Over 42,000 families still to be compensated:

Guide for road network development implementers

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

People affected by development projects should be provided with access to mechanisms that are legitimate, reliable, transparent and cost effective to enable them to present their grievances and find solutions.

Speaking at the launch of a guide for implementers of road sector projects in Sri Lanka at Taj Samudra Hotel yesterday Highways and Road Development Ministry Secretary Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda said 42,000 families who have given their land to the Road Development Authority for road construction over the years have not still been paid as a result of not having a proper mechanism.

Therefore the launch of the guide is very timely , however it must be applied properly, he said.

He said Rs 8.7 billion due to those affected families must be paid without further delay before proceeding ahead with the road work as they have given their private property to develop the country.

ADBs Principal Project Facilitation Specialist Dr Karin Oswald said people affected by road projects should be able to voice their grievances and find solutions. Those affected hope for a fair hearing first of all.

Solving these problems early is better than waiting until grievances escalate, she said.

Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman R.W.R. Premasiri said road development projects have been intensified as both the Government and the people have realized the importance of it.

But there should be a five year project to rehabilitate existing roads other than construction of new roads.

ADBs Sri Lanka Resident Mission Director Dr Richard Vokes hoped the publication will assist in the implementation of future road projects in Sri Lanka as the guide clarifies the concept of grievance redress mechanisms and presents the rationale for implementation. The guidelines are mandatory for ADB supported projects which involve resettlement of people or projects which have potential impact on the environment and indegenious people. The publication will equip GRM implementers with tools and methods that can be adopted and applied in grievance redress work.