to contain virus spread;

Review the draft Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP, if it exists) or other agreed

stakeholder engagement arrangements, particularly the approach, methods and forms of

engagement proposed, and assess the associated potential risks of virus transmission in

conducting various engagement activities;

Be sure that all task team and PIU members articulate and express their understandings on

social behavior and good hygiene practices, and that any stakeholder engagement events

be preceded with the procedure of articulating such hygienic practices.

Avoid public gatherings (taking into account national restrictions), including public

hearings, workshops and community meetings, and minimize direct interaction between

project agencies and beneficiaries / affected people;

If smaller meetings are permitted, conduct consultations in small-group sessions, such as

focus group meetings. If not permitted, make all reasonable efforts to conduct meetings

through online channels, including WebEx, zoom and skype meetings;

Diversify means of communication and rely more on social media and online channels.

Where possible and appropriate, create dedicated online platforms and chatgroups

appropriate for the purpose, based on the type and category of stakeholders;

During implementation stages

47. During implementation stages, the project activities are likely to have public consultation

and stakeholder engagement activities planned and committed as part of project design. These

activities may be described in different project documents and will involve a variety of

stakeholders. Commonly planned avenues of such engagement are public hearings, community

meetings, focus group discussions, field surveys and individual interviews. With growing concern

about the risk of virus spread, there is an urgent need to adjust the approach and methodology for

continuing stakeholder consultation and engagement. The project implementing agencies should

note some of the following:

Identify and review planned activities under the project requiring stakeholder engagement

and public consultations.

Assess the level of proposed direct engagement with stakeholders, including location and

size of proposed gatherings, frequency of engagement, categories of stakeholders

(international, national, local) etc.

Assess the level of risks of the virus transmission for these engagements, and how

restrictions that are in effect in the country/project area would affect these engagements.

Identify project activities for which consultation/engagement is critical and cannot be

postponed without having significant impact on project timelines. For example, selection

of resettlement options by affected people during project implementation. Reflecting the



specific activity, consider viable means of achieving the necessary input from stakeholders

(see further below).

Assess the level of ICT penetration among key stakeholder groups, to identify the type of

communication channels that can be effectively used in the project context.

48. Based on the above, the project implementing agencies should consider the specific

channels of communication that should be used while conducting stakeholder consultation and

engagement activities. The following are some considerations while selecting channels of

communication, in light of the current COVID-19 situation:

Avoid public gatherings (taking into account national restrictions), including public

hearings, workshops and community meetings;

If smaller meetings are permitted, conduct consultations in small-group sessions, such as

focus group meetings. If not permitted, make all reasonable efforts to conduct meetings

through online channels, including WebEx, zoom and skype;

Diversify means of communication and rely more on social media and online channels.

Where possible and appropriate, create dedicated online platforms and chatgroups

appropriate for the purpose, based on the type and category of stakeholders;

Employ traditional channels of communications (TV, newspaper, radio, dedicated phone-

lines, and mail) when stakeholders to do not have access to online channels or do not use

them frequently. Traditional channels can also be highly effective in conveying relevant

information to stakeholders, and allow them to provide their feedback and suggestions;

Where direct engagement with project affected people or beneficiaries is necessary, such

as would be the case for Resettlement Action Plans or Indigenous Peoples Plans

preparation and implementation, identify channels for direct communication with each

affected household via a context specific combination of email messages, mail, online

platforms, dedicated phone lines with knowledgeable operators;

Each of the proposed channels of engagement should clearly specify how feedback and

suggestions can be provided by stakeholders;

An appropriate approach to conducting stakeholder engagement can be developed in most

contexts and situations. However, in situations where none of the above means of

communication are considered adequate for required consultations with stakeholders to

decide whether the project activity can be rescheduled to a later time, when meaningful

stakeholder engagement is possible.

49. The SEP will be reviewed and updated during project implementation as necessary on

adaptive stakeholder engagement arrangements, particularly the approach, methods and forms of

engagement proposed, and assess the associated potential risks of virus transmission in conducting

various engagement activities.

50. The Table 7 below summarizes the proposed strategy for consultation for all stages of

the project.



Table 6 - Strategy for Consultation Activities

Project stage Target stakeholders Topic of

consultation/engagement Methods used Locations/dates Responsibilities

STAGE 1:

PROJECT

PREPARATION

(DESIGN,

SCOPING, E&S

PLANNING,

ESIA/RPF/SEP/L

MP/ESCP

DISCLOSURE)

Project Affected Parties:

- All stakeholders.

- PAPs.

- Vulnerable groups.

- Project interventions and

scope.

- Project E&S principles,

and risks/impacts and

proposed mitigation

measures

- ESIA, RPF/RPs,

EMPF/EMDPs, SEP,

ESCP, and LMP (when

available) disclosures.

- Land compensation and

acquisition process.

- Resettlement and

livelihood restoration

options.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.

- Face-to-face public

meetings.

- Disclosure of project

information

(booklets, posters,

website).

- Posters at commune

PCs.

- Separate in-depth

consultation with

PAPs.

- Focus Group

Discussions.

- Household

questionnaires.

- Affected

commune PC,

and other places

as convenience.

- Before Project

Appraisal.

- NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

- District Land

Fund

Development

Centres.

Other Interested

Parties:

- Local authorities (PPCs,

DPCs, CPCs).

- Governmental agencies

(DOIT, DONRE, DOC,

DOT, DOIC, DARD).

- LFDCs.

- Legal compliance issues.

- Project information

scope and rationale and

E&S principles.

- Coordination activities.




meetings.

- Disclosure of project

information

(booklets, posters,

website).

- PMB venues

- Before Project

Appraisal.

- NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.





- Donors.

- Public utilities.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.

- ESIA, RPF, SEP, ESCP,

LMP, and RP (when


- Separate in-depth

technical

discussions.

- Sharing of project

relevant documents.

Other Interested

Parties:

- Mass organizations.

- NGOs/CSOs.

- Academies.

- Project scope and E&S

principles.

- ESIA, RPF/RPs,

EMPF/EMDPs, SEP,

ESCP, and LMP (when


- Grievance redress

mechanism.

- Public meetings,

trainings/workshops

(separate meetings

specifically for

women and

vulnerable as

needed).

- Mass/social media

communication.

