Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project

Social Monitoring Report – Involuntary Resettlement

Project Number: 40515-013 Semi-Annual Report January 2018

2696-BAN(COL): Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project

Prepared by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank.

This social monitoring report (involuntary resettlement) is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Local Government Division Local Government Engineering Department (LGED)

Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (SRIIP) ADB Loan No. 2696-BAN (SF) KfW Ref. No. 201065374

MONITORING REPORT ON LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT (Revised)

Design and Supervision Consultant January 2018

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………. i Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………………… iii Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………. iv

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………… 1 1.1 Project Background…………………………………………………………... 1 1.2 Location of Project Area and Geographic Coverage………………………. 1 1.3 Project Components………………………………………………………….. 2 1.4 Land Acquisition Strategy of the Project……………………………………. 4 1.5 Land Acquisition Requirement………………………………………...…….. 4 1.6 Resettlement Plan………………………………………………...………….. 6 1.7 Monitoring Reports on Involuntary Resettlement………………………….. 6 1.8 The Present Monitoring Report……………………………………………… 6

2. METHODOLOGY FOR THE MONITORING REPORT.. …………….……………. 7 2.1 Implementation Arrangement………………………………………..……... 7 2.2 Methodology Followed for Developing the Report…………………………. 7

3. LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT ISSUES IN PROJECT AREAS…. 10 3.1 Appraisal of Present Situation 10 3.1.1 Mitigation Measure Adopted……………………………………...… 10 3.1.2 The Progress of Land Acquisition and Compensation.…………… 11 3.1.3 Entitlements, Assistance and Benefits Set Out in SRIIP…………. 13

4. PLANNING ASPECTS OF RESETTLEMENT AND RELEVANT ISSUES………. 14 4.1 Policy, Framework and Resettlement Plans……………………………….. 14 4.2 Entitlements, Assistance and Benefits Setout in SRIIP…………………… 14 4.3 Process of Information Disclosure and Community Consultation in SRIIP 15 4.4 Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of RPs……………………. 16 4.5 Grievances Redress Mechanism in SRIIP…………………………………. 17 4.6 Monitoring Mechanisms Set out in the Project ……………………………. 17

5. DELIVERY OF ENTITLEMENTS OF AFFECTED PERSONS IN SRIIP………… 18 5.1 Status of Compensation Payment ………………………………………….. 18 5.2 Feedback of APs on Entitlement Allocation and Disbursement…………. 18 5.3 Feedback of APs on other Aspects of RP Implementation ………………. 20 5.3.1 Community Consultations and Information Disclosure ………..… 20 5.4 Grievances Redress Mechanism of SRIIP…………………………………. 21

6. APs RESPONSES ON PROJECT IMPACTS………………………………………. 22 6.1 Experiences of the APs during Project’s Physical Implementation………. 22 6.2 APs’ Perception of the Project Outcomes ………………………………….. 22

7. CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………… 24

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location Map of SRIIP ……….……………………………………………….. 2 Figure 2: Project Districts with Land Acquisition Impacts……………………………… 5 ______

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______Figure 3: Methodology Followed in Developing the Monitoring Report……………… 7 Figure 4: AP Knowledge about the Entitlements………………………………………… 18 Figure 5: Satisfaction of APs on Entitlement…………………………………………….. 19 Figure 6: Status of the Time in Which APs Received the Compensation for Land Acquisition…………………………………………………………….. 19 Figure 7: Awareness of the APs regarding Community Consultations……………….. 20 Figure 8: Participation of APs in Community Consultation……………………………… 20 Figure 9: APs' Awareness regarding GRM of SRIIP…………………………………….. 21 Figure 10: APs' perception regarding the effectiveness of SRIIP GRM……………….. 21 Figure 11: APs' Perception about the Benefits of Project Outcomes………………….. 23

List of Tables

Table 1: Major Components under SRIIP………………………………………………… 2 Table 2: Physical Activities under SRIIP ……….………………………………………… 3 Table 3: Location-wise Project Subcomponents………………………………………… 3 Table 4: Submission of Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement 6 Table 5: Comparison of Project's Planned LAR Impact vis-a-vis Actual Impact……… 10 Table 6: Land Acquisition and Compensation by District and Contract……………… 12 Table 7: Type of Resettlement Impacts of the SRIIP Projects…………………………. 13 Table 8: Compensations and Assistances Allocated in SRIIP…………………………. 13 Table 9: Type of Resettlement Impacts of the SRIIP Projects…………………………. 14 Table 10: Compensations and Assistances Allocated in SRIIP………………………... 15 Table 11: Details of Community Consultants……………………………………………. 16 Table 12: Status of Compensation Payment…………………………………………….. 18 Table 13: Impacts of Project's Construction and Civil Works on APs…………………. 22

Annexes

Annex 1: Checklist for Land Acquisition & Resettlement Monitoring………….……… 25 Annex 2: Sample of Notice from DC Office for Land Acquisition………………………. 27 Annex 3: List of APs & Proof of Satisfactory Receipt of Compensation……………… 28 Annex 4: Reply of ADB Comments……………………………………………………….. 49

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ABBREVIATIONS

ADB : Asian Development Bank AH : Affected Household AP : Affected Person CCL : Cash Compensation by law DC : Deputy Commissioner D&SC : Design and Supervision Consultants GCM : Growth Centre Market GoB : Government of Bangladesh GRM : Grievance Redress Mechanism IR : Involuntary Resettlement KfW : Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau LAR : Land Acquisition and Resettlement LGD : Local Government Division LGED : Local Government Engineering Department MLGRDC : Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives MMC : Market Management Committee PD : Project Director PMO : Project Management Office RF : Resettlement Framework RP : Resettlement Plan ROW : Right of Way SRIIP : Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project XEN : Executive Engineer

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Background

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under the Local Government Division (LGD) of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (MLGRDC) is implementing the Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (SRIIP - the Project), with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) of Germany. The Project is primarily concerned with enhancing the access to economic opportunities and social services for poor people in the project districts in general and women in particular, and thus to contribute in reducing poverty in the intervention areas. SRIIP commenced in January 2011, now is in the final stage of completion and is scheduled to close in December 2017.

Geographic Coverage of SRIIP

Geographic coverage of the Project is 21 districts spreading over three divisions in the northwest and southwest of Bangladesh - Khulna Division, Rajshahi Division and Rangpur Division. Of the 21 districts, 7 districts are in Khulna Division (Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Jessore, Jhenidah, Narail and Magura); 6 districts are in Rajshahi Division (Rajshahi, Natore, Joypurhat, Bogra, Naogaon and Chapai Nawabgonj; and the rest 8 districts are in Rangpur Division (Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat).

Project Components

The major components of SRIIP comprise improvement and rehabilitation of 678.00 km Upazila roads, 173.00 km Union roads; construction of 4500 meters of structures (bridges/culverts) on the selected roads; and improvement of 88 nos Growth Centre Markets.

Land Acquisition Requirement

Physical implementation of improvement works for different subprojects under the Project has required very small amounts of land involving the acquisition of 8.7332 acres of private land under absolute necessity. This has caused involuntary resettlement impact on a total of 89 AHs with about 350 affected persons (APs) in these families. Mention should be made that the effects on the AHs are small since none of these families has been physically displaced from his/her existing dwelling, and also no household (HH) has suffered an impact of more than 10% of his/her livelihoods. The Project, therefore, has been categorized B for involuntary resettlement (IR) impacts. It should also be noted that, although implementation of physical infrastructure works under the SRIIP includes 21 districts, requirement for acquisition of land has involved for construction and improvement of structures (Bridges/culverts) at the 9 subprojects’ locations in 9 districts only - Jessore, Chuadanga, Narail, Bogra, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Dinajpur and Gaibandgha.

