The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has vehemently denied the claims made in a GreenFaith report dated November 9, 2023, regarding the relocation of graves in Uganda and Tanzania, associated with the land acquisition process for the EACOP project.
EACOP, a joint venture involving TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), issued a comprehensive response, emphasizing its adherence to international best practices and stringent protocols in the sensitive matter of grave relocations.
EACOP categorically refuted the allegations contained in the report, asserting its commitment to conducting its activities, including the relocation of graves, in accordance with internationally recognized standards and thorough community engagement. The company highlighted its dedication to environmental protection and pledged compliance with the IFC Performance Standards, which delineate global best practices in these domains.
The company expressed regret over not being consulted by GreenFaith prior to the report’s publication, citing a lack of opportunity for fact-checking or verification of specific cases raised in the report. However, EACOP extended an invitation to GreenFaith to present specific grievances that the company might not be aware of, pledging to thoroughly investigate and resolve them in confidence.
EACOP outlined its meticulous process for grave relocations, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and consultation with affected communities. The company identified and documented graves during land surveys, engaging families or grave owners to verify unmarked graves, compensating owners for relocation, and conducting relocations with utmost respect and adherence to local traditions and religious practices.
Moreover, EACOP clarified its measures for the identification, relocation, and respectful treatment of graves, involving professional companies, community engagement, and adherence to local religious practices.
Responding to specific points raised in the GreenFaith report, EACOP provided detailed counterpoints, citing instances where modifications in pipeline routes were made to avoid impacting graves, and engagement efforts made with families and communities to ensure adherence to local traditions and rituals.
The company emphasized its commitment to addressing grievances and facilitating a non-judicial Grievance Mechanism, recording no grievances related to the relocation process itself.
EACOP lamented the lack of engagement by GreenFaith before the report’s publication, asserting that the project has maintained comprehensive records of consultations, meetings, and grave relocations, rebutting the claim of over 2,000 graves being disturbed.
The response clarified the company’s adherence to compensation processes, engagement with communities, and the meticulous steps taken in grave relocations, highlighting the sensitivity and cultural significance of the issue.
While the report by GreenFaith highlighted concerns about the disturbance of graves and the emotional distress faced by families, EACOP affirmed its commitment to cultural respect, community engagement, and a stringent protocol for grave relocations in alignment with international best practices.
EACOP maintained its stance on transparency and compliance with established norms, expressing readiness to address any valid concerns while continuing to uphold its commitment to ethical and culturally sensitive practices in all project operations.
