The Inspection Panel delays its Report and Recommendation to the Board on the Chad Request

Contact: Eduardo G. Abbott

202-458-2617

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2001—The independent Inspection Panel for the World Bank requested an extension of the time period for its report on the eligibility of the Request and on whether or not to recommend an investigation into the Petroleum Development and Pipeline, Management of the Petroleum Economy, and the Petroleum Sector Management Capacity-Building Projects in the Republic of Chad. The Panel was due to deliver its report to the Board on June 11, 2001, however, the processing of the Request has coincided with the electoral and post-election unrest in Chad. After taking the circumstances into consideration and discussing the matter with the Executive Director representing Chad, the Panel took the view that the interests of all concerned with the Request would be better served if its report and recommendation to the Board was delayed for a period of about 90 days. On June 19, 2001, the Executive Directors recorded their approval of the Panel's proposal to allow for the requested additional 90 days.

The Request was filed by Mr. Ngarlejy Yorongar who is also acting for and on behalf of residents living in the cantons of Miandoum, Komé, Béro, Mbikou, Bébédjia and Béboni, located in the sub-prefecture of Bébédjia. The Request claims that people living in the Project area and their environment have or are likely to suffer harm as a result of failures and omissions in the design, appraisal, and supervision by the Bank of the above-referenced Projects. The Request also claims that the development of petroleum activities, including the development of oil fields in the southern part of Chad and the construction of an oil pipeline between Chad and neighboring Cameroon, represents a threat to local communities, their cultural property, and to the environment.

For more information on the Inspection Panel please visit our website atwww.inspectionpanel.org