Lesotho - Integrated Transport Program Project : resettlement action plan

Implementation of the Integrated Transport Program Project in Lesotho will entail land acquisition, and the consequent resettlement issues. This resettlement policy sets the framework for compensation, to ensure project affected people benefit from such implementation, and their living standards improve, or are at least restored to previous standards. Loss of residential, and/or business structures will be compensated at replacement costs, for full or partial losses of housing structures, or others (i.e., fencing, etc.) in cash compensation. Informal occupants, or squatters recorded in the project's displacement area prior to the official entitlement cut-off date, will not be compensated for physical structures, but will be assisted through moving expenses. Rental allowances will be available for displaced persons, provided displacement takes place after the census, but no less than three months prior to the implementation of the relocation program. Land losses will be compensated in cash, at replacement value, and as possible, assistance shall be provided to squatters for alternative residential/business sites. Loss of cultivated land, will be compensated in cash at full replacement costs, or assisted with the identification and allocation of suitable replacement land. Crop losses will be compensated for the duration of temporary occupation, or damages caused to the property. Illegal occupants of public land shall not qualify for land losses, but as possible, will be assisted with alternative opportunities. Loss of perennial crops will be paid at net value if harvesting is not possible, or apportioned accordingly, and, loss of commercial orchards, fruit trees, etc., will be compensated at prevailing commercial rates. Additionally, natural resources, or grazing land losses, will be mitigated in consultation with the appropriate line agencies, to be restored, and accessible for community resources.