Resettlement Plan

The requirement for acquisition of land has caused involuntary resettlement (IR) impact prompting the need for preparation of individual Resettlement Plan (RP) for each of the 9 subprojects. The Government therefore has prepared 9 individual RPs, one for each of the 9 subprojects, in line with the legal procedure for land acquisition in Bangladesh and in ______

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______conformity with the ADB’s safeguard requirements on involuntary resettlement, adhering to the principles and procedures outlined in the Resettlement Framework (RF) adopted by the Government for the SRIIP.

Monitoring Reports on Involuntary Resettlement

A series of Semi-Annual Monitoring Reports on Involuntary Resettlement have been produced during the course of project implementation between January 2015 and June 2017.

Present Report

Given that the improvement of project components has triggered LAR impacts at 9 subproject locations in 9 districts only, description of this monitoring report therefore pertains only to the 9 subprojects under SRIIP which have relevance to the impact of LAR. This should however be mentioned that this report is based on a range of limited information received from the field, combined with the findings of the consultant from quick physical field investigations that could be possible to carry out in two rounds of field trips that covered Narail, Jessore, Chuadanga, Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj and Naogaon. However, for producing the relevant informations of the remaining 3 district that involve LAR impact (Bogra, Gaibandha, Dinajpur), the consultant has benefitted from the monitoring reports that have already been submitted under the Project during January 2015 - June 2017.

Community Consultations and Information Disclosure

All the surveyed APs expressed that they were aware about the community consultation, and they participated in these consultation sessions. They also expressed that they were aware about the Grievances Redress Mechanism (GRM) of the Project.

Progress of Land Acquisition and Compensation

Acquisition of required lands for implementation of all the subproject including payments of related compensation for all the districts of Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Jessore, Naogaon, Narail, Dijanpur, Bogra, Chuadanga have been completed, except for Gaibandha. Land acquisition process in Gaibandha has been in progress and is expected to be completed soon. In case of the road improvement under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063 in Rajshahi District, no compensation was required, because the required land was donated. In total, an amount of Taka 49,786,391 was allocated as compensation for the 89 affected households. 100 percent disbursement has been achieved in Jessore, Naogaon, Narail, Dinajpur and Chuadanga. In Rajshahi, there was no requirement of compensation since the land was donated by a School. No compensation was found being disbursed in Gaibandha.

Feedback of APs on Entitlement Allocation and Disbursement

Majority (around 94%) of the surveyed APs expressed that the entitlements for the land acquisition was decided upon discussion with them and were properly informed about the entitlements. Most of the APs expressed that they received their compensation in time and are now satisfied with the allocated entitlements.

APs’ Perception of the Project Outcomes

The majority of the APs expressed that the project will have positive impact on their mobility by improving their access to educational and health services and social and cultural sites. The constructed and upgraded roads, bridges and culverts will reduce their travel time, decrease ______

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______travel cost, improve comfort and overall will improve connectivity. The improved connectivity will attract the education and health service providers and hence there will be improvement in these areas. In addition, the bridges and culverts will reduce the water logging problems and will improve irrigation in the area. Apart from these, the Growth Center (GC) markets will be very helpful for the APs to sell their products, especially the agricultural products. With the improved road connection, transportation of the local products will be easy and cost effective. The GC markets having special corners for women business persons have been the added advantage to encourage more women to participate in selling their products, especially those grown in their own households. They will come in contact with more customers and will have the opportunity to increase their income. Overall, the APs think the project will continue to increase the income of the local people and will have significant role in the poverty reduction.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

1. Development of rural infrastructure including rural transport and trading network in Bangladesh has been inspiring It is also an area where high priority has been given by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in its effort to accelerate economic growth and poverty reduction. During last few decades, rural infrastructure in the country has considerably improved, enhancing the quality of life of rural people. Better rural infrastructure has fostered balanced development of rural economies through mutually reinforcing growth in the farm and non-farm sectors. The mobility of the rural poor has increased, and many are now availing themselves of health, education, and nongovernment services, as well as a wide range of economic opportunities.

2. Despite substantial improvement, infrastructure in rural Bangladesh still remains underdeveloped1, which in turn a crucial impediment for the growth of the rural economy, particularly in the north-west and south-west parts of the country. In response to the challenges facing country’s rural transport sector, the Government is implementing the Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (SRIIP - the Project), with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) of Germany. SRIIP commenced in January 20112, now is in the final stage of completion and is scheduled to close in December 2017.

3. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under the Local Government Division (LGD) of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (MLGRDC) is implementing the SRIIP through its existing Project Management Office (PMO), with assistance and collaboration from country-wide establishment of the Department. To provide consultancy services for the Project, Euroconsult Mott MacDonald of Netherlands was engaged as Design & Supervision Consultant (D&SC). Geographic coverage of the Project is 21 districts spreading over three divisions in the northwest and southwest of Bangladesh. The three divisions are Khulna Division, Rajshahi Division and Rangpur Division. The Project is primarily concerned with enhancing the access to economic opportunities and social services for poor people in the project districts in general and women in particular, and thus to contribute in reducing poverty in the intervention areas. Of the 21 districts, 16 districts of Khulna, Rajshashi and Rangpur divisions are under ADB funding, and the rest 5 districts of Khulna Division (Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah and Magura) are under KfW financing.

1.2 Location of Project Area and Geographic Coverage

4. SRIIP is geographically a dispersed infrastructure scheme spreading over the rural areas of 21 districts as shown in the Project location map in Figure 1. Mention has already been made that the project areas are located in three divisions located in the north and south of Bangladesh:

* 7 districts in Khulna Division - Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Jessore, Jhenidah, Narail and Magura;

* 6 districts in Rajshahi Division - Rajshahi, Natore, Joypurhat, Bogra, Naogaon and Chapai Nawabgonj; and

* 8 districts in Rangpur Division - Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat.

1 Involuntary Resettlement Assessment and Measures. SRIIP (RRP BAN 40515), LGED. August 2010. 2 Quarterly Progress Report, April - June 2017, SRIIP, LGED. ______Page | 1 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

Figure 1: Location Map of SRIIP

1.3 Project Components

5. Improved infrastructure in the project area will promote overall development of the rural transportation system. The scope of work under SRIIP comprises improvement and rehabilitation of Upazila roads and Union roads; construction of structures (bridges/culverts) on the selected roads; improvement of selected Growth Centre Markets (GCM); and tree plantation along selected sections of roads. The major components of the SRIIP are presented in Table 1. Physical activities of the Project are shown in Table 23 in more detail, while Table 3 presents the location-wise subcomponents of the Project.

