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Project summary:
The purpose of this project is to prevent the breaking down
of the dilapidated Taunsa barrage, built in 1958, on the Indus
river、 running through the central part of Pakistan. This
project comprises of the restoration of the barrage, floodgates
and its incidental facilities in order to guarantee a water
resource to the peripheral area. Out of the entire construction
cost of US$150 million, the World Bank is financing US$123
million (approved in October 2004). Also, the Government of
Japan is contributing a grant aid of 5165 million yen, for
the detailed design of the floodgates and this is being executed
by JICA.
Obstacles:
The following problems have been occurring at the Project
location.
- Insufficient compensation to the relocated inhabitants:
As per the resettlement plan, the compensation has to be
paid according to the area previously occupied, but all
of them are being paid an even amount.
- Degradation of the living environment of the
relocated inhabitants: Due to the design defects,
the drainage and hygiene conditions of the relocation area
are dreadful resulting in spread of disease. Construction
work is being carried out during the night in violation
of the agreement. In opposition to the instructions of the
Electricity department, houses have been built directly
under the high voltage cables.
- Indictment of people not possessing proper land
titles : 38 people who have been living on their
land for more than 40 years, have been indicted by the government
on the grounds that they do not have any legal rights.
- The change in flow level threatens a large number
of farmlands: The drainage basin changes due to
the enclosed construction of waterproofing for the restoration
of the barrage. Depending on the location, the threat is
advancing up to even 2-3 kms. Some residents are being forced
to relocate but they have not been provided compensation
for the land and houses they have to leave behind.
- The advancement of flood damage to farmlands:
For the purpose of barrage restoration, water is being allowed
to flow up to the max. limit in the left bank irrigation
canal. This is causing damage to the farmers, as the intensified
liquefaction of the farmlands is leading to rotting of the
roots of the farm products.
- Insufficient water for drinking and agriculture:
Stopping of the flow of water to the right bank irrigation
canal (without any advance notification), for the barrage
restoration, resulted in insufficient water for drinking
and agriculture purposes over an area tens of kilometers
downstream. This led to problems like damage to farm products,
spread of sickness, relocation to slums etc. But still neither
any relief measures were under taken nor has any compensation
been provided.
JACSES is carrying out field investigation and policy advocacy
to the World Bank and the Government of Japan in order to
ensure a solution to the problems stated above.
Action taken:
Contact Person: Yuki
Tanabe
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