ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE COMPETITIVE GRANTS AWARDEES

DISCLOSURE NOTICE
The Government of Malawi is implementing the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project with financial and technical support from the World Bank through the International Development Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”). The SAVE Project is financed through a national resource envelope of US$100 million provided by the Association over a five-year period. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase equitable access to market-relevant skills in priority areas of the economy, particularly for females and vulnerable youth. The Project development Objective (PDO) is operationalized through the following three core components:

2.2 Increased Access to Market-oriented TEVET Programs through Competitive Grants
2.3 Increased Equity in Formal TEVET through Bursary
3.2 TEVET System Strengthening

Accordingly, this notice serves to inform all interested and affected persons/parties, as well as the general public, of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) that has been prepared to manage potential environmental and social risks associated with the construction component of the Project. The construction of various infrastructure at the selected Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) (refer to the attached list) institutions is designed to increase access to TEVET programmes, particularly for vulnerable groups, including women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), in technical and hard skills.

In compliance with both the national regulatory frameworks and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), the project has been designed to maximize its positive environmental and social outcomes while minimizing adverse impacts. This was achieved through comprehensive environmental and social assessments that culminated in the development of this ESMP.

The environmental and social assessment identified and evaluated the potential impacts that may arise from the project. It proposed appropriate enhancement measures for positive impacts and mitigation measures for negative ones, while also outlining a monitoring plan to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the recommended actions.

Environmental and Social Impacts
Positive Environmental and Social Impacts
The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has identified several positive outcomes that are expected to result from the implementation of the construction activities under the SAVE Project. One of the primary positive impacts is the anticipated increase in student intake at the selected TEVET institutions, which will improve equitable access to technical and vocational education. The project will also create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labourers in the local communities during the construction phase, thereby contributing to local economic development.

Moreover, the project will enhance the institutional capacity of administrative and academic staff through improved infrastructure and facilities. Modernised technical educational infrastructure will support better delivery of training programmes and enable students to gain more practical and hands-on experience. This, in turn, will improve the employability of graduates and contribute to a more skilled and productive workforce aligned with market demands. The cumulative effect of these benefits is the strengthening of Malawi’s human capital base in priority economic sectors.

Negative Environmental and Social Impacts
Despite the positive impacts, the ESMP also outlines a range of potential adverse environmental and social effects associated with the construction phase of the project. These include increased air pollution due to dust emissions from construction activities, which may affect both human health and the surrounding environment. Noise pollution is also expected to rise as a result of the use of heavy machinery and construction equipment. There is a potential for soil and water contamination resulting from the improper handling and possible spillage of oils, fuels, and other hazardous substances.

The construction activities pose a risk of accidents and injuries to workers and members of surrounding communities. There is also the risk of increased generation of solid waste, which, if poorly managed, could lead to environmental degradation and health hazards. The influx of construction vehicles and equipment may result in increased traffic congestion around the project sites, presenting safety concerns, particularly for staff and students at the institutions.

Additionally, teaching and learning activities may be disrupted due to noise, dust, and movement of construction equipment. The project may also exacerbate social risks such as gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), and the use of child and forced labour. If labour standards are not effectively enforced, there is a risk of discriminatory and unsafe working conditions for construction workers.

Cultural and social sensitivities may also be affected, especially where construction takes place near graveyards or sacred sites, which could be disturbed during burial ceremonies. Environmental impacts may include deterioration of air quality, especially from emissions at livestock training facilities such as Khola, and an increase in odours from animal waste. Construction activities may lead to increased water and electricity consumption, placing a strain on local utility services. Furthermore, land disturbance could result in soil erosion and sedimentation, while vegetation clearance may lead to habitat loss and adverse impacts on local flora and fauna.

These potential negative impacts highlight the need for stringent mitigation and monitoring measures to be put in place throughout the project lifecycle.

Management and Monitoring Plan
To address the identified environmental and social risks, a comprehensive Management and Monitoring Plan has been developed. This Plan outlines specific mitigation and enhancement measures and includes an implementation budget of MWK 85,350,000.00 across all participating institutions. The Plan provides clear responsibilities and timelines for the execution of these measures, ensuring that they are practical and enforceable.