- Disclosure of

brochures, posters,

website.

- Project

communities’

meeting places.

- Before Project

Appraisal.

- NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

Other Interested

Parties:

- Local community.

- Others.

- Project interventions and

scope.

- Project E&S principles,

risks/impacts and

proposed mitigation

measures.

- ESIA, RPF, SEP, ESCP,

LMP, RP and EMDP


meetings.

- Leaflets.

- Posters at commune

PCs.

- Affected

commune PC,

and other places

at convenient.

- Before Project

Appraisal.

- NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

- District Land

Fund

Development

Centres.





(when available)

disclosures.



- Resettlement and


options

- Grievance redress

mechanism.

STAGE 2:

PROJECT

IMPLEMENTAT

ION


- All stakeholders.

- PAPs.


- Project status.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.


acquisition packages.

- Resettlement and


implementation.

- Health and safety impacts

(community H&S,

community concerns).

- Employment

opportunities.


meetings.

- Separate in-depth

consultation with

PAPs.

- Separate meetings as

needed for women

and vulnerable.

- Focus Group

Discussions.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.

- Affected

commune PC,

and other places

as convenience.

- Before Project

implementation

- NPT, PMB.

- Related

Consultants.

- District Land

Fund

Development

Centres.

- Construction

supervision and

independent E&S

monitoring

consultants.

- Contractors/sub-

contractors.





Other Interested

Parties:

- Local authorities (PPCs,

DPCs, CPCs).

- Governmental agencies

(DOIT, DONRE, DOC,

DOT, DOIC, DOCST).

- LFDCs.

- Donors.

- Public utilities.

- Legal compliance issues.

- Project status and E&S

principles.

- Coordination activities.

- Reviewing and approval

procedures of land

compensation and

acquisition, and

resettlement.

- Grievance mechanism

process.


meetings.

- Sharing of project

relevant documents.

- PMB venues

- Before Project

implementation.

- NPT, PMB.

- Construction

supervision and

independent E&S

monitoring

consultants.

- Contractors/sub-

contractors.

Other Interested

Parties:


- NGOs/CSOs.

- Academies.

- Project status.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.


(community H&S,


- Environmental and social

concerns.

- Public meetings,

trainings/workshops.

- Mass/social media

communication.

- Disclosure of

brochures, posters,

website.

- Project

communities’

meeting places.

- Before Project

construction.

- NPT, PMB.

- Construction

supervision and

independent E&S

monitoring

consultants.

- Contractors/sub-

contractors.

Other Interested

Parties:

- Local community.

- Others.

- Project status.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.


concerns.

- Public meetings,


- Mass/social media

communication.

- Disclosure of

brochures, posters,

website.

- Project

communities’

meeting places.

- Before Project

implementation.

- NPT, PMB.

- Construction

supervision and

independent E&S

monitoring

consultants.





- Contractors/sub-

contractors.

STAGE 3:

PROJECT

OPERATION


- All stakeholders.

- PAPs.


- Project status.

- Satisfaction with

engagement activities

and GRM.


meetings.

- Separate in-depth

consultation with

PAPs.

- Separate meetings as

needed for women

and vulnerable.

- Focus Group

Discussions.

- HH questionnaires.

o Affected

commune PC,

and other places

as convenience.

- After Project

implementation

- PMB (E&S

Team).

Other Interested

Parties:


- NGOs/CSOs.

- Academies.

- Local community.

- Others.

- Project status.

- Grievance redress

mechanism.


(community H&S,



concerns.

- Public meetings,


- Mass/social media

communication.

- Disclosure of

brochures, posters,

website.

- Project

communities’

meeting places.

- After Project

implementation.

- PMB (E&S

Team).



5.3. Proposed Strategy to Incorporate the Views of Vulnerable Groups

51. All views expressed by stakeholders will be carefully noted, documented in the

consultation summary and considered, including those of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups. The

following strategy will be used for consultation with vulnerable groups:

(i) Issuance of invitations specific to the relevant groups: a) female PAPs; b) displaced PAPs;

and iii) poor and other vulnerable groups;

(ii) Conduct specific consultations with each of these groups separately in a location and venue

easily accessible to them. Women’s union, Youth Union, Fatherland Front or elderly group

will be used as mediators and will be involved reaching these groups;

(iii) Consultation with vulnerable people will be conducted throughout the project life. There

will be separate FGDs arranged with vulnerable people during project design/ preparation

stage on a quarterly basis. The key focus will be to explore problems and needs of these

groups and how to reach them. There will also be quarterly meetings conducted with these

groups during project implementation.

5.4. Implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)

52. Should the circumstances that requires FPIC as stipulated in paragraph 17 of ESS7 occur,

PMBs will engage independent specialists to assist in the identification of the project risks and

impacts. There is no universally accepted definition of FPIC, as for the purposes of this ESS, FPIC

is established as follows:

The scope of FPIC applies to project design, implementation arrangements and expected

outcomes related to risks and impacts on the affected Local Ethnic Minority Communities;

FPIC builds on and expands the process of meaningful consultation described in ESS10

and the above sections, and will be established through good-will negotiation between the

Project Implementing Agencies and affected Local Ethnic Minority Communities;

53. The Table 4 below will provide step-by-step guidance on how to arrive at the decision to

consent to the sub-project.

Table 7 - Potential FPIC Steps

FPIC Task Responsibility Timing

Identify key stakeholders at the

Provincial and affected community

level EMDP Consultant

As soon as sub-project sites are

known

Disclose information on proposed sub-project at least 2 weeks in

advance of initial meeting PMBs

As soon as sub-project sites are

known

Initial information meeting on

Subproject and its potential impacts.

If these impacts include those requirement FPIC, then, use the

meeting to (1) determine how the

communities consent will be established. (2) how good faith

negotiations will be conducted

EMDP/SA Consultant,

PMBs, Commune, District

and Provincial Authorities

Prior to finalizing sub-project

design



Document stakeholder feedback on

initial sub-project proposal EMDP Consultant


design

Follow additional steps for goodfaith

negotiations agreed during the initial

meeting, if required.