Table 1: Major Components under SRIIP

Subproject Components Scope of Improvement Works Upgrading of Upazila Roads 678.00 km Improvement of Union Roads to Bitumen 173.00 km Surfaced Standard Construction of cross drainage structures 4500 meters (bridges and culverts) Improvement of Growth Centre Markets 88 Nos Source: Quarterly Progress Report, April - June 2017, SRIIP.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

Table 2: Physical Activities under SRIIP

Sl. Physical Activities Scope of Improvement Works 1 Improvement of Upazila Roads 678 km 2 Improvement of Union Roads 173 km 3 Further Strengthening of Upazila Roads 53.57 km 4 Further Strengthening of Union Roads 18.16 km 5 Bridge/Culvert on Upazila Roads and Union Roads 4500 m 6 Growth Centers/Rural Markets & WMS 88 7 Piloting of Rural Water Supply 3 8 Piloting of Renewable Energy 3 9 Office Building 1 10 Tree Plantation on Rural Roads 320

Table 3: Location-wise Project Subcomponents

SL District

Total Scheme Upazila Road Union Road Bridge Market Develop ment Tree Plantatio n Further Strength ening of Upazila Road Further Strength ening of Union Road Renewab Energy le Rural Water Supply 1. Kushtia 10 7 - - 3 - - - - - 2. Meherpur 7 2 1 - 2 2 - - - - 3. Chuadanga 13 8 - 2 1 2 - - - - 4. Jhenidah 28 18 - 1 3 6 - - - - 5. Magura 21 8 3 1 4 4 - - 1 - 6. Jessore 23 9 - 2 5 6 - - - 1 7. Narail 9 4 - 1 2 2 - - - - 8. Naogaon 37 17 - 8 6 5 - - - 1 Chapai 9. 15 4 4 1 6 - - - - - Nawabgonj 10. Joypurhat 8 5 - - 2 1 - - - - 11. Rajshahi 22 8 1 - 6 6 - - 1 - 12. Natore 16 5 2 - 6 3 - - - - 13. Bogra 21 9 - 1 7 4 - - - - 14. Panchagarh 17 9 1 - 2 5 - - - - 15. Thakurgaon 20 11 1 - 2 6 - - - - 16. Nilphamari 18 3 4 2 5 4 - - - - 17. Dinajpur 34 8 9 3 6 8 - - - - 18. Rangpur 32 12 2 3 6 6 3 - - - 19. Lalmonirhat 26 7 5 1 4 6 1 1 1 - 20. Kurigram 32 6 5 4 5 8 2 2 - - 21. Gaibandha 29 6 6 7 5 4 - - - 1 Total Schemes 438 166 44 37 88 88 6 3 3 3

Source: Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement, SRIIP January 2017 - June 2017.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______1.4 Land Acquisition Strategy of the Project

6. The strategy adopted in each stage of SRIIP activities from design till implementation has been to reduce the requirement of land acquisition and thereby minimize the involuntary resettlement impacts. During preparation of detail designs of the proposed infrastructures for different subprojects, decisions were made in consultation with local communities and reflecting inputs from public consultation and disclosure in site selection. Due importance was given to reduce land acquisition and resettlement impacts by:

* locating components on government-owned land and/or within existing right of way (ROW);

* avoiding, where possible, locations that will result in destruction/disturbance to historical and cultural places/values;

* avoiding tree-cutting where possible; and

* ensuring all planning and design interventions and decisions are made in consultation with local communities and reflecting inputs from public consultation and disclosure for site selection.

7. This exercise resulted in acquisition of land under the Project to a small extent. The effects on the project affected households (AHs) has been very small. No household has been adversely affected by losing a major part of its land-holding. Project implementation has not caused any major impact involving complete demolishing of any house or physical displacement of any household from his/her existing dwelling.

1.5 Land Acquisition Requirement

8. Physical implementation of improvement works for different subprojects under the Project has required very small amounts of land involving the acquisition of 8.73324 acres (about 3.54 hectare) of private land under absolute necessity - the majority agricultural, but some used for homestead. This has caused involuntary resettlement impact on a total of 89 AHs5 with about 350 affected persons (APs) in these families. Mention should be made that the effects on the AHs are small since none of these families has been physically displaced from his/her existing dwelling, and also no household (HH) has suffered an impact of more than 10% of his/her livelihoods. The Project, therefore, has been categorized B for involuntary resettlement (IR) impacts. A Location Map showing the project districts with land acquisition impacts is given in Figure 2, and detailed information on LAR impact is given in Table 5 and corresponding description in Section 3.1.2 of this report.

9. It should be noted that, although implementation of improvement works under the SRIIP includes large numbers of dispersed infrastructure schemes in 21 districts, requirement for acquisition of land has involved for construction and improvement of structures (Bridges/culverts) at the 9 subprojects’ locations in the following 9 districts only:

* 3 districts in Khulna Division - Jessore, Chuadanga, Narail;

* 4 districts in Rajshahi Division - Bogra, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Naogaon; and

* 2 districts in in Rangpur Division - Dinajpur and Gaibandgha.

4 Statement of Land Acquisition for Improvement of Bridge & Roads under SRIIP, LGED (F:\Land Acquisition/Land Acuzation-2.doc*P-40) 5 List on Information of Affected People, Resettlement Plans of 2015 & 2016, SRIIP, LGED. ______Page | 4 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______Figure 2: Project Districts with Land Acquisition Impacts

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______1.6 Resettlement Plan

10. As is described in Section 1.5, this requirement for acquisition of land has caused involuntary resettlement (IR) impact prompting the need for preparation of individual Resettlement Plan (RP) for each of the 9 subprojects. The Government therefore has prepared 9 individual RPs, one for each of the 9 subprojects, in line with the legal procedure for land acquisition in Bangladesh and in conformity with the ADB’s safeguard requirements on involuntary resettlement, adhering to the principles and procedures outlined in the Resettlement Framework (RF) adopted by the Government for the SRIIP.

1.7 Monitoring Reports on Involuntary Resettlement

11. A series of monitoring reports on Involuntary Resettlement have been produced during the course of project implementation. As shown in Table 4, these include several semi-annual monitoring reports discussing the land acquisition and resettlement impacts of the Project.

Table 4: Submission of Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement

1. Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement under SRIIP January 2015 - June 2015.

2. Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement under SRIIP July 2015 - December 2015.

3. Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement under SRIIP January 2016 - June 2016.

4. Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement under SRIIP July 2016 - December 2016.

5. Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Involuntary Resettlement under SRIIP January 2017 - June 2017.

1.8 The Present Monitoring Report

12. This report is presented as a Draft Final Report on the works of final monitoring on LAR aspect at the time the Project is coming to close. It presents the activities carried out to date during implementation of the RPs, particularly for acquiring land by compensating owners for their loss of land and other assts. Following the review of the report by the Government and the Financing Agencies, it will be incorporated into Final Report. Given that the improvement of project components has triggered LAR impacts at 9 subproject locations in 9 districts only, description of this monitoring report therefore pertains mainly to the 9 specific subprojects under SRIIP which have relevance to the impact of LAR.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______2. METHODOLOGY FOR THE MONITORING REPORT

2.1 Implementation Arrangement

13. The Consultancy Contract for the assignment of the Resettlement Expert for the D&SC Services for the SRIIP under LGED was signed in Dhaka on 17 September 2017 between Euroconsult Mott MacDonald in its Bangladesh Country Office (the Company) and the Resettlement Expert (the Consultant6). In pursuance of the Contract, the Consultant started the assignment on 17 September 2017 in accordance with the stipulation in the contract, particularly for preparation of monitoring reports on the aspects of land acquisition and resettlement (LAR) and of indigenous people (IP) under implementation of the SRIIP. Description in the present report pertains only to the LAR aspect of the Project.

