Summary
It is estimated that US$100 million annually will be spent in the
Toamasina area, during the three years of construction. The estimated
annual spending during operations would be US$67 million. In addition
to the local expenditures, the indirect and induced employment benefits
and economic activity will be significant. It is predicted that an additional
1,100 direct jobs, 6,700 indirect jobs and 1,470 induced jobs will be
created during construction. The equivalent numbers for operations
would be 1,100, 3,810 and 710. As well, it is expected that the
improvements to infrastructure will stimulate the local economy through
employment creation. Because anticipated project expenditures are
expected to be comparatively large relative to the size of the local
economy, the benefit is considered of high consequence.
Conducting seismic survey at
plant site
It is the project’s policy to provide training to employees. This will
improve skills needed for better job performance and promotion, and
broaden the skill base of employees and prepare them for new
opportunities in the future. It is also the project’s intention to address the
need for a broader-based education and training strategy through
support for educational institutions in Toamasina. The formal training
program developed for the project will be accessible on a preferential
basis for employees local to Toamasina and the tailings and plant site
areas. As at the mine site, the project will also address the need for a
broader-based education and training strategy to provide assistance to
those who wish to develop skills that could position them for employment
and/or supply of goods and services at levels beyond those they would
otherwise be qualified for.
Induced urbanization may begin with the construction stage. Migrants
may be attracted initially to construction camps and the perceived
potential for employment with the project. Controls will be put in place
through:
•
the establishment of recruitment offices located only within
Toamasina (no recruitment at the plant and tailings sites);
•
fencing will be placed around the camp and plant site; and
•
workers will be transported to and from the site.
Through the project development, the city of Toamasina may see a rapid
growth rate outside its current boundaries. The more rapid urbanization
is a process that would have likely occurred even without the project
because Toamasina is in the process of expanding residential areas
southward. Developments in conjunction with the port have also been
proposed for nearby land. The project will work with planning authorities
to develop a comprehensive strategy for monitoring and dealing with
uncontrolled labour migration.
January 2006
Ambatovy Project — 31
