According to the Bank’s website, the objective of this project is to enhance water security and increase the adaptation of the population to climate change in selected provinces of Chad.

Due to Chad's climate-driven water variability and reliance on water-based livelihoods, a comprehensive approach (a platform) is vital for tackling water security and climate risks. The Project integrates infrastructure, reforms, and NBS to boost resilience and sustainable development. It aims to widen access to water services, develop rainwater harvesting infrastructure, safeguard water resources at the sub-basin level and help reduce drought and flood impacts. Key reforms will improve the performance and sustainability of the urban utility (STE) and domestic private sector in rural areas. The mutually reinforcing investments in NBS and operational capacity, strengthening the basis for ecological and financial sustainability. This comprehensive platform for engagement is the steppingstone to building durability and provides opportunities for varied implementation.

In line with Water Forward, the project will be foundational by combining infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and social resilience. It aims to: (i) expand drinking water and sanitation access in urban and rural areas; (ii) create multi-purpose water infrastructure; and (iii) restore watersheds for sustainable resources and livelihoods. Activities are planned with conflict sensitivity to strengthen social cohesion and prevent violence primarily in provinces affected by refugee influx. The project supports local conflict management related to natural resources, addressing the impacts of climate change, land degradation, and supporting communities affected by the Sudan crisis.The Project is part of the government program that covers all 23 provinces of Chad. Given the water access challenges across the country and the strong interest of all provinces in participating in the Project, some provinces outside the focus areas may benefit from minor investments, such as rural wells, to promote social cohesion. Future resources from other development partners will help scale up investments in these areas.

The Project has adopted a targeted and phased approach to geographic prioritization. Initial provinces have been selected based on the following criteria: level of access to water service, quantity and reliability of water resources, displaced populations in the area, availability of technical studies and investment readiness, climate change exposure, continuity with past sector investments, and alignment with government priorities. On this basis, the Project will primarily focus on the four refugee hosting provinces of Ennedi East, Wadi Fira, Ouaddai and Sila. The Project will then prioritize the other neighboring provinces that can also potentially host refugees for integration Ennedi West, Batha, Borkou, and Bahr El Gazel and Tibesti. N'Djamena has also been selected as a government priority with limited safe drinking water access, significant climate vulnerability, and technical studies available.

The environmental and social risk rating is substantial for this project. Risks and potential impacts during the construction phase may include: (i) increased pollution due to the generation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, dust, noise, vibration, and accidental spills of fuel and lubricants; (ii) traffic accident, (iii) impacts on the ecosystem, and (iv) occupational and community health and safety issues. The main social risks relate to: (i) potential economic displacement and restriction on land use and access to natural resources; (ii) security related risks in project areas that are in insecure, or in hard to access zones; (iii) possible exclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including youth and women from water services and the labor works/income generating activities; (iv) potential social tensions on water and sanitation services use. SEA/SH is also a concern overall in Chad, and in particular in refugee/IDP situations. The risks and impacts are localized, site-specific and can be managed by appropriate assessment and mitigation measures.

Total Project Cost: US$ 160.00 million
IDA Grant: US$ 155.50 million
Africa Climate Change Program: US$ 4.50 million

CONTACT POINT - World Bank

Task Team Leader: Taibou Adamou Maiga
Title: Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist
Email: tmaiga@worldbank.org

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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