The Request raises several concerns related to the Bank-financed Project. The allegations include partial or full demolitions of residential and commercial properties, as well as loss of land, without prior notice or a transparent process and lack of fair or proper compensation, resulting in loss of livelihood, assets, and indebtedness. The Request also alleges a negative impact on the affected community’s health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it alleges lack of participation, consultation, and information disclosure on Project design and the resettlement process.
The Request claims that the Project’s drainage alignment underwent successive changes without consultation, prior notice, or public communication. According to the Request, families who had either lived, farmed, or owned property on the affected land for many years, some for over 30 years, had not been impacted by the original alignment but, when the alignment was altered later, they became affected without being warned or consulted.
The Request further alleges that, despite multiple visits by the Project team, some affected people never received notice or a formal compensation proposal, nor were they presented with any agreement documents to sign. The Request claims that others were reportedly pressured to sign agreements after losing land or having their homes demolished, but that these agreements have remained incomplete or poorly implemented.
The Request also claims that some affected persons have allegedly experienced verbal pressure and threats from local representatives asking them to withdraw or “remain quiet” about their cases. It also states that some are fearful of administrative retaliation that could deny them licenses, documentation and municipal support.
The Panel registered the Request on December 2, 2025, and Management submitted its response to the Request on January 23, 2026. Management asserted that the issues raised by two of the seven Requesters had been reviewed and addressed in accordance with Bank policy, while it was not given a reasonable opportunity to assess the concerns of the remaining Requesters. It further stated that the Project’s safeguard instruments were consistent with Bank policies, applied standardized eligibility and compensation criteria, and that series of consultations were conducted and that relevant information pertaining to Project impacts and process of compensation was properly disclosed. Management also noted that concerns about retaliation and intimidation were raised with senior government officials and reiterated that the Bank does not tolerate such actions.
March 11, 2026, the Panel submitted its report recommending an investigation into the serious alleged harm and non-compliances with applicable World Bank standards. The Panel also noted that the issues raised may extend beyond specific cases and could potentially reflect broader systemic challenges in the implementation of the Project’s safeguards. Based on its assessment, the Panel specifically recommended an investigation into the Bank’s compliance with Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 1– Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts; ESS4 – Community Health and Safety; ESS5 – Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement; and ESS10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure.
On March 24, 2026, the Board approved, on a no-objection basis, the Panel’s recommendation to investigate the Bank in relation to the Project and the allegations raised in the Request. Under the World Bank Accountability Mechanism Resolution, following the Board’s approval of the Panel’s investigation recommendation, the Head of DRS will offer the Requesters and the Borrower the option of dispute resolution. The AM Secretary will inform the Board, the Panel, and the Bank Management within 30 business days whether the parties have voluntarily agreed to pursue dispute resolution.