14. The assignment started with an initial meeting with the Project Director (PD) and Executive Engineer (XEN) of SRIIP and other project officials where the initial expectations on the assignment were discussed. Similar meeting in subsequent time also took place with the respective ADB personnel in its Dhaka office in September 2017.

2.2 Methodology Followed for Developing the Report

15. The working methodology for developing this LAR monitoring report, shown in Figure 3, includes a combination of both secondary and primary data and information, including literature review, discussions with the LGED officials responsible for SRIIP at the HQ level, district level and upazila level; discussion with the consultants and funding agency; short physical visits to the selected project sites that have relevance to land acquisition; undertake consultation with the APs and local stakeholders; and quick reconnaissance on the land acquisition and resettlement impacts of the project and the adopted mitigation measures. A pre-designed questionnaire Checklist (Annex 1) were administered to obtain necessary primary data and information from the APs to the extent possible. The participating AP households may be considered as representatives of the whole AP population residing in the particular area of the Project. Some of the methodology steps that have been followed are described below in a little more detail.

Figure 3: Methodology Followed in Developing the Monitoring Report

Interview of APs Discussion with Secondary Physical Visits and Discussions SRIIP Staff and Literature Review and Observation with Local LGED Officials Stakeholders

Secondary Literature Review

16. All relevant documents of SRIIP were reviewed during development of this report. Some of the documents are the reports and recommendations of the president (RRP), project administration manual (PAM), design and monitoring framework of the project, Loan agreement, summary of poverty reduction and social strategies, resettlement framework (RF),

6 Cosultac Cotract for the positio of Resettleet Epert for the D&SC Services for the SRIIP under LGED, signed in Dhaka on 17 September 2017 between Euroconsult Mott MacDonald in Bangladesh Country Office (the Company) and Monzurul Hoq the Resettlement Expert (the Consultant), and the subsequent Addendum 1# Contract Extension of 05 December 2017 under Reference 294913/2017/28 of the Company.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______resettlement plans of the projects with LAR impact, quarterly progress reports and semi- annual IR monitoring reports.

Discussion with LGED and D&SC Officials

17. There were a series of discussions held with many of the senior LGED officials of the SRIIP and of ADB including the Project Director Mr. Md. Ali Akhtar Hossain and the Executive Engineers Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman; the D&SC Team Leader Mr. Irvin Cohen and the Deputy Team Leader Mr. Ahsan Habib including the System Management Engineer Mr. Abu Raihan; as well as the Associate Safeguards Specialist in ADB, BRM Ms. Kazi Akhmila. The purpose of these discussions was to integrate their views based upon their experience with implementation of the RPs under the Project.

Physical Visits and Observations

18. Some subproject locations in some selected districts having LAR impacts were physically visited during October 2017. There were field level discussions with the district and implementation level LGED officials, particularly the respective Executive Engineers in the project districts, on the process of the implementation of RPs, status of the compensation disbursement and other relevant issues. Physical visits were done to the project sites to observe the project implementation and potential socio-economic impacts.

D&S consultants are having consultation on 09 D&S consultants are discussing with the Executive October 2017 with the Executive Engineer, LGED Engineer, LGED Naogaon District on 26 October Narail District. 2017.

Consultation and Interview with APs and Local Stakeholders

19. During field visits, there were discussions with Affected Persons (AP) of the project. A sample of APs were (details in the later section) interviewed for their feedback on the project and RP implementation. Their satisfaction on various processes, including consultation, disclosure and grievances were also asked for. Along with the APs, discussions were held with local level stakeholders like local government representatives, market committee representatives, representatives from civil society and local communities.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

D&S consultants are having meeting with the APs D&S consultants are having consultation with the APs on 09 October 2017 in Narail District. on 11 October 2017 in Chuadanga District

D&S consultants are discussing with the APs D&S consultants are discussing with the Teachers at Bholahat Upazila in Chapai Nawabganj District and School Committee members of on 25 October 2017. Mr. Mosfiqul Islam Tara the Takipur Government Primary School at Bagmara Chairman of Jambari UP is present. Upazila in Rajshahi District on 25 October 2017.

20. This should however be mentioned that the present report is based on a range of limited information received from the field, combined with the findings of the consultant from quick physical field investigations that could be possible to carry out in two rounds of field trips - one trip for 3 days in 3 project districts covering Narail, Jessore and Chuadanga during 9 - 11 October 2017, and second trip for 3 days in another 3 project districts covering Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj and Naogaon during 24 - 26 October 2017. For producing the relevant informations of the remaining 3 districts that involve LAR impact (Bogra, Gaibandha, Dinajpur), the consultant has benefitted from the monitoring reports that have already been submitted under the Project during January 2015 - June 2017.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______3. LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT ISSUES IN PROJECT AREAS

3.1 Appraisal of Present Situation

3.1.1 Mitigation Measure Adopted

21. Given the strategy of the Project to reduce land acquisition impact, a total of 8.7332 acres of land has been acquired instead of 13.0652 acres of land that was originally proposed in the respective RPs prepared under SRIIP in 2015 and 2016. This mitigation measure, adopted during physical implementation of the subproject improvement works, resulted in acquisition of 33% less than the volume of land originally proposed in the RPs. A comparative statement of the level of LAR impact in 9 project districts is given in Table 5.

Table 5: Comparison of Project's Planned LAR Impact vis-a-vis Actual Impact

Amount of Affected Land Improvement Actual originally SL District Contract Affected Land proposed in the Number (Acre)8 RPs (Acre)7 Chapai LGED/SRIIP/NW 1. 3.1459 2.99 Nawabganj B/W-182 LGED/SRIIP/RJS 2. Rajshahi 0.049 0.49 /W-063 LGED/SRIIP/JSR 3. Jessore 6.18 1.6017 /WS-134 & 135 LGED/SRIIP/NRL 4. Narail 0.7725 0.7725 /WS-176 LGED/SRIIP/NA 5. Naogaon 0.48 0.48 O/WS-173 LGED/SRIIP/DNJ 6. Dinajpur 1.01 1.01 /WS-179 LGED/SRIIP/BG 7. Bogra 0.48 0.48 R/WS-201 LGED/SRIIP/CH 8. Chuadanga 0.1578 0.1190 U/WS-195 LGED/SRIP/GBD 9. Gaibandha 0.790 0.790 /WS-162 13.0652 8.7332 Total (100%) (67%)

Source: SRIIP, LGED

* No compensation was required for the 900% increased land (0.49 acres as shown in the above Table) taken for implementation of the Contract No: LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063 since the used land was donated.

7 Resettlement Plans of the nine districts prepared in 2015 and 2016 under the SRIIP, LGED. 8 Semi-Annual IR Monitoring Report of Jan-Jun 2017 under the SRIIP, LGED. ______Page | 10 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______3.1.2 The Progress of Land Acquisition and Compensation

22. Mention has already been made that the implementation of improvement works under SRIIP comprises the construction of a large number of infrastructure schemes scattered in 21 districts, but acquisition of 8.7332 acres of private land was required for construction and improvement of roads and structures (bridge/culverts) at 9 project locations in 9 districts only (Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Jessore, Naogaon, Narail, Dijanpur, Bogra, Chuadanga and Gaibandha). Acquisition of required lands for implementation of all the subproject including payments of compensation to the APs have been completed, except for Gaibandha. Land acquisition process in Gaibandha has been in progress and is expected to be completed soon. In case of the road improvement under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063 in Rajshahi District, no compensation was required, because the required land was donated.

