Panel Issues Notice of Registration in Peru Transport Case

The Inspection Panel on September 28, 2020, issued a Notice of Registration for a Request for Inspection of the Cusco Transport Improvement Project in Peru.

The Request for Inspection of the project – which has the objective of improving the mobility in the east-west corridor of Cusco Provincial Municipality – was submitted on July 16, 2020, by two individuals who state their land is being taken without compensation to make way for an expressway – the Via Expresa Avenue – built under the project. The Requesters allege non-compliance with the Bank’s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement and lack of consultation and disclosure of information. They also raise concern about retaliation and allege that tenants, who rented and occupied the land, were forcibly evicted. The Requesters asked the Panel to keep their identities confidential.

The Panel’s registration implies no judgment concerning the merits of the Request. Bank management must provide the Panel with a response to the issues raised in the Request by October 28, 2020. After receiving the response and engaging with other relevant stakeholders, the Panel will make a recommendation to the Board of Executive Directors on whether the matter should be investigated.