Environmental Assessment
Volume A-6
Introduction
Consultation
•
Movement of People and Cattle: People were concerned that the
pipeline be buried because any parts of the route that are along the main
rail line are currently used as a path for children to travel to and from
school and as a path for men and women to carry water and other goods
such as bananas. There was also concern that there be no disruption of
their movements or of movement of their cattle during the construction
phase all along the route.
•
Displacement of Tombs: There was concern that a process be defined as
to the displacement and/or replacement of tombs and that replacement
tombs are made available before destroying the existing tomb.
•
Health and Safety: There was concern that construction activities could
result in the introduction of new diseases or exacerbate existing ones
such as malaria. There was also concern about the potential for the
pipeline to break or explode and the risk people might experience if
living near the pipeline.
•
Communication: People noted that they will need adequate notice of
pipeline installation and would like to have more information on any
required displacement of houses, access roads and rights-of-way
(RoWs).
•
Economic Infrastructure: There was concern that the creation of a road
along the pipeline route could open up traffic to outsiders and the
subsequent exploitation of land and forest. There is also, however,
general interest in having a new road, as this will create access to
markets for agricultural products and to social services for many remote
populations. There was also concern that ecotourism activities will be
affected by the pipeline.
•
Forest Use: There was concern that different stakeholders hold different
values with regard to the use and management of forest resources, and
that the needs of local people, who may not share the values expressed
by environmental NGOs, also be considered in decisions regarding the
building of the pipeline.
•
Land Tenure: There was concern that land tenure, which is often held
without formal titles, will become an obstacle to fair treatment of people
whose lands may be affected by construction of the pipeline.
•
Logging/Woodcutting: There was concern that the local wood cutting
and logging industry will not be permitted near the pipeline route—
particularly during the construction period—thus affecting the incomes
of many households.
•
EA Processes: There was concern that costs and benefits be identified
from social, environmental and economic perspectives and in the long
term.
Ambatovy Project
38
January 2006
