There are heightening fears that a Chinese-backed oil project in Chad will pose a serious threat to some villages. Human rights activists have expressed fears that the project may occasion the displacement of hundreds of people and will destroy at least 10 villages.

However, the Chadian government is quoted as saying those who have to move will be compensated.

Ali Yonous, a director at the Chadian oil ministry is quoted as saying all measures are being taken to minimise any environmental hazards.

He said a good environmental impact assessment has been done, and compensation will be the same as in the last pipeline project that runs from Doba in Chad through Cameroon.

Nonetheless, civil society groups are saying the environmental assessment was done by the government in August - the team apparently covered the whole length of the pipeline in less than one month.

Najirambaye Nelungar from the Research and Monitoring Group on the Cameroon-Chad Pipeline is quoted as saying very few local people were consulted.

"They are scared because they don't have any proper information," he said.

"Every day people are coming to their villages and starting work and then they leave, but they never tell the villagers exactly what they're doing, and what is being planned for them. So doubts and uncertainty are beginning to implant themselves," Nelungar added.

Source: Africa News
 

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