Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

• Frequent and regular disclosure of Project employment and procurement
information and transparent communication on hiring policies amongst
local communities, beginning in the construction phase and continuing
through operation.
Recommended enhancement measures are designed to increase the extent of
positive employment and economic impacts within the local area and region.
Furthermore, by implementing a transparent and well-communicated
recruitment and training programme, the Project can help mitigate negative
perceptions among local stakeholders, who may be sensitive about availability
of local opportunities.
Through these measures, therefore, the residual positive impacts to local
employment and economic activity could be as high as major.
8.11.3 Decommissioning
Implementation of the following mitigation measures shall begin during
operation, in order for them to be in effect by the time decommissioning is
underway. The mitigation measures shall have a strong focus around capacity
building and investment in economic development and diversification of the
region, thus having long-lasting effects. Recommendations are similar to
those presented for demographic impacts; this is because the two impacts are
directly linked:
• Facilitate SME development in the local communities and surrounding
region;
• Work with local and regional organizations to develop credit and loan
programmes for small business development;
• Invest in infrastructure development that will support a strong SME
environment;
• Identify and facilitate training opportunities for the local workforce to
participate in other job sectors;
• Provide training to the local and regional workforce on career
development and management of personal finances;
• Provide training to local and regional contractors on effective business
management; and
• Support sustainable development and implementation of new
technologies in local agricultural production.
The recommended mitigation measures will help to develop the capacity of
small and medium enterprises in the region, and prepare them for survival
AZURA EDO IPP
8-22
DRAFT EIA REPORT