In addition, the ESMP includes annexed tools designed to address specific social risks. These are the GBV Risk Mitigation and Management Plan, Code of Conduct for Contractors and Workers, Child Safety Management Plan, and Traffic Management Plan. These instruments are intended to guide contractors, local authorities, and other stakeholders in maintaining high standards of environmental and social safeguards.

Implementation Arrangements
The implementation of the ESMP will be carried out through existing institutional arrangements at national, regional, district, and site levels. These include the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the TEVET Authority, District Councils, and other relevant national competent authorities such as the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA), the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Education. At the institutional level, primary responsibility for the implementation of site-specific measures rests with the contracted construction firms.

Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring of the ESMP will be conducted by the PIU and the Environmental Affairs Department (EAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, local councils, municipalities, and relevant district authorities. Monitoring will be conducted through site visits, document reviews, and progress assessments. The frequency of monitoring and reporting will be monthly and will vary depending on the stage of project implementation and the severity of the associated risks. Monitoring efforts will be coordinated with the World Bank and national oversight entities to ensure compliance with applicable safeguards.

Access to the ESMP
The Environmental and Social Management Plan for the project site has been submitted to the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and the World Bank and is now available for public consultation. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to review the ESMP and submit written observations or concerns.

The ESMP report is available at the following locations for public reference:

Secretary for Labour
Ministry of Labour
Private Bag 344,
Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

The Executive Director
TEVET Authority
Private Bag B406
Capital City, Lilongwe 3

SAVE Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
HB House, Chilambula Road,
Ministry of Labour, Private Bag,
Lilongwe, Malawi

Public Disclosure and Feedback

The TEVET Authority invites all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the public disclosure process by reviewing the ESMP at the above locations and submitting any observations no later than 30 June 2026. Submissions and inquiries should be directed to:

The Executive Director
TEVET Authority,
Private Bag B406,
Capital City,
Lilongwe 3
Email: tevet@tevetamw.com
Copy: lchimimba@tevetamw.com
Phone Number:     +(265) 999 971 468 / +265 888 207 560

We look forward to your participation in this public disclosure.

 

LIST OF INSTITUTIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION 

Sr. No	COLLEGE NAME	DISTRICT		PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE
1.	Andiamo Technical College	Balaka		Girl’s hostel
2.	Ezondweni Community Technical College	Mzimba		·        Girl’s Hostel ·        ICT Lab
3.	Kapondo Community Technical College	Mchinji		·        Motorcycle Mechanics Block ·        Plumbing Workshop ·        Tailoring and Fashion design
4.	Kasama Community Technical College	Chitipa		·        Girls Hostel ·        Motorcycle Mechanics Block ·        Dining and Kitchen
5.	Kasungu Community Skills Development Centre	Kasungu		·        Girls Hostel ·        Administration Block ·        ICT laboratory ·        Tailoring and Fashion Design Block
6.	MACODA Technical College	Lilongwe		·        Girls Hostel ·        Plumbing Workshop
7.	Mangochi Community Technical College	Mangochi		·        Girls Hostel
8.	Mburunji Community Skills Development Centre	Rumphi		·        Administration Block ·        Plumbing Block ·        Carpentry and Joinery Workshop
9.	Miracle Technical Institute	Karonga		·        Four in One (Electrical & Electronics Lab, ICT Lab, Hatchery & Classroom Block)
10.	Mthiransembe Community Skills Development Centre	Ntchisi		·        Girls hostel ·        Carpentry &Joinery Workshop
11.	Ntchisi Community Skills Development Centre	Ntchisi		·        Administration Block ·        ICT Laboratory ·        Fabrication and Welding Block
12	Phwezi Technical College	Rumphi		·        Girls Hostel
13.	Solar Energy And Ecology Institute	Nkhata-Bay		·        Digital Fabrication lab
14.	Sonda Community Skills Development Centre	Mzimba		·        ICT Laboratory ·        Carpentry & Joinery Workshop
15.	SOS Technical College	Lilongwe		·        Agro-Processing Warehouse

 

A full report on this can be found on www.tevetamw.com/download