Petition: Unfair Distribution Of Stabicha Water Project Resources In Siboti Ward, Bumula

RE: PETITION ON UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF STABICHA WATER PROJECT RESOURCES IN SIBOTI WARD, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY

We the under designed, are writing to formally express our strong opposition to the proposed dam project being funded by the World Bank. While we acknowledge the potential benefit of infrastructure development, we believe that this project pauses significant risk to our community, environment and overall social justice.

We are deeply concerned about several key issues that undermine the integrity of the project including:

1. UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF WATER OUTLETS AND CHANNELS

The planned allocation and distribution of water from the Sitabicha dam’s outlets have been designed in a manner that disproportionately, benefit certain regions or groups while neglecting others. The lack of equitable water distribution channels threatens to exacerbate existing water scarcity issues, particularly for marginalized and rural communities who are already struggling with inadequate water access is critical to ensuring that all citizens are threatened equally, regardless of their social economic status.

1. POLITICAL INFLUENCE IN DECISION MAKING

There is overwhelming evidence that political influence has played a significant role in shaping the dam’s design and development. Decision regarding the dam’s location implementation and distribution has been disproportionately influenced by powerful political figures rather than by the needs and interest of the affected community. This level of political interference undermines democratic governance and threatens to perpetuate inequities and corruption, ultimately leading to the project failure to serve the public good.

iii. IMBALANCE IN WORKFORCE, EMPLOYMENT AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION

We are concerned by the bias in employment practices associated with the dam project. Local workers especially from disenfranchised communities have been systematically excluded from access to job opportunities and project related resources, instead a significant portion of the workforce has been recruited from outside the area or from favoured political affiliations. This only perpetuates

social-economic inequality but also undermines local economic by depriving people of fair employment opportunities

1. LACK OF PROPER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

One of the most alarming aspect of this project is that the insufficient public consultation and participation and the process of decision making. Communities who are directly impacted by the dam have not been adequately involved nor have they had a meaningful say in the planning and implementation of the project. Public participation is cornerstone of responsible governance. Yet this project appears to have proceeded without genuine consultation on engagements with those who will be most affected

Download petition here; PETITION ON UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF STABICHA WATER PROJECT RESOURCES IN SIBOTI WARD, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY

1. CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

We urgently call for the following actions to address our concerns and ensure that the project is revised in a manner that priorities fairness, accountability and transparency.

1. Review and revise the water distribution plan to ensure equitable access of water for all affected communities, prioritizing the needs of underserved regions.

2. End political interference in decision making process and ensure that all decisions regarding the project are made in a transparent and democratic manner with inputs from local communities and experts.

3. Implement fair and non-discriminatory employment practices to ensure that local workers particularly those from marginalized background are given priorities in hiring, training and resource distribution.

4. Ensure meaningful public participation by holding transparent consultations with affected communities and providing clear channels for feedback, concerns and suggestions throughout the life of the project

5. We believe that the dam project has the potential to bring about positive changes but only if it is designed and implemented in a way that is just inclusive and mindful of the needs of all stakeholders, especially those most vulnerable.

6. We respectively urge the World Bank, the governing authorities and all involved parties to take immediate steps to address these concerns and ensure that the project is aligned with international standards of equity, transparency and public welfare.

~ Siboti Ward Residents ~

PETITIONERS;