Investigative reports carried on by SEMC (Studies and Economic Media Center) revealed incidences of damage happened to agricultural environment and farmers, caused by some World Bank’s funded projects.
In a press conference entitled “World Bank Projects: Between rural development and environmental hazards” held today, the center clarified that some of these projects aren’t in parallel with the environmental effect policy which is adopted by the bank, and is a pre-requisite to financing any project.
SEMC Chairman, Mr. Mustafa Nasr emphasized that these investigations; supervised by the center, comes within its goals of enhancing transparency and good governance, and enhancement of monitoring over such projects. He pointed out that these efforts included field visits into 3 major projects financed by the World Bank, and revealed the un-commitment in treatment of environmental damages and compensations of those affected by these projects.
The investigative team, which carried these efforts presented its stages and showed photos of damages caused to inhabitants, at which works of drilling swept parts of their agricultural lands and are now in danger of drifting. The team pointed out that the sweep of these lands during drills, and leaving them without supporting (protective) walls puts them in danger of drifting when raining or what else.
Investigations included testimonies by inhabitants who were damaged and didn’t get deserved compensations which are guaranteed by the Yemeni law.
SEMC concluded that the Yemeni government doesn’t abide to criteria and conditions of environmental effects when carrying projects, and it’s considered an environmental crime according to law which fines those guilty to and binds them to repair damages. According to investigations, responsibility mainly falls on the implementing governmental body, which is the Rural Access Program – RAP.
The team also added that the “World bank, with regard to the resettlement policy, demands the government to provide compensations to affected people on basis of full remuneration compared to losses in assets, which didn’t happen at the concerned projects.”
Investigations took place in projects of Misrakh – Akommat Hubaish road, Akommat Hubaish – Enbian road in Taiz governorate, and in Thala’a – Amran road.
This press conference was attended by Mr. Abdulhakim Al-Aghbari, World Bank’s MENA Senior Highway Engineer, and Mr. Ibahim Al-Harazi, Media Coordinator of World Bank’s office in Yemen, in addition to Mr. Yahya Al-Beshari, Vice-Chairman of Rural Access Program.
COMMENTS