Letters to the editor:Uganda

Letters to the editor:Uganda

文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html

With regard to the development of oil projects in Uganda, you state that “land acquisition is always messy, and politics brutal” (“Pipe dreams”, February 5th). The East African Crude Oil Pipeline project proves it doesn’t have to be. Uganda’s stringent legal framework around land acquisition provides important protections for people affected by such projects. New homes, substantial allowances for disturbance and programmes to restore livelihoods are among the compensation packages offered that are above market rates.文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html

People receive an additional annual payment for each year of delay, along with the right to live on and farm their lands until total compensation is paid in full. Indeed, under Ugandan law it is impossible for someone to be relocated or development work commence until they have received compensation in full.文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html

Such laws concerning land acquisition have not merely been created by government, or investors, but have been codified after full consultation with parliamentarians of all parties, local and International NGOs and the affected communities themselves. There are some individuals and NGOs who are opposed to this opportunity for Uganda’s economic advancement through fossil fuels. But it is a mistake to believe loud voices mean they are numerous. The numbers speak for themselves. The acceptance rate for compensation packages is over 97%.文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html

IRENE BATABE
Permanent secretary
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
Kampala, Uganda文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html 文章源自The Economist Digest-https://te.qinghe.me/8555.html