As we wait for the land minister in Marsabit County to provide all the documents pertaining the land acquisition by LTWP, we have a lot of issues we need to discuss in the meeting that’s going to take place on 22nd April at Sarima center. This is the opportunity for all the leaders in Loiyangalani to tell the community on what’s going on with the project. It’s also opportunity for all the communities to express their ideas openly, and above all the project should be clear on how it’s going to manage its activities in more efficient and transparent manner. For those attending the meeting, try to raise the following issues: - Land title- How did the project get the title of the land? Was the land leased, and for how long? And when the land was leased, did the community know? Did they get the share of the money? If the land was acquired in irregular manner by the project, then the title deed can be revoked and fresh negotiations to take place. - Compensation- How is the project going to compensate the people who are currently living in Sarima? How will they compensate for the loss of grazing land, houses and crops? How much will be the worth of each traditional house and total area lost to the project? - Community Social Responsibility (CSR)- How the communities (South Horr and Loiyangalani) affected by the project benefit? What percentage of the total revenue generated by the project will they get? Are there any other benefits e.g Annual scholarships and construction of social amenities? - Employment- Is the project ready to distribute jobs to the residents equitably? The priority should always be given to the residents and later outsiders can be considered, well expertise can play a major role but this is important to take into account. If all of these four issues should be addressed with a lot of care, sobriety and transparency, then this project will be a blessing that a curse. I hope personal politics and interests will be avoided at all costs in this meeting so that the community can really know the truth of what’s going on. If the above issues are not clear to the community members, then they have the right to demand the project to start fresh negotiations.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:56:32 +0000
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