The Request raises several concerns related to the Bank-financed Project. The allegations include partial or full demolitions of residential and commercial properties, as well as loss of land, without prior notice or a transparent process and lack of fair or proper compensation, resulting in loss of livelihood, assets, and indebtedness. The Request also alleges a negative impact on the affected community’s health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it alleges lack of participation, consultation, and information disclosure on Project design and the resettlement process.
The Request claims that the Project’s drainage alignment underwent successive changes without consultation, prior notice, or public communication. According to the Request, families who had either lived, farmed, or owned property on the affected land for many years, some for over 30 years, had not been impacted by the original alignment but, when the alignment was altered later, they became affected without being warned or consulted.
The Request further alleges that, despite multiple visits by the Project team, some affected people never received notice or a formal compensation proposal, nor were they presented with any agreement documents to sign. The Request claims that others were reportedly pressured to sign agreements after losing land or having their homes demolished, but that these agreements have remained incomplete or poorly implemented.
The Request also claims that some affected persons have allegedly experienced verbal pressure and threats from local representatives asking them to withdraw or “remain quiet” about their cases. It also states that some are fearful of administrative retaliation that could deny them licenses, documentation and municipal support.
The Panel is currently reviewing the Request to determine its admissibility as per the Panel’s mandate and operating procedures.