EMDP/SA Consultant,



Revise sub-project and prepare EMDP based on good faith

negotiations EMDP/SA Consultant,


design

Present again the subproject

proposal, along with EMDP at a

follow up meeting, and secure agreement that can be considered

consent based on good faith

negotiations

EMDP/SA Consultant, PMBs, Commune, District



design

Finalize sub-project proposal, along

with EMDP, re-disclose locally, and present at event (e.g. designated

committee meeting, elder meeting,

community referendum meeting) for

securing collective support (FPIC)

EMDP/SA Consultant,




design

Conduct follow on (possibly)

meetings at the community level


and Provincial Authorities,

and the Contractor


design

54. The results of consultation should be provided to the affected EM communities to enable

both SA/EMDP team and EM people to validate the results of the consultation process, and fine-

tune the proposed actions, if necessary. Providing consultation feedback is particularly important

for cases where adverse impact on the EM population were identified (from the social assessment)

and were discussed with the EM peoples during the consultation process. Provision of feedback

to the affected peoples could take the form of community meetings – conducted in a manner

similar to the FPIC standard.

55. Agreements reached between the Project Implementing Agencies and affected Local

Ethnic Minority Communities will be described, and actions necessary to accomplish agreements

will be included, in the EMDP. During implementation, the Project Implementing Agencies will

ensure that necessary actions are taken, and agreed benefits or improvements to services are

delivered, so as to maintain Local Ethnic Minority Communities’ support for the project.

5.5. Information Disclosure

56. NPT, PMB will use the websites to disclose project documents in Vietnamese and English.

All information brochures/fliers need to be posted on the websites of NPT, PMB. All prepared

E&S documents will be publicly available on NPT’s website. Project disclosure package should

include the followings:

o Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)



o Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP)

o Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)

o Labor Management Procedures (LMP)

o Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)

57. The Vietnamese version of this SEP will be publicly disclosed in April, 2021. The English

version will be disclosed at the World Bank external websites in April, 2021.

VI. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM)

6.1. Objectives of GRM

58. The objective of the project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is to provide project-

affected parties with accessible and inclusive means to raise issues and grievances and allow NPT,

PMB to respond to and manage grievances filed by affected people and other parties. Grievances

may emerge from directed and indirect activities related to activities of sub-projects. Grievance

may arise among affected households and communities on variety of issues regarding land

acquisition and resettlement (i.e. compensation rates, land use origin, and eligibility to

resettlement allocation) or related to construction (dust noise, vibrations, water/soil

contamination, etc.,). Workers’ related grievances mechanisms are addressed in the project’s

Labor Management Procedure (LMP) and Resettlement related grievance shall be addressed in

accordance with the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and ESIA.

59. GRM is established during the project effectiveness. The main goals of GRM are ensuring

the receipt and timely redress of grievances and concerns submitted by the aggrieved project

affected persons and resolve complaints at the project level and prevent escalation to the courts or

World Bank Accountability Mechanism. The GRM will be established to allow affected persons

appealing any disagreeable decision, practice or activity arising from land or other assets

compensation or arising from project construction. PAPs will be fully informed of their rights and

of the procedures for addressing complaints whether verbally or in writing during consultation,

survey, training and time of compensation. The GRM shall not impede access to the country’s

judicial or administrative remedies. Affected persons can approach a court of law at any time and

independent of the project level grievance redress process. Along with the World Bank

requirements on development and approval of grievance redress mechanism by implementation

of investment projects, grievance redress procedures in Vietnam is also regulated by the national

legislation, in particular by the Law on Complaints (2011) and the Law on Denunciation (2018).

60. While handling grievances, the NPT, PMB shall establish GRM as part of the accessible

and inclusive means to raise issues and grievances and to and manage grievances filed by affected

people and other parties1. The NPT, PMB shall appoint a GRM focal point to collaborate with

local authorities in handling the grievances. The design of the GRM shall take into consideration

the views of affected communities expressed during the resettlement planning process. The NPT,

PMB shall be required to disclose and explain to affected persons and communities and, to

interested other stakeholders the procedure for complaints filing as early as possible and on a

regular basis throughout the project cycle. The grievance mechanism shall be available at no cost,

and it is important that it be easily accessible, with special attention paid to accessibility for

disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals or groups.

61. The NPT, PMB will ensure that the following grievance procedure is accessible,

adequately registered and tracked, and resolution is affirmed within one month of registration.

The NPT, PMB and relevant agencies will:

1 See paragraph 21 and ESS10



(i) Record, categorize and prioritize the grievances;

(ii) Settle the grievances via consultation with all stakeholders (and inform those stakeholders

of the solutions) through the below process.

6.2. Project Grievance Redress Mechanism

62. Complaints relating to any subproject's problems will be solved through negotiations to

achieve the consensus. A Grievance Redress Mechanism is recommended for the REACH to

address the complaints and grievances from the Project Affected People (PAP). PAPs can only be

encouraged (not forced) to use the project level GRM and PAP can lodge a complaint in court at

any time. In case the PAP wants to use the project's GRM, a complaint will go through three stages

before it can be transferred to the court. The enforcement unit will pay all administrative and legal

fees relating to the acceptance of complaints. This cost is included in the project budget. Complaint

procedures and resolution will be performed as follows:

The first level - Commune People’s Committee (CPCs)

o An affected household is to take his/her complaint to any member of the People's

Committee of the commune, through the village/cluster head or directly to CPCs, in

written or oral form. The said member(s) of the CPCs or the village head will inform the

CPC on the complaint. The CPCs will work directly in person with the said affected

household and will decide on the settlement of the complaint within 5 working days after

receiving such complaint. The secretariat of the CPC is responsible for documenting and

recording all the complaints that it is handling. Once the CPC issues its settlement decision,

the household can make an appeal within 30 working days. In case a second decision has

been issued but the said household is still not satisfied with such decision, the household

can appeal to the District People’s Committees.

The second level - District People’s Committees (DPCs)

o Upon receiving a complaint from a household, the DPCs will have 15 working days to

resolve the case. The DPCs are responsible for filing and storing documents on all

complaints that it handles. When the DPCs have issued a decision, the household can make

an appeal within 30 working days. In case a second decision has been issued and the

household is still not satisfied with such a decision, they can appeal to the Provincial

People’s Committee (PPC).