23. The records of paying compensation to the APs have been given in Annex 2 which is not a picture of the whole subject.These records however have provided the level of APs’ satisfaction on receipt of their compensation which may be treated as representing the satisfaction of the whole AP community in the particular location of the Project, and may also be regarded as the best estimates available at the time of the survey exercise. The data on land acquisition and compensation for the relevant 9 subprojects are presented in Table 6, and the present situation is derived as follows:

1. Road Improvement under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NWB/W-182: A total of 2.99 acres of private lands were acquired for the development of road from Daldali Union to Baragachi GC via Krishnapur UP office at Bholahat Upazila, Chapai Nawabganj District under the Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NWB/W-182. Taka 48,31,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 2.99 acres of land.

2. Road Improvement under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063: A total of 0.49 acre of private land was used for the development of road from Hatgangapara to Keshorhat (Up to Khalgram) at Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063. No compensation was required for taking and using this land, because the required land was donated to the school for saving the school playground by diverting the proposed alignment of the LGED road through donated land instead of passing the alignment through the school playground. The school authority purchased the necessary land plot from the land owners and then donated to LGED for improvement of the road, and thus the school playground could be secured.

3. Bridge Construction under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/JSR/WS-134 & 135: A total of 1.6017 acres private land were acquired to construct 90m Long Pre-Stressed Girder Bridge over Chitra River on RHD at Datta Rasta - Narikelbari GC via Chaibaria & Agra Uttarpara and construction of 42 m Long RCC Girder bridge over Dhalgram Boro Khal on RHD at Datta Rasta under Bagharpara Upazila, Jessore District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/JSR/WS-134 & 135. Taka 94,16,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 1.6017 acres of land.

4. Bridge Construction under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NRL/WS-176: A total of 0.7725-acre private land was acquired to construct 90.00m Long RCC (Pre-Stressed) Girder Bridge over Kajila Khal River on the road Gabtala R&H to Maizpara GC road in Narail Sadar Upazila, Narail District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NRL/WS-176. Taka 16,88,394.04 was allocated for acquisition of 0.7725 acres of land.

5. Bridge Construction under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NAO/WS-173: A total of 0.48-acre private land was acquisitioned for the construction of 150.00m RCC(Pre- Stressed) Girder Bridge over Kumarpur R&H Parshombari Hat-Nandahar-Kola GC Road in Badalgachi Upazila, Noagaon District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/NAO/WS-173. Taka 20,66,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 0.48 acres of land.

______Page | 11 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______6. Development for Approach Road under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/DNJ/WS-179: A total of 1.01 acres of private land has to be acquired for the development of approach road on both sides of the 90 meter long Pre-Stressed Girder Bridge on Punarvaba River under Birol Upazial of Dinajpur District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/DNJ/WS-179. Taka 36,76,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 1.01 acres of land.

7. Bridge Construction under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/BGR/WS-201: A total of 0.48 acre of private land was acquired for the construction of 75 meter RCC Girder Bridge over Ichamati River (Mara Bnagali River) on Goshaibari GC-Sonahat GCF Road under Dhunat Upazila of Bogra District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/BGR/WS-201. Taka 39,58,999.96 was allocated for acquisition of 0.48 acres of land.

8. Development of Approach Road under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/CHU/WS-195: A total of 0.1190 acre of private land was acquired for the development of approach road for 90 meter long under construction Girder Bridge over Mathabhanga River at Munshiganj GC, Poshurhat pouin under Alamdanga, Upaqzila of Chuadanga District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/CHU/WS-195. Taka 5,50,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 0.1190 acres of land.

9. Development of Approach Road under Contract No. LGED/SRIP/GBD/WS-162: A total of 0.790 acre of land has to be acquired for the development of approach road for 75 meter Girder Bridge over Feskatair khal on Saghata CC- Mahimaganj GC Road in Gaibandha District under Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/GBD/WS-162. Taka 50,00,000.00 was allocated for acquisition of 0.790 acres of land.

Table 6: Land Acquisition and Compensation by District and Contract

Acquired Allocation of SL District Improvement Contract Number Land Compensation (Acre) (Taka) Chapai 1. LGED/SRIIP/NWB/W-182 2.99 48,31,000.00 Nawabganj 2. Rajshahi LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063 0.49 Donated 3. Jessore LGED/SRIIP/JSR/WS-134 & 135 1.6017 94,16,000.00 4. Narail LGED/SRIIP/NRL/WS-176 0.7725 16,88,394.04 5. Naogaon LGED/SRIIP/NAO/WS-173 0.48 20,66,000.00 6. Dinajpur LGED/SRIIP/DNJ/WS-179 1.01 36,76,000.00 7. Bogra LGED/SRIIP/BGR/WS-201 0.48 39,58,999.96 8. Chuadanga LGED/SRIIP/CHU/WS-195 0.1190 5,50,000.00 9. Gaibandha LGED/SRIP/GBD/WS-162 0.790 50,00,000.00 Total 8.7332 Total Actual Acquisition 3,11,86,394.00 8.2432 (Actual acquisition excludes the donated 0.49 acres of land) Source: SRIIP, LGED.

Note: No land acquisition procedure was applied for taking of 0.49 acres of land for implementation of the Contract No: LGED/SRIIP/RJS/W-063, because the land was resolutely donated by the Takipur Government Primary School located on Hatgangapara- Keshorhat-Khalgram road in Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi District. The School authority purchased this land from the two owners (Mr. Syful Islam and Mr. Abdus Salam) and handed over to LGED. Therefore, excluding this donated land, actual amount of land acquired through the respective offices of the Deputy Commissioners is 8.2432 acres.

______Page | 12 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______3.1.3 Entitlements, Assistance and Benefits Set Out in SRIIP

24. As mentioned before, among the 21 project districts, only nine have had resettlement impacts. During the design phase, the project anticipated a wide array of resettlement impact on the AHs, including (i) loss of land; (ii) loss of residential/commercial/community structure; (iii) loss of trees; (iv) loss of crops; (v) loss of business; (vi) loss of work days/incomes, and relocation of households and businesses; (vii) loss of rental premises; and (viii) loss of access to premises for residence and trading. During implementation, the following impacts as in Table 7 were found in different districts:

Table 7: Type of Resettlement Impacts of the SRIIP Projects

Type of Resettlement Impacts due to SRIIP District Loss of Loss of Loss of Loss of Loss of Land Structure Trees Crops Income Bogra √ √ Dinajpur √ √ √ Chuadanga √ √ Gaibandha √ √ √ √ Chapai Nawabganj √ √ √ Jessore √ √ √ √ Narail √ √ √ √ Rajshahi √ √ Naogaon √

25. In accordance with the RF, categories of compensation allocations were set for the AHs. All displaced households and persons were supposed to be entitled to a combination of compensation packages and resettlement assistance, depending on the nature of ownership rights on lost assets, scope of the impacts including socioeconomic vulnerability of the displaced persons, and measures to support livelihood restoration if livelihood impacts were envisaged. Again, since all the envisaged impacts did not happen in reality, SRIIP did not require to disburse compensations for all the categories set out in the RF. Table 8 shows the disbursed compensation categories in different districts of the Project.

