Community Pulse

Landowners Met to Discuss Belvedere Road Widening

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Resettlement Action Plan Implementation Consultant (RAPIC) Dr. Ezra Jn. Baptiste hosted a meeting with landowners. The meeting aimed to discuss the next steps in the land acquisition process for the expansion and the resettlement actions plans.

The meeting, held in Belvedere, saw the participation of landowners with legal titles as well as those with claims to the land. The RAPIC facilitated an open dialogue, ensuring that stakeholders had the opportunity to voice their concerns. A key focus was on the resettlement plans for affected landowners. The RAPIC assured landowners that they will receive fair recompense for their properties. Landowners were given the opportunity to ask questions and have their concerns about the road widening answered. One resident requested information on how the PIU planned to address the effects of noise on the residents. It was explained that PAPs who would be severely affected due to the proximity of the drilling to their business or homes would be relocated at a cost to the project or compensated, if this was their preferred option, or support for assistance with finding new housing and relocation expenses, will be another option.

As the project progresses, the RAPIC will continue to engage with the affected landowners, providing updates and facilitating further discussions as needed. The next steps involve finalizing the land acquisition agreements, assisting land occupiers in applying for letters of administration and scope, verify and finalize inheritance relations for heirs without title along the Belvedere access road. By addressing the concerns of landowners and ensuring a transparent process, the RAPIC aims to pave the way for successful project implementation, benefiting the Belvedere community.

During the meeting stakeholders were updated on the project’s progress, informed about its future activities and constantly reminded of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) by project manager, Dr. Ken Aldonza. Ms. Heim discussed the objective of the ESIA and ESMP and the conduct of their updates. Ms. Theresa Alexander, a sub consultant of Panorama responsible for updating the ARAP informed the attendees of the upcoming census and socio-economic surveys and valuation of assets and the need for their active participation in the processes. During his technical presentation, Mr. Toniolli focused on the civil and drilling works tobe undertaken and introduced stakeholders to the design of the project’s infrastructure.

A novel feature of this round of consultations was the airing of a Kwéyòl and English video documentary about the project to stakeholders before each meeting commenced. The documentary provided background information about the project, its objectives, scope, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and funding and presented key details on its components including its scholarship and apprenticeship programme.

As customary, presenters were challenged by attentive and enthusiastic listeners who had a myriad of questions. According to the project manager, Dr. Aldonza, “this high level of engagement is what we need for the project. We want people to have their questions answered and their suggestions recorded and considered. Most importantly, we want the project stakeholders to move from simply accepting the project to having a psychological attachment to it. These consultations are a great medium for mobilizing that support.”