The third level - At Province People’s Committees (PPCs)

o Upon receiving a complaint from the household, the PPC will have 30 working days to

resolve the case. The PPC is responsible for filing and storing documents for all complaints

to be submitted. After the PPC has issued a decision, the household can appeal within 45

working days. In case a second decision has been issued and the household is still not

satisfied with such decision, they can appeal to the people’s court within 45 working days.

The PPC will then have to pay the compensation into an account.

The fourth level - Court of Law Decides

o In case a complainant brings his/her case to district/provincial people’s court and the court

rules in favor of the complainant. The decision ruling the settlement of complaints will

have to be sent to complainants and concerned parties and shall be publicly posted at the

headquarters of the People's Committee of the relevant level. The complainant will receive

such ruling three days after the result of complaint resolution at the ward/commune level

has been decided upon and 07 working days at the district or provincial level.

63. Personnel: The environment and resettlement staff (safeguard staff) assigned by the NPT,

PMB will design and maintain a database of the project-related complaints from affected

households, including information such as: the nature of the complaint, the source and date of



receipt of the complaint, the name and address of the complainant, action plan, and current status.

For oral complaints, the receiving/mediator board will record these requests in a complaint form

at the first meeting with the affected person. This staff will be able to contact directly with affected

people and guide them through the official channels. A deputy director of the PMB shall be

assigned to be GRM focal point. The GRM focal point will play the essential and coordination

role among respective administrative levels for handling the complaints in a timely and

satisfactorily manner.

64. Contractor and Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC): During construction, the

GRM will also be managed by the contractors under supervision of the CSC. The contractors will

inform the affected communities and communes about the GRM availability to handle complaints

and concerns about the project. This will be done via the community consultation and information

disclosure process under which the contractors will communicate with the affected communities

and interested authorities on a regular basis. Meetings will be held at least quarterly, monthly

information brochures will be published, announcements will be placed in local media, and notices

of upcoming planned activities will be posted, etc. All contractors and CSCs will also appoint

grievance focal persons to catch and solve the problem timely.

65. All complaints and corresponding actions undertaken by the contractors will be recorded

in project safeguard monitoring reports. Complaints and claims for damages could be lodged as

follows:

(i) Verbally: direct to the CSC and/ or the contractors’ safeguard staff or representatives at

the site offices.

(ii) In writing: by hand-delivering or posting a written complaint to specified addresses.

(iii) By telephone, fax, e-mails: to the CSC, the contractors’ safeguard staff or representatives

66. Upon receipt of a complaint, the CSC, the contractors’ safeguard staff or representatives

will register the complaint in a complaint file and maintain a log of events pertaining to it

thereafter, until it is resolved. Immediately after receipt, four copies of the complaint will be

prepared. The original will be kept in the file, one copy will be used by the contractor’s safeguard

staff, one copy will be forwarded to the CSC, and the fourth copy to the PMB within 24 hours

since receipt of the complaint. Information to be recorded in the complaint log will consist of:

o The date and time of the complaint;

o The name, address and contact details of the complainant;

o A short description of the complaint;

o Actions taken to address the complaint, including contact persons and findings at each step

in the complaint redress process;

o The dates and times for the purpose of contact during the redress process;

o The final resolution of the complaint;

o The date, time and manner in which the complainant was informed thereof;

o The complainant’s signature when resolution has been obtained.

67. Minor complaints will be dealt with within one week. Within two weeks (and weekly

thereafter), a written reply will be delivered to the complainant (by hand, post, fax, e-mails)

indicating the procedures taken and progress to date.

68. The main objective will be to resolve an issue as quickly as possible by the simplest means,

involving as few people as possible, and at the lowest possible level. Only when an issue cannot

be resolved at the simplest level and/ or within 15 days, will other authorities be involved. Such a



situation may arise, for example, when damages are claimed, the to-be-paid amount cannot be

resolved, or damage causes are determined.

69. Grievances related to Gender Based Violence (GBV): To avoid the risk of

stigmatization, exacerbation of the mental/psychological harm and potential reprisal, the GRM

shall have a different and sensitive approach to GBV related cases. Where such a case is reported

to the GRM, it should immediately be referred to the appropriate service providers, such as

medical and psychological support, emergency accommodation, and any other necessary services.

It should also be reported to the safeguard staff of the PMB who can advise on relevant service

providers. Data on GBV cases should not be collected through the GRM unless operators have

been trained on the empathetic, non-judgmental and confidential collection of these complaints.

Only the nature of the complaint (what the complainant says in her/his own words) and additional

demographic data, such as age and gender, can be collected as usual. All grievance related to

Gender Based Violence will be filed in a separate document and will be kept secure and

confidential.

70. Publicizing the GRM. The NPT, PMB will be in charge of publicizing the GRM. PMB

should ensure that GRM is explained during public meetings. PMB should also ensure that leaflets

on GRM are distributed during public meetings and made available at ward/commune levels with

contact numbers of the focal person for the GRM. Posters will be also be posted at commune

levels.

71. Independent monitoring consultants (environmental, social and resettlement), will be

selected by NPT, PMB through bidding. Independent monitoring consultants are responsible for

checking the procedures and decisions on settling complaints. Independent monitoring consultants

may propose additional measures to address any outstanding complaints. While checking the

procedure for complaint resolution and reviewing the decision on complaint resolution, the

independent monitoring agencies are required to closely coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland

Front, whose members are responsible for monitoring law enforcement of local complaints.

72. The following procedures shall be followed while filing and processing complaints

through the above described GRM structures:

(i) Grievance Register Book: A grievance register book shall be opened and kept in the office

of resident engineer. All grievances shall be registered when and upon the receipt of

complaints from the aggrieved. The book shall have: (i) case reference number, (ii) the

aggrieved name, (iii) the date the case is received, (iv) the date the case is resolved and,

(v) a remarks column;

(ii) Responsibility for Registering Complains: the resident focal point in the project area shall

register in the Grievance Register Book all written complaints received;

(iii) Case Receipt: Within 24 hours of receiving complaints, the monitoring consultant shall

issue a letter to the aggrieved acknowledging receipt of the case and providing a date when

the case will be reviewed as well as the venue;

(iv) Public Access to the book: The book shall be accessible to the public;

(v) GBV grievances will not be documented in the public accessible book. However, a GBV

action plan will be prepared to manage related risks. The all-level women’s unions will be

engaged for awareness raising and ensure a system that capture GBV/SEA and HIV/AIDS

related issues will be developed;

(vi) PAPs: All PAPs who have issues with their compensation and assistances are required to

submit written complaints to the appropriate level of GRM.

THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS CHART



Management level

Project level

Province level

District level

Commune level

Local community level

VII. MONITORING AND REPORTING

73. During the project implementation phase, the SEP will be periodically revised and updated

as necessary in the course of off-grid solutions project implementations in order to ensure that the

information presented herein is consistent and is the most recent, and that the identified methods

of engagement remain appropriate and effective in relation to the project context and specific

phases of the development. Any major changes to the project related activities and to its schedule

will be duly reflected in the SEP.

74. Monthly summaries and internal reports on public grievances, enquiries and related

incidents, together with the status of implementation of associated corrective actions will be

collated by responsible staff and referred to the senior management of the project. The monthly

summaries will provide a mechanism for assessing both the number and the nature of complaints

and requests for information, along with the Project’s ability to address those in a timely and

satisfactorily manner.

Follow up with World Bank Office

If not resolved

Follow up with GRM monitor

Provincial People’s Committee (PPC)

District People’s Committee (C/DPC)

Local leader/ Fatherland Front/Mediation channel

Commune People’s Committee (W/CPC)

Inform

Complainant

World Bank & Independent Monitor

Maj

or

issu

es

If not resolved

If r

eso

lved

Commune PC Office

Project Management Board (PMB)

Provincial PC Office Secretariat

If not resolved

If not resolved

If r

eso

lved

If

res

olve

d

If r

esol

ved

If

res

olve

d

If not resolved

Grievance Redress Services (GRS)

Notify

District People’s Court

Provincial People’s Court



7.1. Involvement of Stakeholder in Monitoring Activities

75. Monitoring Indicators. The NPT, PMB will monitor the project implementation to assess

progress on indicators to be defined in the results framework, such as roads/canal/sewage system

rehabilitated/built; beneficiary satisfaction on such as the invested items of the project;

employment creation through the civil work; and functional maintenance systems. More specific

monitoring indicators on environmental and social issues, such as noise levels, air quality, water

quality, soil erosion, traffic and other occupational or community accidents and social issues

including gender impact will be proposed in the ESMPs. The functioning of the GRM will be also

closely monitored. The NPT, PMB will also need to monitor stakeholder engagement itself. This

includes data on the number of meetings (or focus groups), how many people participated, etc.

76. Internal Monitoring. The NPT, PMB will prepare data on activities and output in regular

monthly and quarterly reports based on input from the supervision consultant and the contractor.

To the extent possible, the monitoring and evaluation process will be participatory, engaging

community members benefiting from the infrastructure investments. A baseline survey and end-

line beneficiary survey will be carried out to measure who and to what extent people benefit from

the infrastructure as well as how it affects their lives in both social and economic terms. The

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system will target the documentation of case studies capturing

the impact of the project on communities, taking into account gender, impacts on vulnerable or

marginalized groups and host communities.

77. Independent E&S monitoring consultants. An independent consultant will be hired by

the NPT, PMB to monitor the implementation of E&S instruments. The overall objective of

independent monitoring is to provide a periodic independent evaluation of the results of

implementing the environmental and social risk/impact management objectives, such as the

changes in living standards and employment, income rehabilitation and the social basis of those

affected, effectiveness, impacts and sustainability of entitlements, the need for additional

measures to minimize the damage (if any). The agency will be responsible for carrying out

environmental sampling, monitoring and marking report during subproject implementation. The

implementation of the independent monitoring mission should be based on the terms of reference

approved by World Bank. The independent monitoring agency will begin its work as soon as the

project implementation begins. Monitoring report will be periodically submitted to the NPT and

the World Bank (respectively every 03 months for NPT and every 6 months for WB in

construction phase). The agency will also supply specialized assistance to NPT and E&S matters.

7.2. Reporting back to Stakeholder

78. The project performance assessed through monitoring activities will be reported back to

stakeholders during the operation and maintenance phase, such as through disclosure of

monitoring outcome and engagement local community. The lessons learned through the

monitoring will also contribute to the design of future subprojects and be shared with their

stakeholders.

79. Monitoring and evaluation of the stakeholder process is considered vital to ensure the

project will be able to respond to identified issues and alter the schedule and nature of engagement

activities to make them more effective. Adherence to the following

characteristics/commitments/activities will assist in achieving successful engagement:

(i) Sufficient resources to undertake the engagement;

(ii) Inclusivity (inclusion of key groups) of interactions with stakeholders;

(iii) Promotion of stakeholder involvement;

(iv) Sense of trust shown by all stakeholders;

(v) Clearly defined approaches; and



(vi) Transparency in all activities.

80. Monitoring of the stakeholder engagement process allows the efficacy of the process to be

evaluated. Specifically, by identifying key performance indicators that reflect the objectives of the

SEP and the specific actions and timings, it is possible to both monitor and evaluate the process

undertaken. Two distinct but related monitoring activities in terms of timing will be implemented:

(i) During the engagement activities: short-term monitoring to allow for adjustments/

improvements to be made during engagement; and

(ii) Following completion of all engagement activities: review of outputs at the end of

engagement to evaluate the effectiveness of the SEP as implemented.

VIII. RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

8.1. Resources

81. The NPT, PMB is the implementing agency, and directly manages the project

implementation. The Environmental and Social Specialists within the NPT, PMB have overall

responsibility on preparation and implementation of the relevant safeguard instruments, including

the SEP, and ensuring continuous community outreach and consultation, monitoring and

evaluating program implementation and impacts, developing and managing the grievance redress

mechanism (GRM) and reporting results to various stakeholders. Other specialists and officers in

the NPT, PMB will support the Environmental and Social Specialists in stakeholder engagement

activities.

82. The NPT, PMB shall be responsible for the implementation of the Stakeholder

Engagement Activities. Its main tasks are:

a. Preparation of the SEP;

b. Preparation of quarterly reports on social and environmental activities to the World

Bank.

83. Regarding GRM implementation, the NPT, PMB will be assisted by DLFDCs and the

District Inspectorates. A focal person will be identified within the DLFDCs or the District

inspectorates to answer to questions regarding the GRM; and the contact information of the NPT,

PMB and other key persons will also be indicated in SEP.

