Dear Mr. Roche,
I have always
been saying that ADB痴 consultants play agentive role while they
engage with local communities in the project area. There are a number
of such incidents in the past. However, the recent incident that
happened in Katehrewali village is an extreme one and much more
exposing the role of ADB痴 consultants.
ADB contacted
Mr. S. Amir-ul-Hassan Zaidi along with two other consultants in
December 2004, supposedly to develop the Resettlement Action Plan
for the villages located in the west side of the main canal. According
to the ADB Senior Project Specialist, 典he participatory assessment
specialist is currently carrying out a survey of all villages that
are located in the flood-impact zone in the west of the main canal.
The need for relocation of houses will be identified based on his
findings. If found needed, than an action plan will be prepared.
Mr. S. Amir-ul-Hassan
Zaidi visited Katehrewali village on 23rd February, 2004. You probably
know this is the village that was narrowly walled in order to protect
the villagers from flooding. He accompanied some officials of WAPDA
as well. He asked villagers to inform him about their opinion on
the issue of compensation and relocation. The villagers handed him
over the written memorandum in which they emphasized on their preference
for broadening the flood protection embankment as was promised with
them. Moreover, they said if the government was unable to do it,
then they should be given full compensation of their assets according
to the rules and regulations of Asian Development Bank. They refused
to get the compensation that was given to other villages in the
west side. However, Mr. Zaidi asked them to drop the demand for
broadening the embankment and persuaded them to accept the compensation
that was paid to other villagers. He had even offered the villagers
to write their
memorandum himself. In fact, he did that but the villagers refused
to accept his written memorandum. Under the pressure, they have
written the third memorandum that they handed over to Mr. Zaidi.
I visited the
village last week. They have not only narrated the whole story but
also given me the copy of first and second memorandum. I have the
record of both documents. The second memorandum was written in the
handwriting of Mr. Zaidi. Both memorandums are attached for your
information.
So this is
the participatory assessment that is usually done by consultants
in the field. I am also forwarding this case to the inspection panel.
Hopefully, they will be able to further investigate this matter
during their site visit.
I would also
like to ask the disclosure of third memorandum that Mr. Zaidi took
along with him.
With best regards,
Mushtaq Gadi
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