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