84. The construction supervision consultant (CSC). The NPT, PMB will be supported by a

contracted engineering and supervision consultant who will be responsible for monitoring the

contractors of the civil works as well as monitoring adherence to the safeguard instruments

including the SEP.

85. Contractor. The contractor will assign an Environmental, Social, Health and Safety

(ESHS) officer, who will be responsible for the implementation of environmental and social

requirements at construction sites. The ESHS officer will also maintain regular contact with

affected communities at the site and assist in community awareness-raising and addressing their

grievances.

86. Budgetary resources for stakeholder engagement. Adequate budget for stakeholder

engagement will be allocated from the overall project cost, which will include cost for organizing

meetings, workshops and training, hiring of staff, field visits to subproject locations, translation

and printing of relevant materials and operating GRMs. The cost for environmental and social

mitigation measures at construction sites will be integrated into the construction costs and will be

borne by the contractors.



8.2. Management Functions and Responsibilities

87. The Stakeholder Engagement activities will form part of the Environmental and Social

Commitment Plan (ESCP). This is a tool which will commit stakeholders to ensure that the

planned activities are implemented and will form part of project approval documents which will

be monitored by the World Bank. The monitoring and evaluation framework for the project will

also have indicators on the ESCP whose implementation progress will be tracked and reported

accordingly. ESCP implementation progress report will be periodically produced and shared with

stakeholders for review, deliberation and action.

88. Stakeholder engagement activities at community level will mostly be done by NPT, PMB

(E&S team) who will be supported by the relevant departments at city/province level. Overall

management responsibility for implementing the SEP will rest with the Director of the PMB.

8.3. Budget for the SEP Preparation and Implementation

89. Funding for preparation and implementation of the SEP will be charged based on the

specific activities proposed in each SEP. This expense is calculated on the funding of the project.

90. Fund for the SEP preparation and implementation will be allocated from NPT’s

counterpart fund. The NPT will provide adequate funding for preparation and implementation of

the SEP.

91. The NPT, PMB will review this plan every six months to determine if any changes to

stakeholder classification or engagement are required. If so, the plan will be updated, and a new

revision distributed, and the budget will be revised accordingly.



ANNEX

Consultation undertaken

Date Engagement

Activity

Participants Summary of Stakeholder Engagement Activities

May 25

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Phu My town PC,

Ba Ria – Vung Tau province

Discussion contents. SPMB and consultant submit the proposal on the

construction site of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and T/Ls subproject in

Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.

Feedback from Participants. The People's Committee of Phu My town agreed

on the location of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and connection, including

the 500kV T/L going through Phu My town. However, before implementing the

subproject, it is recommended that the project owner contact the specialized

agencies under the People's Committee of Phu My town to carry out the

prescribed procedures.

June 23

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Chau Đuc

District PC, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

province



Ba Ria - Vung Tau province

Feedback from Participants. Chau Duc District People's Committee agreed on

the contents of the agreement on the location for the 500kV Chau Duc substation

and T/Ls

July 3

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Ba Ria Rubber

Joint Stock Company




Feedback from Participants. Ba Ria Rubber Joint Stock Company agreed on

the construction location of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and the direction

of the 500kV and 220kV T/Ls. The Ba Ria Rubber Joint Stock Company

proposed to recover the remaining land in the surrounding area.

Sep. 14

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Department of

Construction of Ba Ria - Vung Tau

province




Feedback from Participants. The Department of Construction approves the

location of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and the direction of the 500kV -



Date Engagement

Activity


220kV T/Ls in Chau Duc district and Phu My town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.

Specifically:

- Location of Bac Chau Duc 500kV substation: belonging to Cu Bi rubber farm,

Cu Bi commune, Chau Duc district, with an area of about 16ha.

- 500kV transmission line: includes 02 parallel lines, 2.8km/line in length, width

of safety corridor 32m

- 220kV transmission line: includes 04 circuit line, 15.5km in length, width of

safety corridor 25m.

SPMB is responsible for contacting the relevant agencies and units to carry out

the follow-up procedures in accordance with current regulations. During the

construction process, it is necessary to contact the People's Committee of Phu My

town, the People's Committee of Chau Duc district and the units managing the

related infrastructure systems to ensure the construction does not affect other

infrastructure systems.

SPMB must ensure to return the road surface and pavement to its original

conditions after construction is completed

Sep. 23

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Ba Ria - Vung

Tau province People Committee

Discussion contents. The construction site of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc

substation and T/Ls subproject in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province

Feedback from Participants. The People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau

province approves the location of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and the

direction of the 500kV - 220kV T/Ls in Chau Duc district and Phu My town, Ba

Ria - Vung Tau province. Specifically:

- Location of Bac Chau Duc 500kV substation: belonging to Cu Bi rubber farm,

Cu Bi commune, Chau Duc district, with an area of about 16ha.

- 500kV transmission line: includes 02 parallel lines, 2.8km/line in length, width

of safety corridor 32m

- 220kV transmission line: includes 04 circuit line, 15.5km in length, width of

safety corridor 25m.

SPMB is responsible for contacting the relevant agencies and units to carry out

the follow-up procedures in accordance with current regulations. During the

construction process, it is necessary to contact the People's Committee of Phu My



Date Engagement

Activity


town, the People's Committee of Chau Duc district and the units managing the

related infrastructure systems to ensure the construction does not affect other

infrastructure systems, ensure the return of road surface and pavement after the

construction is completed.

Aug. 14

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of People's

Committee of Long Thanh district,

Dong Nai province


construction site of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation subproject and T/Ls in

Dong Nai province.

Feedback from Participants. The People's Committee of Long Thanh district

agreed on the direction of the 500kV T/L going through Dong Nai province of

the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation sub-project and the TL. Specifically:

- The 500kV T/L in Dong Nai province is 5.9km long, passes through Phuoc

Binh, Bau Can and Tan Hiep communes, Long Thanh district, connected to the

DC (end point) of the existing 500kV Phu My - Long Thanh - Song May

transmission line.

Aug. 27

2020

Consultation and

FGD


Agriculture and Rural Development

of Dong Nai province



Dong Nai province

Feedback from Participants. The Department of Agriculture and Rural

Development of Dong Nai province agreed to the direction of the 500kV

transmission line through Dong Nai province of the Bac Chau Duc 500kV

substation and T/Ls subproject.