Table 8: Compensations and Assistances Allocated in SRIIP

District

Compensation Compensation of for Loss Land Compensation of for Loss Structure Compensation of for Loss Trees Compensation of for Loss Crops Compensation of for Loss Income Special for Assistance Vulnerable Contingency labor tocover for costs shifting assistance, repair/compen for sation damaged etc. property, Bogra √ Dinajpur √ √ Chuadanga √ Gaibandha √ √ √ √ Chapai

Nawabganj √ √ √ Jessore √ √ √ √ √ √ Narail √ √ √ √ √ √ Rajshahi √ √ Naogaon √

______Page | 13 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______4. PLANNING ASPECTS OF RESETTLEMENT AND RELEVANT ISSUES

4.1 Policy, Framework and Resettlement Plans

26. Since the project is funded by ADB and implemented by Government of Bangladesh (GoB), both ADB and GOB policies and laws relevant to land acquisition and resettlement were considered as policy and legal framework. ADB Safeguards Policy Statement, 2009 was followed and important elements regarding compensations and assistances were included in the Resettlement Framework (RF) of the project. The RF9 has used the GoB’s procedure of the Acquisition of Immovable Property Act of 1982 and its subsequent amendments. The RF of the project was approved in August 2010, which was further updated in July 2011. The framework states that there would be no involuntary resettlement (relocation) and process of negotiated settlement would be used in case of any land acquisition.

27. RF of SRIIP stated that in case any of the resettlement-related project criteria are not met or the process of negotiated settlement between government and land holders fails, either the sub project would be dropped and another taken up, or a Resettlement Plan would be prepared in accordance with the ADB’s Safeguards Policy Statement (2009). After subproject selection and field visits, resettlement impact was anticipated in nine districts as shown in the earlier Table 7. Accordingly, nine different RPs were prepared by LGED at time between August 2015 and May 2016. These RPs have included the scopes and extents of land acquisition, involuntary resettlement impacts, and recommendations to mitigate the impacts.

4.2 Entitlements, Assistance and Benefits Setout in SRIIP

28. As noted earlier, among the 21 project districts, only nine districts had resettlement impacts due to the project. During the design phase, the project anticipated a wide array of resettlement impact on the AHs, including loss of land; loss of residential /commercial/community structure; loss of trees; loss of crops; loss of business; loss of work days/incomes, and relocation of households and businesses; loss of rental premises; and loss of access to premises for residence and trading. During implementation, the following impacts as in Table 9 were found in different districts:

Table 9: Type of Resettlement Impacts of the SRIIP Projects

Types of Resettlement Impacts due to SRIIP District Loss of Loss of Structure Loss of Loss of Loss of Land Full10 Partial Trees Crops Income Bogra √ - - - √ - Dinajpur √ - - √ √ - Chuadanga √ - - √ - Gaibandha √ √ - √ √ - Chapai Nawabganj √ - - √ √ - Jessore √ √ - √ - √ Narail √ √ - √ - √ Rajshahi √ - - √ - - Naogaon √ - - - - -

29. In accordance with the RF, different types of compensation allocations were set for the AHs. All displaced households and persons was supposed to be entitled to a combination of compensation packages and resettlement assistance, depending on the nature of ownership rights on lost assets, scope of the impacts including socioeconomic vulnerability of the displaced persons, and measures to support livelihood restoration if livelihood impacts were

9 Involuntary Resettlement Assessment and Measures. RF, SRIIP (RRP BAN 40515), LGED. August 2010. 10 The respective RPs have recorded a total number of 15 structures that were fully affected. Of these 15 structures, 1 structure was in Gaibandha, 6 structures were in Jessore and 8 structures were in Narail - the majority were residential structures (9 residential structures), but some used for commercial (4 shops) and 2 for other activities ______Page | 14 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______envisaged. However, given the envisaged impacts did not happen in reality, SRIIP did not require to disburse compensations for all the categories set out in the RF. The project disbursed compensations in the following categories in different districts, shown in Table 10.

Table 10: Compensations and Assistances Allocated in SRIIP

Types of Compensations and Assistances Allocated to to

District

Compensation forLoss of Land Compensation forLoss of Structure Compensation forLoss of Trees Compensation forLoss of Crops Compensation forLoss of Income Special Assistancefor Vulnerable APs

Contingency cover labor costs forshifting assistance, repair/compensat ionfor damaged property, etc. Bogra √ √ Dinajpur √ √ √ Chuadanga √ √ Gaibandha √ √ √ √ √ Chapai Nawabganj √ √ √ Jessore √ √ √ √ √ √ Narail √ √ √ √ √ √ Rajshahi √ √ Naogaon √

4.3 Process of Information Disclosure and Community Consultation in SRIIP

30. The RF of SRIIP indicates that regular stakeholder participation and consultation would be undertaken during program implementation. It also indicates the need for participatory and focus group sessions with stakeholders and beneficiaries (community groups and groups of women) to assess their needs and discuss project progress and activities.

31. Before developing the RPs, consultation sessions were conducted in the areas that are involved with resettlement impact. Affected persons including the representatives of female PAPs participated in these meetings. The other participants were the community leaders, local government representatives and LGED officials. The methods used for consultations were open meetings, interviews and focus group discussions. During the course of consultation, the participants were informed about the provision that the SRIIP will offer compensation and other relevant costs for affected land, about employment opportunities during construction phase, possible income earning scopes for women and IPs in growth centres, about management of common facilities Participants were also informed that if during the period of project implementation phase, any disruption or damages occur such as destruction of structures, compound walls, existing connections etc. would be repaired by the concerned project contractor.

Public Consultation with the APs at Daldalia Union in Chapai Nawabgonj District. ______Page | 15 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______32. In the consultation meetings, extensive discussions with the stakeholders were held. The overall outcome of the consultation meetings provided mixed opinions towards project implementation. The participants showed their concerns regarding impact on land, crop, trees, fruits and homestead due to the land acquisitions. However, due to the long-term benefits of the project, they agreed to the acquisition of their land. Also, the Cash Compensation by Law (CCL) method of acquisition and guarantee of hassle-free speedy payment of compensation further encouraged them. Table 11 shows that there had been 12 consultation meeting at the community level involving a total of 154 participants, splitting into 123 male and 31 female.

Table 11: Details of Community Consultation11

Time of No of Gender of Number of District Consultations Community Participants Participants and Meetings Consultations Male Female Jessore May, 2015 3 30 17 13 Narail May, 2015 2 18 9 9 Rajshahi June, 2015 1 25 16 9 Naogaon June, 2015 1 7 7 - Chuadanga March, 2016 1 18 18 - Bogra March, 2016 1 8 8 - Dinajpur April, 2016 1 10 10 - Gaibandha June, 2016 1 16 16 - Chapai June 2015 1 22 22 - Nawabganj Total 12 154 123 31

33. Apart from the consultation sessions, letters were sent from the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) offices of the respective districts to the APs detailing the purpose of acquiring the land including the amount of land to be acquired, and the associated procedures on payment of compensation. A sample of such letter served to the AP (Mr. Sudhir Kumar) from the DC office of Narail District is given in Annex 2.

