Environmental Assessment
Volume A-6
Introduction
Consultation
which hold deep significance and meaning to local populations. There is
concern that those without clear land titles will not be adequately
resettled. Questions have been raised as to how sharecroppers and
agricultural workers will be compensated in addition to actual land
owners. In particular, people have wanted to know if agricultural
workers and sharecroppers or rent payers will be compensated based on
how long they have worked the land, as many have for years, or by what
criteria.
•
Employment: There was concern to see the project generate long-term
employment. People would like to know the types of jobs that the
project will create and the training and qualifications required.
•
Livelihood Strategies: Concerns were raised about loss of livelihoods
due to loss of agricultural land or impacts on agriculture from tailings.
Others are concerned to find economic opportunities such as using the
tailings for other mineral extraction, for fertilizer or for construction
material.
•
Land Tenure: There was some suggestion that land be rehabilitated and
returned to the original owners after 27 years, when the tailings facility
is closed.
•
Social Conflict: There is great anxiety around dividing the population
because of the perception, for example, that only land owners with large
parcels of land have been informed about the project. Questions have
arisen as to what happens if land owners refuse to co-operate and/or
refuse to be relocated elsewhere. People are concerned to know what
dispute resolution mechanisms will be put into place.
•
Public Health and Safety: There has been concern about the spread of
HIV/AIDS and of the safety and health and welfare of young people,
generally, as people are concerned about the behavior of the
construction workforce and the proponent’s ability to enforce a strict
code of conduct.
•
Water Quality: There was concern that water quality will be affected
around the tailings facility and this in turn may affect livestock
breeding, crops and drinking water.
•
Worker Accommodation: There was concern that if accommodation
facilities for workers are for “singles” only, family members may not be
able to visit or stay overnight.
•
Economic Impacts: There was concern that land prices will rise.
•
Social Change: There was grave concern expressed about giving up land
that ensures subsistence for current and future generations. The
population has few economic resources and land is their most valuable
inter-generational asset.
Ambatovy Project
40
January 2006