Aug. 27

2020

Consultation and

FGD


Transport of Dong Nai province



Dong Nai province.

Feedback from Participants. The Department of Transport of Dong Nai

province comment: the option of the 500kV T/L of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc

substation subproject does not affect the central road system and the provincial

road.

Aug. 28

2020

Consultation and

FGD


Natural Resources and

Environment of Dong Nai province



Dong Nai province.



Date Engagement

Activity


Feedback from Participants. Department of Natural Resources and

Environment comment: the direction of the 500kV T/L in the area of Long Thanh

district goes through the zoning land of perennial crops land, land for other

annual crops, rural residential land and traffic land. Therefore, after being agreed

on the route by the Provincial People's Committee, the Project Owner is

requested to contact the People's Committee of Long Thanh District to register

the demand in the district land use plan and plan as a basis for implementation.

Sep. 04

2020

Consultation and

FGD


Construction of Dong Nai province



Dong Nai province.

Feedback from Participants.

- Department of Construction agreed on the part of the 500kV T/L goes through

Dong Nai province of the Bac Chau Duc 500kV substation and T/Ls subproject

- After being agreed on the route direction by the Provincial People's Committee,

the project owner is requested to coordinate with the People's Committee of Long

Thanh district to update the new rural planning profile and other relevant plans

Sep. 14

2020

Consultation and

FGD


Industry and Trade of Dong Nai

province



Dong Nai province.

Feedback from Participants. Department of Trade has the following comments:

- The 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and T/Ls subproject is consist with the

National Electricity Development Plan for the period 2011-2020 with a vision to

2030 (revised Planning VII)

- Agree to the agreement on the direction of the 500kV T/L part goes through

Dong Nai province of the Bac Chau Duc 500kV substation and T/Ls subproject.

Specifically:

+ Start point: 500kV busbar of 500/220kV Bac Chau Duc substation

+ End point: belongs to the existing 500kV Phu My - Long Thanh - Song May

transmission line

+ Length: includes 02 parallel lines of double circuit lines, 2.8km long/line. The

line center between the two lines is 30-40m apart



Date Engagement

Activity


+ Width of safety corridor: 32m.

- After getting agreement on route direction by PPC, project owner is requested

to:

+ Inform the project implementation progress to the Department of Trade.

+ Coordinate with the People's Committee of Long Thanh district to determine

specific locations of land acquisition, prepare compensation plans, register land

use plans and plans with the locality.

+ Agree with relevant ministries on electric tower (if any).

+ When designing, it is required to ensure technical solutions and ensure the

safety corridor according to regulations.

Oct. 14

2020

Consultation and

FGD

Representative of Dong Nai

Province People's Committee



Dong Nai province.

Feedback from Participants. Dong Nai People's Committee has the following

comments:

- The 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation and T/Ls subproject is consist with the

National Electricity Development Plan for the period 2011-2020 with a vision to

2030 (revised Planning VII).

- Agree to the agreement on the direction of the 500kV T/L part goes through

Dong Nai province of the Bac Chau Duc 500kV substation and TL sub-project.

Specifically:

+ Start point: 500kV busbar of 500/220kV Bac Chau Duc substation

+ End point: belongs to the existing 500kV Phu My - Long Thanh - Song May

transmission line

+ Length: includes 02 parallel lines of double circuit lines, 2.8km long / line. The

line center between the two lines is 30-40m apart

+ Width of safety corridor: 32m.

- After getting agreement on route direction by PPC, project owner is requested

to:

+ Inform the project implementation progress to the Department of Trade.



Date Engagement

Activity


+ Coordinate with the People's Committee of Long Thanh district to determine

specific locations of land acquisition, prepare compensation plans, register land

use plans and plans with the locality.

+ Agree with relevant ministries on electric tower (if any).

Aug. 10

2020

Discussion

meeting at sub-

projects locations

5 participants, inlcude:

+ Representative of VRG Saigon

Investment Joint Stock Company

+ Representative of PECC3

Discussion contents. surveyed and unified the location of the 220kV Phuoc

Dong substation

Feedback from Participants. Agree on the location for construction of the

220kV Phuoc Dong substation as follows:

- The substation is located in block CD.2 in the Industrial - Urban - Service

Complex Phuoc Dong - Boi Loi, invested by Saigon VRG Investment Joint Stock

Company, located in Don Thuan commune, Trang Bang district, Tay Ninh

province, near the east canal, the road to the station is expected to be connected to

the internal road D7 zone B with about 50m long, the station area is about 4.8ha

Aug. 14

2020

Discussion

meeting at Tay

Ninh Province

MOT


+ Representative of Department of

Trade

+ Representative of UBND Go Dau

District

+ Representative of Department of

Natural Resources and

Environment

+ Representative of Tay Ninh

Power Company

+ Representative of VRG Saigon

Investment Joint Stock Company

+ Representative of SPMB

+ PECC3

Discussion contents. advise the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province to

agree on the construction location of Phuoc Dong 220kV substation

Feedback from Participants. - Tay Ninh Power Company: agreed on the construction location of the 220kV

Phuoc Dong substation in Don Thuan commune, Trang Bang town, Tay Ninh

province, the land for construction of the station in Phuoc Dong Industrial Park.

- Department of Natural Resources and Environment: agreed on the

construction location of the 220kV Phuoc Dong substation in Don Thuan

commune, Trang Bang town, Tay Ninh province, the land for construction of the

station in Phuoc Dong Industrial Park. Investor coordinates with Saigon VRG

JSC to determine the suitability of the station's construction location with the

approved plan.

- VRG Saigon Investment Joint Stock Company: agreed on the construction

location of the 220kV Phuoc Dong substation in Don Thuan commune. The

location of the station's construction has been submitted to the Provincial People's

Committee by Saigon VRG Investment Joint Stock Company to adjust the

planning.



Date Engagement

Activity


- Department of Trade: agreed on the construction location of the 220kV Phuoc

Dong substation in Don Thuan commune, Trang Bang town, Tay Ninh province,

the land for construction of the station in Phuoc Dong Industrial Park.