4.4 Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of RPs

34. LGED is the executing agency for the project. A Project Management Office (PMO) was established in LGED head office headed by a Project Director from LGED. Under the overall guidance of PMO the XEN (Dhaka) and XENs (districts of the project area) executed the Resettlement Plans. A number of supporting staffs (at field level) supported this implementation. The PMO was staffed by a safeguard officer to follow up RAP implementation and monitoring. PMO’s responsibility is to implement and monitor safeguards compliance activities, public relations activities, gender mainstreaming activities, and community participation activities. The PMO receives assistance from the SRIIP’s national resettlement consultant to establish a system to monitor social safeguards of the project, including monitoring the indicators set out in the monitoring plan of the RAP; establish and implement the project GRM, ensure the timely availability of compensation fund and address any grievances brought about through the GRM in a timely manner.

11 Data on the Community Consultation are derived from the Resettlement Plans prepared under SRIIP during August 2015 - June 2016. ______Page | 16 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______4.5 Grievances Redress Mechanism in SRIIP

35. SRIIP has an extensive and transparent Grievances Redress Mechanism (GRM) in built in its design. In case of grievances that were immediate and urgent in the perception of the complainant, the contractor and SRIIP on-site personnel provided the most easily accessible or first level of contact for quick resolution of grievances. Contact phone numbers and names of the concerned PMO safeguard focal person and contractors were posted at all construction sites at visible locations. For getting the grievances immediately resolvable, there are 7 days allocated timeline. In case this was not resolved at this level, a grievance redress cell (GRC) headed by the executive Engineer at the district level was established with support from PMO and relevant officials (including safeguard focal person, regional environment and resettlement specialists). After submitting complaint in the GRC, it would take 15 days to resolve the issue. The PMO designated focal person was responsible to oversee the process of redress of each grievance. The PMO designated safeguard focal person referred any unresolved or major issues to the PMO safeguard officer which was to be redressed within 30 days.

4.6 Monitoring Mechanisms Set out in the Project

36. RP implementation was to be closely monitored to provide the PMO with an effective basis for assessing resettlement progress and identifying potential difficulties and problems. Monitoring was undertaken by the SRIIP and PMO. Monitoring involved administrative monitoring to ensure that implementation is on schedule and problems were dealt with on a timely basis; socio-economic monitoring during and after any resettlement impact utilizing baseline information established through the detailed measurement survey of APs undertaken during project sub-preparation, and overall monitoring. Monthly progress reports were prepared by SRIIP which included the status of RP implementation. PMO submitted semi- annual monitoring reports to ADB for review.

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Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______5. DELIVERY OF ENTITLEMENTS OF AFFECTED PERSONS IN SRIIP

5.1 Status of Compensation Payment

37. In total, an amount of Taka 49,786,391 was allocated as compensation for the 89 affected households. 100 percent disbursement could be achieved in Jessore, Naogaon, Narail, Dinajpur and Chuadanga, Chapai Nawabganj and Bogra. In Rajshahi, there was no requirement of compensation since the land was donated by a School. No compensation was found being disbursed in Gaibandha12, but the land is already in use by the project. However, process of compensation payment by the respective DC office is underway. Status of the compensation payment is shown in the below Table 12.

Table 12: Status of Compensation Payment

Amount of Amount of No of land to be Compensation District Affected Compensation Payment Acquired Allocated HH (Acre) (Tk.) Compensation Money disbursed to 27 Chapai 2.99 48,31,000 30 PAPs. Disbursement to 3 PAPs yet to be Nawabganj disbursed due to legal complicities. Rajshahi 0.49 Not Required 02 No Demand for compensation money13. Jessore 1.6017 94,16,000 07 Money disbursed to all PAPs Naogaon 0.48 20,66,000 06 Money disbursed to all PAPs Narail 0.7725 16,88,394 15 Money disbursed to all PAPs. Dinajpur 1.01 36,76,000 04 Money disbursed to all PAPs Bogra 0.48 39,58,997 05 Money disbursed to all PAPs Chuadanga 0.1190 5,50,000 04 Money disbursed to all PAPs Gaibandha 0.790 50,00,000 16 Money not yet disbursed to PAPs Total 49,786,391 89 Source: Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on IR and data derived from selected field investigations.

5.2 Feedback of APs on Entitlement Allocation and Disbursement

38. Figure 4 shows that around 94 percent of the surveyed APs expressed that the entitlements for the land acquisition was decided upon discussion with them. 88 percent reported that they were properly informed about the entitlements.

Figure 4: AP Knowledge about the Entitlements

94% 88% 95% 90% 85% 80% Expressed by % of Surveyed APs

Were Informed about the Entitlements Entitlement was decided upon Discussion with the AP

12 As of today (20 December 2017), reportedly, payment of compensation has not been made to the APs under the Contract No. LGED/SRIIP/GBD/WS-162.

13 The land was resolutely donated by the Takipur Government Primary School located on Hatgangapara- Keshorhat-Khalgram road in Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi District. The School authority purchased this land from the two land owners (Mr. Syful Islam and Mr. Abdus Salam) and handed over to LGED for the road improvement. ______Page | 18 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______39. Figure 5 shows that more than half of the surveyed APs expressed that they were highly satisfied with the entitlements allocated for them. Another high percentage of APs reported they were moderately satisfied. Only 13 percent of APs said that they were not satisfied with the entitlement for their land that was acquired.

Figure 5: Satisfaction of APs on Entitlement

60%

50%

40%

30% 53%

20% 34%

10% 13%

0% Highly Satisfied Moderately Satisfied Not Satisfied

40. As shown in Figure 6, during the development of this LAR monitoring report, more than 80 percent of the APs reported that they received the compensation for the land acquisition within the stipulated time period. 6 percent said that they got it in a delayed time, while 9 percent did not get the compensation during the AP survey in October 2017. All the APs reported that they received the expected assistance in receiving the compensation for the land acquisition.

Figure 6: Status of the Time in which APs received the Compensation for Land Acquisition

90% 84% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 9% 10% 6% 0%

Ontime Receipt of Compensation Delayed Receipt of Compensation Did not Receive Compensation during Survey

______Page | 19 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______5.3 Feedback of APs on other Aspects of RP Implementation

5.3.1 Community Consultations and Information Disclosure

41. During the field visits, APs were asked whether they had heard about the community consultations that took place in the vicinity of their locality. Figure 7 shows that around 87 percent of the surveyed APs expressed that they heard about the sessions, while Figure 8 shows that 93 percent of those aware participated in these consultation sessions.

Figure 7: Awareness of the APs regarding Community Consultations

13%

87%

Aware Not Aware

Figure 8: Participation of APs in Community Consultation (Those aware of the Community Consultations)

Participated in Community Consultations

Did not Participate in 93% Community Consultations

______Page | 20 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______5.4 Grievances Redress Mechanism of SRIIP

42. Out of the surveyed APs, majority (84% in Figure 9) expressed that they were aware about the Grievances Redress Mechanism (GRM) of the Project. A very high number of APs were found of being aware of the GRM procedure of SRIIP. Figure 10 shows that 59% of the APs thought the mechanism was very effective in resolving grievances, while only 19 percent of the APs thought it was not an effective mechanism.

Figure 9: APs' Awareness regarding GRM of SRIIP

Aware Not Aware

16%, 16%

84%, 84%

Figure 10: APs' perception regarding the effectiveness of SRIIP GRM

59%

60%

50%

40% 22% 30% 19%

20%

10%

0% Category 1

Very Effective Effective Not Effective

______Page | 21 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______6. APs RESPONSES ON PROJECT IMPACTS

6.1 Experiences of the APs during Project’s Physical Implementation

43. As mentioned before, the project involved construction activities, civil works and other physical development activities. Typically, these activities bring changes in APs occupation, business activities, income and standard of living. In SRIIP, the project’s civil works and physical activities affected almost all the APs. However, the changes brought in by the project activities were all positive and beneficial for the APs. Table 13 shows different types of changes brought in by the development works of the project.

