Weza Power Phase B - Lot 3

MIGA is providing a guarantee for equity and quasi-equity investments from Anzana Electric Group (formerly Virunga Power, the Guarantee Holder) into Weza Power (the Project Enterprise or company), as part of Phase A of the Burundi Electrification Program. This program is a public-private partnership between AEG and the Government of Burundi.

The MIGA guarantee has been in effect since December 20, 2024, with a tenor of up to three years and was issued to cover Phase A of the Burundi Electrification Program. Phase A comprised the initial development activities such as feasibility studies, technical design, environmental and social assessments, permitting processes, and the establishment of Weza Power as the project company.

As Phase A activities near completion, the Burundi Electrification Program is preparing to advance into Phase B, which marks the pilot implementation phase. Phase B aims to rehabilitate and extend the national electricity distribution network, targeting 55,000 households outside urban and semi-urban areas. To support this next stage, the Guarantee Holder, Anzana Electric Group (or the Group) has requested an amendment to the current MIGA guarantee, expanding its coverage beyond Phase A to include construction and rehabilitation activities for Lot 3 sub-project (Poste Sud–Ijenda) under Phase B (the Project).

Phase B includes four sub-projects (“Lots”): Bubanza (Lot 1), Gitega/Mwaro/Muramvya (Lot 2), Poste Sud–Ijenda (Lot 3), and Muyinga/Karuzi/Ngozi (Lot 4). This Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) specifically addresses the proposed amendment for Lot 3. Additional guarantee for the other Lots under Phase B may be considered in the future, subject to separate environmental and social due diligence.

For Lot 3, the project will install approximately 217 kilometers (km) of new low voltage (LV) lines and on the medium voltage (MV) network, the Project will add about 174 km of new lines, rehabilitate 18.7 km of existing lines, and reroute 14 km. Right‑of‑way (RoW) requirements will follow national practice, with a width of around 15 meters (m) for MV lines and 3 m for LV lines, including land‑use restrictions to maintain safe clearances. Upon completion, approximately 10,400 new customers are expected to be connected to the grid. The construction is expected to start in January 2026 and planned for a period of 13 months. Temporary facilities such as worker camps, batching areas, and laydown sites will be established during the detailed design phase. 

IFC is supporting Phases A and B through its Collaboration and Co-development (CnC) business line, while the World Bank is financing Weza Power as part of Component 3 of the ASCENT Burundi project (P181494), approved in June 2024.

The original MIGA guarantee for Phase A was categorized as Category C, given the minimal E&S risk profile of Phase A activities. With the proposed amendment to cover Lot 3 under Phase B, the Project is now classified as Category B, under MIGA’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2013). The Project is expected to have potentially limited adverse environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts that are site‑specific, largely reversible, and readily addressed through mitigation measures.

Key risks and impacts during construction and operation include: (i) land acquisition and resettlement, involving economic displacement of approximately 300  Project Affected People (PAPs); (ii) biodiversity impacts (bird or primate electrocution); (iii) soil instability and erosion risks, with high susceptibility to landslides; (iv) labor and working conditions, including occupational health and ; (v) community health and safety (during construction and operation) and risks related to gender‑based violence; (vi) pollution-related impacts such as generation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, noise, wastewater and air emissions. Additional considerations include traffic management, emergency preparedness and response, and end‑of‑life management of materials. 

While all Performance Standards (PSs) are applicable to this Project, based on our current information, the Project will have impacts which must be managed in a manner consistent with the following Performance Standards:

• PS 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
• PS 2: Labor and Working Conditions
• PS 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
• PS 4: Community Health, Safety and Security
• PS 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
• PS 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
• PS 7: Indigenous Peoples

PS 8 Cultural Heritage is not triggered, given the low likelihood of encountering cultural heritage during construction of Lot 3 given the predominantly agricultural and semi-developed nature of the Project area. A chance find procedure will be developed to manage any potential discoveries.

In addition, the following World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are applicable to the Project:

• General EHS Guidelines (2007)
• Electric Power Transmission and Distribution (2007)

The following key documents were reviewed by MIGA: 

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025
• Environmental and Social Management Plan for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025
• E&S management framework for Burundi Electrification Program, August 2025
• Indigenous peoples planning framework for Burundi Electrification Program, August 2025
• Stakeholder engagement framework for Burundi Electrification Program, August 2025
• Resettlement policy framework for Burundi Electrification Program, August 2025
• Environmental and Social Management Plan for Burundi Electrification Program, September 2024
• Virunga Power’s E&S policies and procedures, December 2024

In addition to the document review, MIGA has been supporting Anzana Electric Group and Weza Power during Phase A which since January 2025 and has held regular meetings with key E&S staff from Anzana Electric Group, Weza Power and E&S consultants. 

