17 Jul 2018

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security says he is aware of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 5-Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement which is part of the sustainability framework of the IFC.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Eric Molale said Debswana had adopted the standard as a guiding tool in the development of their methodologies and procedures used in socio-economic surveys, compensation, restoration of livelihoods and thorough stakeholder engagement.

He said Debswana adopted the standard over and above its full compliance with the Constitution, Tribal Land Act and Land Acquisition Act.

Mr Molale said he was not aware of any new issues following the handover of the Orapa Park, saying there were ongoing issues of compensation and relocation which were being addressed.

He noted that according to the standard, displaced persons refers to people living in the project area that must move to another location and Debswana has followed the IFC standard and relevant legislation to manage relocation.

Further, Mr Molale denied any knowledge of any farmers whose previous economic status was compromised as a result of the project , saying "if anything, the change was for the better as the IFC Standard was followed."

Member of Parliament for Boteti East Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked the minister if he was aware of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 5-Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement, and if so, to state how the performance standard was exploited during the expansion of Orapa Park. He had also asked whether there were any complaints following the handover of the park and how they were addressed. ENDS