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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through the National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD), has joined the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) in a four-day community sensitization and on-the-spot verification exercise for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project (ESLEAP).
The exercise forms part of preparatory activities for the implementation of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project 5, which seeks to expand access to electricity and strengthen energy distribution networks in underserved communities across the country.
As the institution mandated by the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023, the NDIRD is responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with national laws and standards governing resettlement, compensation, and livelihood restoration for persons affected by development projects. The Directorate’s involvement in the exercise is aimed at ensuring that the rights of affected persons are protected and that all compensation and resettlement processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner.
Furthermore, the verification exercise covers thirteen communities along the project corridor, namely Gobaru Town, Kwarankor Town, Baoma Junction, Ngedema Town, Bongema Town, Yuabu Perri, Nyandaehun II, Kobolia, Makorma, Messima, Yuaba Barri, Buusu, and Ngolala. Approximately 71 Project Affected Persons are expected to be affected by the project and are being verified as part of the process.
Additionally, the community engagement and verification exercise is designed to ensure that affected persons and host communities are adequately informed about the project, their rights and entitlements, and the compensation arrangements available for any impacted assets. The process also involves confirming the identities of affected persons, assessing affected properties, and verifying ownership and occupancy rights in accordance with the provisions of the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023, and applicable international safeguard requirements.
Officials explained that the verification exercise is a critical step in the resettlement and compensation process, providing an opportunity for affected persons to validate information relating to their assets and ensuring that compensation records are accurate and complete before payments are made.
Finally, upon the successful completion and certification of the verification process, compensation payments will be made to eligible Project Affected Persons during an official compensation ceremony scheduled for the coming days.