MIGA’s due diligence review considered the E&S management planning process and documentation for the Project and identified gaps (if any) between these and MIGA’s requirements. Where necessary, corrective measures, intended to close these gaps within a reasonable time period, are summarized in the paragraphs that follow and, in the E&S Action Plan (ESAP) attached to this ESRS. Through the implementation of these measures, the Project is expected to be designed and operated in accordance with the Performance Standards. Key E&S issues associated with the Project business activities are summarized in the paragraphs that follow.

PS1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

Weza Power’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), is underpinned by a set of policies, which sets out the company’s commitment to E&S sustainability, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. The ESMS is operationalized through suite of management plans and procedures (currently under development). Weza Power has also developed an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) that serves as an umbrella instrument that establishes the principles, processes and tools for identifying, assessing and managing potential E&S risks and impacts associated with the Burundi Electrification Program, guiding how future site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and management plans will be developed and implemented  once subprojects are identified.  The EMSF is supported by an Environmental and Social Management plan (ESMP) resettlement policy framework (RPF), stakeholder engagement framework (SEF) and Indigenous Peoples Plan framework (IPPF).

An ESIA was prepared in August 2025 for the Poste Sud-Ijenda (Lot 3) sub-project and is overall aligned with PS requirements. The ESIA will be revised, and additional socio-economic and environmental baseline information will be undertaken for the Mukike and Mutambu communes (ESAP #1).

The ESIA includes a project-level ESMP that adapts and contextualizes the ESMF’s overarching ESMP, detailing the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures as well as defining the respective responsibilities of Weza Power and the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor. The ESMP identifies the management plans to be developed for the Project. The EPC contractor will be required to prepare a construction environmental and social management plan (C-ESMP), that consolidates the Project specific management plans and procedures, including occupational health and safety (OHS) plan, waste management plan, traffic management plan and emergency preparedness and response plan, tailored to the site conditions and construction activities (ESAP #2).

Organizational capacity for E&S management is established at both the Anzana Electric Group and Weza Power levels. Weza has a dedicated Health, Safety and Environmental and Social (HSES department led by the HSES Director and two HSES officers, four Community Liaison Officers (CLO) and a Security coordinator. The department is supported by two HSES leads from Anzana Group. The EPC contractor and its sub-contractors will be required to establish their own E&S team with adequate capacity to implement and monitor site-specific E&S measures (ESAP #3).  

Weza Power has developed an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying, preventing and managing potential emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, electrocutions, natural disasters, labor unrest and medical incidents. Key elements include regular drills and the provision of emergency response equipment. The EPRP requires the EPC contractor to prepare and implement a construction-phase EPRP that is aligned with Weza Power’s EPRP, adopting its reporting structure, communication protocols and coordination procedures with Weza Power’s E&S team. The EPC contractor will update and implement its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP), informed by a targeted community risk assessment, to identify and manage community health and safety risks associated with project electrical infrastructure. The updated EPRP will cover (i) transformer overload, fire, and lightning risks, including public communication on safe distances/exclusion zones and coordination with local emergency services; and (ii) post–heavy rainfall protocols, including establishment and maintenance of safe setbacks, monitoring of slopes and access routes, and rapid response measures to address landslide and wash-out risks to protect communities, infrastructure, and public access (ESAP #4).

Monitoring and review are included in the Project-level ESMP. The EPC contractor is required to carry out self-monitoring and submit monthly E&S reports covering non-conformities, corrective measures and others. The C-ESMP will define the parameters to be monitored, frequency and by whom (ESAP #2). In addition, Weza Power will also carry out routine inspections and audits. 

The ESMF includes a Stakeholder Engagement Framework that serves as the overarching strategy for guiding stakeholder identification, engagement and communication across sub-projects under the Burundi Electrification Program. Stakeholder Engagement was undertaken as part of the ESIA consultation with administrative and sectoral authorities at both the provincial and communal levels as well as REGIDESO (the water and electricity utility company) and the NGO UNIPROBA, who represents the Batwa between March and April 2025. A tailored Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been developed for Lot 3 as part of the ESIA. The SEP includes a Stakeholder Communication and Engagement Plan that outlines engagement methods such as public meetings, focus groups discussions, interviews, and dedicated consultations, supported by local committees and CLOs, with specific engagement approaches designed for  for vulnerable groups (women, Batwa, youth, elderly, disabled). 

The SEP includes an external Grievance procedure that outlines the process for receiving, investigating and resolving grievances from communities and external stakeholders. To operationalize the SEP, the EPC contractor will include site-specific stakeholder engagement procedures and grievance mechanism in the C-ESMP (ESAP #2). Grievances (including those received by contractor staff or community representatives) will be recorded, tracked and reported to Weza Power. 

Weza Power will prepare and implement a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan for obsolete or rerouted transmission lines. The plan will outline the approach for safe removal, disposal, and site restoration to mitigate risks to communities. This will include confirmation of whether any lines remain energized and the application of appropriate safety controls during decommissioning activities (ESAP #2).

The ESMF requires sub-projects to undergo screening to identify potential impacts on cultural heritage. Where such impacts are identified, the site-specific ESIA must include an assessment of cultural heritage  and propose mitigation measures. The ESMF stipulates inclusion of a chance find procedure in the C-ESMP (ESAP #2) and emphasizes early and continuous consultation with local communities, traditional authorities and cultural institutions to identify and document sites of cultural heritage. The Project ESIA found no known archeological, historical or cultural sites within the distribution route. The risk of encountering cultural heritage during construction is considered low given the predominantly agricultural and semi-developed nature of the Project area.

PS2: Labor and Working Conditions

The Project will employ a peak construction workforce of approximately 400 workers. Most workers will be hired locally, while technical staff will be recruited from other parts of the country and abroad. Workers from outside the area will reside in mobile camps, local accommodation or commute from Bujumbura. During operations, a smaller team will be retained for ongoing maintenance. 

Weza Power has established: (i) a Human Resources (HR) policy aligned with national labor legislation and PS 2 requirements. The HR policy addresses key labor principles, including the right of workers to form or join organizations, non-discrimination and equal opportunity, and the protection of the workforce through the prohibition of child and forced labor; and (ii) Code of Conduct Policy that defines expected behaviors and ethical standards for all workers. Together, the two policies form the foundation of Weza Power’s Human Resources Management system (HRMS). 

As stipulated in the ESMF, Weza Power’s HRMS will comprise a set of policies and be operationalized through plans and procedures including a Labor Management Plan that describes worker recruitment, working conditions, terms of employment and retrenchment. Weza Power workers receive a written employment contract. Noting that the EPC contractor will be responsible for recruitment and that most of the workforce will consist of contracted workers, Weza Power requires contractors to develop and implement a Labor Management Plan (ESAP #5) as part of the C-ESMP consistent with PS 2 and Weza Power’s HR and Code of Conduct Policy. 

Weza Power has a Gender-Based Violence & Harassment (GBVH) management procedure, that prohibits GBVH and aims to safeguard rights of all individuals in relation to the company, including staff, contractors, suppliers and community members. The procedure includes definitions, guiding principles, roles and responsibilities, and a survivor-centered grievance mechanism dedicated to cases related to GBVH.  

A Workers Accommodation Management Plan will be developed for temporary accommodation during construction, aligned with the IFC/EBRD Guidance Note on Workers Accommodation (ESAP #5).

Weza Power has developed an Employee Relations and Internal Grievance Procedure that applies to Weza Power workers and outlines the process for lodging and resolving complaints, including the option to submit anonymous grievances. Under this procedure, contractors will be required to maintain their own internal Grievance Redress Mechanism (ESAP #5) but contracted workers may also access Weza Power’s External Grievance mechanism.

Weza Power has adopted an Occupational Health and Safety Policy that establishes the company’s commitment to workplace safety, protecting employees, contractors and surrounding communities operationalized through an OHS management system that includes hazard identification and risk management, incident reporting and documentation, hazardous chemicals management, personal protective equipment. The EPC contractor will establish an OHS management plan as part of the C-ESMP and applicable to both own staff and sub-contractors, that will include controls and measures for high-risk activities such as lifting, working at heights, remote work and will include task-specific safety training requirements (ESAP #2).

The ESMS also includes a Contractor and Supplier HSE procedure with standard contract clauses, due diligence, and provisions for reporting, and monitoring of contractor HSE performance. 

PS3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention

The Project is expected to emit greenhouse gases equivalent of less than 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. 

Water use during construction will be moderate and sourced from suppliers or permitted wells. Water consumption will be monitored and optimized to prevent adverse impacts on local users and the environment as part of the ESMP. A Resource management plan will be prepared as part of the C-ESMP for the batching plants and labor camps, detailing licensed water sources, delivery logistics to remote sites, and protocols for community well use or compensation. It will estimate water and energy needs, and define monitoring measures (ESAP #2).

During construction, Weza Power’s activities are expected to generate temporary air emissions, noise, and a potential risk of soil contamination. These impacts will be managed through the implementation of standard pollution prevention and control measures included in the C-ESMP. Air and noise emissions will be minimized through regular equipment maintenance, dust suppression, and restricting noisy activities to daytime hours. As part of the C-ESMP, the EPC contractor will be required to develop a Hazardous Materials and Spill Prevention and Response Plan (ESAP #2). Erosion control measures are essential in Burundi’s hilly terrain to minimize sedimentation of streams and protect water quality. The EPC contractor will prepare and implement a Soil Quality and Erosion Management Plan, to prevent soil contamination and control sediment-laden runoff during earthworks and reinstatement (ESAP #2).

During construction, the Project’s C-ESMP will also include a Waste Management Plan (ESAP #2) that identifies the waste streams and outlines requirements for the handling, storage, transport and disposal of solid (non-hazardous and hazardous) waste and liquid effluents. Non-hazardous solid waste will be segregated at source, collected by a licensed third-party, and transported to approved disposal or recycling facilities. Hazardous waste, including used oils, solvents, and sulphur haxafluoride (SF₆) gas from electrical equipment, will be securely stored and handled exclusively by licensed service providers for treatment and disposal. 

The use of pesticides for vegetation management is prohibited; only mechanical and manual clearing methods will be used. 

PS4: Community Health, Safety and Security

The main community health and safety risks associated with the construction and operation of the Project include road safety, RoW encroachment, and security management. 

Weza Power developed a Community Health, Safety and Security policy that outlines Weza’s Power commitments to protecting the health, safety and security of the communities in which it operates. It emphasizes protection of vulnerable groups, collaboration with local authorities, and regular monitoring, reporting, and training to promote community safety. In line with the Policy, the ESIA and ESMP require the EPC contractor to prepare a Project-specific community health and safety plan and a traffic management plan (ESAP #2).

In addition, Weza Power will establish a a RoW Safety and Encroachment management plan to maintain compliance with safety clearances and manage land use within the RoW. The plan will include measures for routine monitoring, coordination with local authorities and enforcement of safety requirements (ESAP #6).

Security will be provided by private security contractors. Weza Power will develop a Security Management Plan for the Project aligned with PS4 requirements and including security risk assessment, and security personnel code of conduct, in line with MIGA’s PS4 and IFC’s “Good Practice Handbook on the Use of Security Forces: Assessing and Managing Risks and Impacts” (ESAP #7). 

PS5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement

Physical and economic displacement will result from the establishment of easements for the MV (15 m wide) and LV (3 m wide) RoW, including permanent land acquisition for  MV and LV poles and transformers (approximately 1-2 m2 each) and temporary land acquisition for workers’ accommodation camp, and construction laydown areas.

The Project will not result in physical displacement or impacts on structures. Approximately 300 PAPs will be affected by economic displacement in Lot 3. Land use restrictions within the RoW will affect tree crops, plantations, and businesses. Temporary access restrictions and short-term business interruptions are likely to occur during construction.

Weza Power has tried to avoid and minimize involuntary expropriation through design changes, including rerouting lines away from densely populated areas and narrowing the RoW, thereby avoiding physical displacement and impacts on structures. Most impacts have been avoided by optimizing the route alignment along existing infrastructure corridors. 

The ESMF includes a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) that defines the guiding principles, procedures and company responsibilities for managing land acquisition, resettlement and livelihood restoration in line with national law and PS 5 requirements. The RPF commits to preparation of site specific a resettlement action plans (RAPs) for projects requiring land acquisition. The RAP will include a census and socio-economic survey of affected persons; an inventory and valuation of affected assets; an eligibility and entitlement framework aligned with the RPF; livelihood restoration and assistance measures; an implementation schedule; budget and institutional responsibilities; a grievance redress mechanism; and monitoring and evaluation plan. 

Weza Power will prepare a RAP for the Project prior to any involuntary resettlement, with compensation to be provided before the start of construction.  The RAP will also include measures to identify and support vulnerable groups through tailored engagement and targeted livelihood restoration measures, and monitoring.  The RAP consultation process will include disclosure of Weza Power’s external grievance mechanism to PAPs, providing a channel to raise concerns related to expropriation (ESAP #8). 

Weza Power will monitor the land acquisition process through the monitoring and evaluation plan and report to MIGA. An independent completion audit will be commissioned by Weza Power no later than 12 months of the completion of the land acquisition process by an independent third party, to assess among others, that the RAP has resulted in outcomes consistent with the requirements of PS 5 against baseline conditions, with corrective actions implemented where outcomes fall short (ESAP #9). 

PS6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources

The Project area is a predominantly modified landscape, consisting of cropland, eucalyptus plantations, and rural settlements, with only limited patches of natural vegetation. No direct impacts on natural habitat is expected from construction activities and there is no overlap between the Project and any legally protected or internationally recognized areas. 

Desktop analysis and the ESIA indicate the potential presence of vulnerable species within the Project’s indirect area of influence (1 km buffer zone around RoW). Prior to construction, Weza Power will conduct: (i) supplementary surveys and update the biodiversity baseline in the ESIA to confirm habitat classification, drawing on expert reviews to strengthen the assessment; (ii) Critical Habitat Assessment to confirm presence and any impacts on Critical Habitat; and (iii) where necessary, incorporate adaptive mitigation measures (ESAP #1). If Critical Habitat is confirmed, Weza Power will develop and implement a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) aligned with PS6 (ESAP #10). Weza Power has also drafted an Avian Protection Plan with requirements for avifauna mitigation measures. Measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate impacts to biodiversity during construction will be included in the C-ESMP including alien and invasive species management plan (ESAP #11). Invasive species prevention and control will follow clean-down protocols, progressive rehabilitation, and targeted management of any recorded invasive species, as outlined in the Project ESMP. 

Annual biodiversity monitoring will be conducted, with escalation pathways if sensitive species (such as endangered birds or primates) are detected. No significant impacts on priority ecosystem services are anticipated. 

PS7: Indigenous Peoples

Batwa communities in Burundi meet the criteria of Indigenous Peoples for the purposes of PS7. Batwa households are present in the Project area, including in the collines of Rwibaga, Mugongo, Narushanga, Rutambiro, Mwico, Ruvumu, Mboza, Mugira, and Kavumu. The preliminary alignment of the distribution lines may result in economic displacement of Batwa households, which will be managed in accordance with PS 5 requirements. The Batwa are integrated with other local communities, and the Project will not affect Batwa settlements, lands or natural resources under traditional ownership, nor will it require relocation of Batwa households, or impact critical cultural heritage. Therefore, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is not triggered. Dedicated engagement measures are in place as described under PS1, including Batwa representation in community committees, and Weza Power has established a Indigenous People Planning Framework with baseline, risk assessment, mitigation measures and consultation activities specific to Batwa communities. 

The following listed documentation is available electronically as PDF attachment to this ESRS at www.miga.org:

• Environmental and Social Action Plan (October 2025)
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025
• Environmental and Social Management Plan for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan for POSTE SUD-IJENDA, Arterlia, July 2025

For additional information on the Project, please contact:

Name Andrew Carter 

E-mail: andrew.carter@wezapower.com

A Broad Community Support determination is not required for the Project. 

MIGA supports its clients (as defined in MIGA Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability) in addressing environmental and social issues arising from their business activities by requiring them to set up and administer appropriate grievance mechanisms and/or procedures to address complaints from Affected Communities.

In addition, Affected Communities have unrestricted access to the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO), the independent accountability mechanism for MIGA. The CAO is mandated to address complaints from people affected by MIGA-guaranteed business activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive, with the goal of improving environmental and social project outcomes and fostering greater public accountability of MIGA.

Independent of MIGA management and reporting directly to the World Bank Group President, the CAO works to resolve complaints using a flexible, problem-solving approach through its dispute resolution arm and oversees project-level audits of MIGA’s environmental and social performance through its compliance arm.

Complaints may relate to any aspect of MIGA-guaranteed business activities that is within the mandate of the CAO. They can be made by any individual, group, community, entity, or other party affected or likely to be affected by the environmental or social impacts of a MIGA-guaranteed business activity. Complaints can be submitted to the CAO in writing to the address below:

Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman

International Finance Corporation

2121 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Room F11K-232

Washington, DC 20433 USA

Tel: 1 202 458 1973

Fax: 1 202 522 7400

E-mail: cao@worldbankgroup.org