THE REQUEST
On October 31, 2023, two community members from Hilla Condji, Grand Popo, Benin, submitted the Request for Inspection. On December 9, 2022, the Panel received an additional 117 signatures from community members in support of the Request. The Requesters, who wished to remain anonymous, designated four community members to represent them in the Panel process.
The Requesters complained that the Project’s involuntary resettlement had adverse impacts on fisheries, fishing communities, and cultural heritage sites. They argued that restrictions on fishing activities within the Project zone had exacerbated poverty and unemployment in their community. According to the Requesters, these actions violated the Bank’s Involuntary Resettlement Policy (OP/BP 4.12). Furthermore, they claimed that certain affected individuals initially included in the resettlement process were later excluded without receiving compensation. They also asserted that some individuals did not receive appropriate compensation for their losses, and that others were surveyed, signed payment agreements, and were identified as affected persons, only to be deemed ineligible for compensation later. In addition, the Requesters alleged that the Project had failed to assess their cultural heritage and places of worship adequately. They believed that the Project’s adverse effects on their community had been insufficiently analyzed, and that the Project’s adverse impacts on their locality has been undermined.
PANEL DECISION
The Panel thoroughly examined the Request and Project documents. In November and December 2022, the Panel had conversations with the Requesters to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns. On January 19, 2023, the Panel met with Management.
During a meeting with the Panel on January 19, 2023, Management explained that, prior to submission of the Request, it had received no detailed information alleging that the Project had constrained local fishing activities, thereby increasing poverty and unemployment. Similarly, Management stated that it had been given no specific information regarding any improper or inadequate assessment of the Requesters’ cultural heritage and places of worship prior to the Request.
On September 27, 2022, Management received an initial communication highlighting concerns about compensation delays, the Project’s income-generating activities, and allegations of inadequate consideration for fisheries-related displacement. Management began reviewing the relevant documentation with the Project Implementing Unit (PIU) in response to these allegations. However, on January 11 and 17, 2023, representatives of the Requesters informed Management that they did not wish to engage with the PIU or provide further information.
After careful review, the Panel determined that Management had not had sufficient opportunity to respond to the Requesters’ concerns before submission of the Request. Therefore, on January 24, 2023, the Panel issued a Notice of Non-Registration. This non-registration does not preclude the possibility of a future Request for Inspection related to this Project.
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