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According to World Bank, the objective of this project is to create the digital foundations that increase access to and adoption of digital services, supporting Nepal’s resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The project seeks to expand access to broadband in project areas, to improve the capacity of individuals and businesses to engage in the digital economy, and to enhance the foundations for digital government.
ENVIRONMENT RISK RATING
The project activities to be financed include civil works related to enhancement of broadband infrastructure, deployment of high-speed broadband networks based on fiber optic cable or advanced wireless technologies to facilitate remote work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and upgrading middle-mile network infrastructure. In addition, a global standard national cyber security center(NCSC) will be established and technical assistance will be provided to conduct feasibility study for establishing an IT Park. The government will construct four data centers (physical infrastructure considered as “associated facilities” for the Project) where the Project will finance supply and installation of IT and ancillary equipment. The environmental risks and impacts are expected to be site-specific, short-term, and reversible. Potential environmental impacts include: (i) soil removal and vegetation clearance for the construction of the new data centers, cyber security center and for the deployment of fiber optic cables; (ii) generation of solid waste from residual construction materials; (iii) management and disposal of electronic waste (E- waste) as a result of the decommission of old equipment which includes unused e-gadgets, fibers and electronic wires; and (iv) nuisance related to dust generation, vibration and noise during construction activities. Waste management and safe disposal of construction debris as well as managing construction impacts, including change in traffic patterns impacting road safety conditions and access, dust, noise and vibration will be important during the construction phase. E-waste will be generated during the operational phase as a result of the decommissioning of old equipment which includes unused e-gadgets, fibers and electronic wires during operation phase.
Some of the project's activities might also be carried out in areas hosting vulnerable and indigenous populations, thus a framework to guide their inclusion into project benefits will be required.
World Bank
Team Leader: Siddhartha Raja,Senior Digital Development Specialist
Borrower/Client/Recipient
Ministry of Finance:
Ishwori Prasad Aryal,
Joint Secretary, IECCD
iaryal@mof.gov.np
Implementing Agencies
Nepal Telecommunications Authority:
Surendra Lal Hada
Director, Infrastructure Division slhada@nta.gov.np
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
To submit an information request for project information, you will have to create an account to access the Access to Information request form. You can learn more about this process at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/access-to-information/request-submission
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK
The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint