The outcomes of the Project will be improved water ecological environment and flood control capacity in Chongzuo. Project outcomes will be assessed by using the following
indicators: (i) restoration and expansion of urban water area; (ii) improvement of water quality; (iii) increase of urban green space; and (vi) improvement of urban flood protection capacity.

Project outputs will be achieved through successful delivery of Project Components. Project Outputs will include: (i) rehabilitated lakes, rivers, wetlands, channels and their adjacent area; (ii) strengthened water quality and flood monitoring and forecasting capacity; and (iii) enhanced institutional capacity in project planning, design, implementation and evaluation.

The objective of the Project is to improve urban water environment and enhance flood protection through removing urban wastes, connecting water bodies, rehabilitating river and lake embankments, creating vegetated buffer zones in water adjacent area, constructing drainage pumping stations, and establishing a smart water information and management system. The Project has three components: (i) restoration of lakes, rivers, wetlands, channels and their adjacent areas; (ii) development of water ecological environment monitoring, control and management system; (iii) project management support and capacity building.

The NDB loan through the modality of Sovereign Project Loan will be used by the People’s Republic of China for on-lending to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The Project is estimated to be implemented over five years. People’s Government of Chongzuo Municipality will be the Project Implementation Agency. Contractors for the Project will be selected through a competitive and transparent bidding process.

The positive impacts of the Project include: (i) increased surface water supply in water-scarce areas; (ii) improved water quality and connectivity; (iii) increased wetland ecological function areas; (iv) enhanced urban flood protection capacities; (v) enhanced life safety for local residents; (vi) improved public health induced from better ecological environment and upgraded public facilities. The Project has been classified as Category “B” in line with the NDB Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and China’s environmental impact assessment regulations. Major project environmental and social impacts include dust, wastewater discharge, disposal of waste and sludge, erosion, change of modified habitats, land acquisition and compensation, occupational health and safety. These impacts are confined to project footprint and will be mitigated by adherence to requirements of E&S country system.