This component will finance hydrographic surveying (by Airborne Laser Bathymetry (ALB) and vessel-based Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) surveys) and maritime charts focusing on the four target islands to significantly improve the safety of navigation.1 In addition to hydrographic surveying services, the component will finance contractor management services, as well as seabed mounted tide gauges and current meters in certain locations in each target outer island. The component is especially important as it is a precursor to, and will directly inform, the design of the maritime works in Sub-Components 2.1 and 2.2. In addition to digital chart production, and accessible bathymetric data that can be used across Government, the component will improve the hydrographic institutional capacity. To increase transfer of knowledge, the activities will also aim at exposing MICTTD staff to experiences during the delivery of all outputs that will increase hydrographic capacity and long-term self-sufficiency. Notwithstanding the

safety benefits to maritime transport, the hydrographic surveying will lead to more climate resilient spatial planning by having a detailed baseline from which to monitor the impacts of climate change on lagoon marine resources, reefs and coastline2.

Activities to be financed under this component include: (a) technical engineering studies, including climate resilience measures, and preparation of bidding documents for project related activities; (b) preparation of environmental and social safeguards instruments; (c) execution of civil works; (d) supervision of civil works; (e) maintenance of project assets; (f) third-party technical audits; and (g) third-party environmental, social, and security audits of the civil works. Activities will include on-the-job training of unskilled labor living in the project area in charge of carrying out project rehabilitation works and GoK routine maintenance.

This component will strengthen MICTTD and MISE’s institutional and regulatory functions for transport sector asset management, systematically increasing the sustainability of the climate resilient transport sector investments. The component will also provide project management and operational support to KOITIIP and KFSU.

Following an eligible crisis or emergency, the Recipient may request the Association to re-allocate project funds to support emergency response and reconstruction. This component would draw from the uncommitted resources under the project from other project components to cover emergency response. A CERC Project Operations Manual, acceptable to the Association, for the implementation of the Contingency Emergency Response Plan, will be prepared and constitute a disbursement condition for thiscomponent.