Table 13: Impacts of Project's Construction and Civil Works on APs

% of the APs Specific Changes Brought in by Area of Impact of the Project’s facing this Construction and Civil Works the Project’s Construction and change Civil Works Positive changes in occupation New business opportunities; 97% and businesses of the APs employment in construction works Negative changes in occupation - - and businesses of the APs Increased income from new Positive changes in Income of the 94% business and employment APs opportunities Negative changes in Income of the - - APs Increased price of APs’ lands; Positive Changes in Standard of 100% improved social image; improved Living of APs standard of living Negative Changes in Standard of - - Living

6.2 APs’ Perception of the Project Outcomes

44. Figure 11 shows the APs' perception about the benefits of the Project outcomes. APs were asked about the immediate outcomes of the project on their mobility. The majority of the APs expressed that the project will have positive impact on their mobility by improving their access to educational and health services and social and cultural sites. The constructed and upgraded roads, bridges and culverts will reduce their travel time, decrease travel cost, improve comfort and overall will improve connectivity. The improved connectivity will attract the education and health service providers and hence there will be improvement in these areas. In addition, the bridges and culverts will reduce the water logging problems and will improve irrigation in the area.

45. The Growth Centers markets will especially be helpful for the APs, according to their perception. They think that the improved markets will attract buyers from far living areas. This will give increased opportunity for them to sell their products, especially the agricultural products. With the improved road connection, transportation of the local products will be easy and cost effective. Overall, local farmers will have increased profit for their products. The Growth Centers have special corners for women business persons. This is an added advantage whereby more women will be encouraged to participate in selling their products, especially those grown in their own household. They will come in contact with more customers and will have the opportunity to increase their income. Overall, the APs think the project will

______Page | 22 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______increase the income of the local people in future and will play significant role in the poverty reduction.

Figure 11: APs' Perception about the Benefits of Project Outcomes

101% 100% 100% 100% 100%

99%

98% 97% 97% 97%

96%

95%

% of APs thinking the Roads will be Beneficial % of APs thinking the Bridges and Culverts will be Beneficial % of APs thinking the Markets will be Beneficial % of APs thinking the Income Increase in Future due to this Project % of APs thinking Poverty will be reduced in future due to this Project

______Page | 23 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______7. CONCLUSION

46. In general, improved rural infrastructure facilities under the SRIIP have been achieving significant economic and social progress in the northwest and southwest of Bangladesh. There is added momentum in improving the quality of life of the rural population, and thus reducing poverty and raising income of the people. The people in the project area are partnering the enhanced accessibility to social services, such as health and education and economic opportunities, as well as benefiting from the facilities of accessing markets and livelihood activities and are keeping on improving their quality of life.

______Page | 24 Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Draft Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

Annexes

Annex 1: Checklist for Land Acquisition & Resettlement Monitoring

Annex 2: Sample of Notice from DC Office for Land Acquisition

Annex 3: List of APs & Proof of Satisfactory Receipt of Compensation

Annex 4: Reply of ADB Comments

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Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______Annex 1 Checklist for Land Acquisition & Resettlement Monitoring SRIIP, LGED

Sub-Project Name:………………….. Date:………………….

Name of AP:…………………………. Address of AP: ……………………………

Contact No of PAP: ……………………… Name & Position of Investigator: …….

Consultation, Disclosure and Grievances 1. Was there any consultation regarding need for acquisition and/or land □ Yes □ No □ N/A resettlement? 2. Did you participate in such consultation meetings? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 3. Was the entitlement decided upon discussion with you? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 4. Were you properly informed about the entitlements of yours? □ Yes □ No □ N/A □ Very Satisfied

5. Were you satisfied with the entitlement decided? □ Moderately Satisfied □ Not Satisfied At All □ N/A 6. Are you aware of the grievances redress mechanism of the project? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 7. Did you went through the grievances redress mechanism? Or Did you □ Yes □ No □ N/A see any other APs going through such mechanism? 8. Was conflicts resolved from this mechanism? □ Yes □ No □ N/A □ Very Effective

9. How effective do you think this mechanism was? □ Moderately Effective □ Not Effective At All □ N/A Delivery of AP Entitlements 10. Have you received payments on time? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 11. Were compensation payments you receive free of deductions for □ Yes □ No □ N/A depreciation, fees or transfer costs to 12. Have you compensated your losing from temporary land borrow? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 13. Have you seen the assistance measure taken as per the plan that was □ Yes □ No □ N/A being communicated with you? 14. Was there any restoration for the social infrastructure and services? □ Yes □ No □ N/A

15. Do you have access to schools, health services and cultural sites and □ As Before

activities just like before? □ Improved □ N/A

16. Are income and livelihood restoration activities being implemented as set □ As before out in the income restoration plan? □ Improved □ N/A 17. Have you received entitlements including transfer and payments for net □ Yes □ No □ N/A losses resulting from lost business and stoppage of production? □ Very Satisfied

18. How satisfied are you with the procedure of handling entitlement? □ Moderately Satisfied □ Not Satisfied At All □ N/A 19. Did the project construction/civil works activities bring any change in your □ Yes □ No □ N/A occupation/business? 1. • If yes then what were the changes? 2.

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Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______3. 20. Did the project construction/civil works bring any change in your income □ Yes □ No □ N/A and expenditure pattern? 1. • If yes then what were the changes? 2. 3. 21. Did the project construction/civil works bring any change in your standard `□ Yes □ No □ N/A of living? 1. • If yes then what were the changes? 2. 3. AP Reactions with Project Outputs 22. Are you aware of the construction/upgrading of the Upazila/Union road in □ Yes □ No □ N/A your Area? □ Will be beneficial 23. Do you think the road will be beneficial for you? □ Will not be beneficial □ N/A 1. • If beneficial then what specific benefits do you think the road will 2. bring? 3. 24. Are you aware of the bridge/culvert construction in your Area? □ Yes □ No □ N/A

□ Will be beneficial 25. Do you think this will be beneficial for you? □ Will not be beneficial □ N/A 1. • If beneficial then what specific benefits do you think the bridge/culvert 2. will bring? 3. 26. Are you aware of the market/growth centers being developed in your □ Yes □ No □ N/A area? □ Will be beneficial 27. Do you think this will be beneficial for you? □ Will not be beneficial □ N/A 1. • If beneficial then what specific benefits do you think the 2. markets/growth centers will bring? 3. 28. Are you aware of the tree plantation activities of the project? □ Yes □ No □ N/A

29. Do you think the tree plantation will be useful? □ Yes □ No □ N/A 30. Do you think overall the project will be good for your income generation □ Yes □ No □ N/A in future? □ Will be reduced 31. Do you think the poverty will be reduced in this area because of a direct □ Will have no impact impact of this project? □ I have no idea

Signature of the AP:

Date:

Signature of the Investigator:

Date:

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Design and Supervision Consultant

Local Government Engineering Department Monitoring Report on Land Acquisition and Resettlement Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project ______

Annex 2

Sample of Notice from DC Office for Land Acquisition Narail District

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Design and Supervision Consultant

Annex 3