Jan. 14

2021

Discussion

meeting at Binh

Phuoc Province

MONRE


+ Representative of DONRE

+ Representative of WB

+ Representative of NPT

+ Representative of SPMB




Discussion contents. Environmental status, sensitive areas, forest and

biodiversity status, ethnic minorities in the subproject area 500kV Krong Buk -

Tay Ninh 1 T/L. Discussion on environmental and natural, social issues to pay

attention when implementing the subproject in Binh Phuoc province.

Feedback from Participants.

- MONRE (Mr. Vo Van Dinh):

+ The 500kV Krong Buk - Tay Ninh 1 T/L is about 25km away from Bu Gia

Map National Park, so it is unlikely to affect this national park.

+ Issues to note in the subproject implementation area: use water from Thac Mo

lake, Phuoc Hoa, ...

+ The natural forests in Binh Phuoc province are mainly above (Bu Gia Map

National Park) and Bu Dop district bordering with Cambodia, quite far from the

transmission line, therefore no effect.

+ Historical relics: In Binh Phuoc province, there is Ta Thiet regional base zone

at Loc Ninh district, more than 27km from the line.

+ Most of the districts in the province have ethnic minorities. According to

statistics, there are about 45 ethnic groups, of which the majority are the S’tieng

and the Kho Me ethnic groups and these groups are scattered in the communes.

- Representative of WB (Mr. Son and Mr. Hung):

+ The line has a number of locations crossing the lake (Dau Tieng lake, ...),

however, the sub-project is designed while crossing the lake with no construction

of pillars in the lake bed. Therefore, it has almost no effect on local water

sources.

+ We hope to receive the support of the province and departments for the project

to implement smoothly and on schedule.

March

15,

2021

Discussion

meeting at Dak

Nong DONRE

8 participants included:

+ Representative of DONRE

Discussion content.

- Planned location and scale of the sub-project implemented in the province.



Date Engagement

Activity


+ Representative of Environmental

Protection Agency – DONRE

+ Representative of Planning

Department – DONRE

+ Representative Land Registration

Department – DONRE

+ Representative of Ethnic

Committee

+ Representative of Land

development center


- Social and environmental policies of the government and the World Bank.

- Project social and environmental documents (ESMF, RPF, EMPF, ESCP, SEP,

LMP).

- Issues of environment, nature, society, and ethnic minorities need attention

when implementing the sub-project in the province.

Comments.

- DONRE (Mr. Vo Van Minh):

+ The project is planning to use World Bank loans, has a detailed process, it is

expect that the project to consider and study the project's support level for

affected people's damage to be higher or at least equal to the unit price and

support level of the province

+ Currently, the province is planning to develop wind and solar energy, the

project will assist in offloading the area.

- Planning department- DONRE (Mr. Nguyen Khac Huy):

+ Study the direction of the tranmission line to avoid sensitive areas and nature

reserves as much as possible

+ Study on adequate compensation policy according to the policies of the

Government and WB

- Land Registration Department - DONRE (Mr. Nguyen Viet The):

+ For residential land, during the implementation process, project owners are

required to consider and support special cases that may arise in accordance with

the actual situation in the locality.

March

16,

2021

Discussion

meeting at Dak

Lak DONRE


+ Representative of Branch of Land

Administration – DONRE



Discussion content.




LMP).



Date Engagement

Activity


+ Representative of Ethnic

Committee

+ Representative of Land

development center




Comments.

- Environmental Protection Agency (Mr. Nguyen Hoang Tung):

+ Environmental and social policy frameworks and documents are established in

accordance with the law and World Bank standards, and the locality supports

these policy frameworks and documents.

+ As for the preliminary environmental assessment, such a preliminary

environmental assessment is fine in the project preparation phase.

- Branch of Land Administration (Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan):

+ During project implementation, it is recommended that the project owner study

the differences in policy frameworks.

March

16,

2021

Discussion

meeting at Dong

Nai DONRE







Discussion content.




LMP).



Comments.

- Branch of Land Administration (Mr. Nguyen Hong Que):

+ Support the policy of project implementation to ensure electricity supply for

socio-economic development for the region

+ Land acquisition, site clearance and resettlement need to harmonize policies of

Vietnam and the World Bank to ensure the implementation of compensation and

resettlement for all projects in the province.



Date Engagement

Activity


+. The project needs to report to DONRE in arcordance to the project schedule

and to update land use plan and submit to Provincial People's Council for

approval before implementation

+ The legal framework for compensation and resettlement needs to clearly state 3

contents: legal basis for implementation, compensation for land (land for tower

foundations, land) in ROW and support policies.

- Environmental Protection Agency (Ms. Luong Thị Thu Hang):

+ The 500kV Bac Chau Duc sub-project of the 500kV Bac Chau Duc substation

pasing through Dong Nai province is within 2 provinces (Dong Nai and Ba Ria -

Vung Tau), it is necessary to prepare an EIA and submit it to the Ministry of

Natural Resources and Environment for approval according to Vietnam’s laws

and regulation regulations

+ The project implementation area in Dong Nai province is mainly Kinh people,

almost no ethnic minorities.

March

17,

2021

Discussion

meeting at Binh

Phuoc DONRE







Discussion content.




LMP).



Comments.

- Environmental Protection Agency (Mr. Vo Van Dinh):

+ Route of the 500kV Krong Buk - Tay Ninh 1 tranmisison shown has meet the

environmental requirements when avoiding sensitive areas in the province (Cat

Tien National Park and Bu Gia Map National Park)

+ For the specific environmental impacts are studied and carefully considered in

the following stage.



Date Engagement

Activity


- Representative of Branch of Land Administration (Mr. Nguyen Khac

Diep):

+ For those who are not eligible for compensation, the province has issued

Decision No.31/2020/QD-UBND dated 7/12/2020, which will consider the

conditions for support.

+ Local authorities recommend to use the policy and unit price issued by the

Provincial People's Committee to harmonize and ensure compensation and site

clearance for all projects in the province

- Branch of Land Administration (Mr. Vuong Van Hao):

+ The WB policy is to bring benefits to affected people. Proposing the World

Bank to study harmoniously the policies of the project.

Note: Discuss in writing is a two-way communication between PMB, the consultant and stakeholders.



LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND MINUTES OF CONSULTATION MEETING