2011年-世界发展银行全球_When_it_Rains_Use_an_Umbrella___Lessons_in_High-Risk_Infrastructure_Communications_from_the_Bujagali_Hydropower_Project_4页_680kb

Bujagali Hydropower Project Summary

Core Content

The Bujagali Hydropower Project in Uganda is a case study on how effective communications strategies can manage and mitigate risks associated with high-profile infrastructure projects. Initially approved in 2001 by the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA, the project faced significant opposition from civil society organizations and the media, which questioned its environmental and social impacts and alleged that it would benefit only large industries rather than the poor. Despite these challenges, the project was successfully revived in 2007 with a new private sponsor, Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL), and received full support from the World Bank Group, leading to its approval and recognition as a model of good practice.

Main Points

• Project Background
  The Bujagali Hydropower Project was designed to address Uganda's severe electricity shortages, which had been a major obstacle to development. It was a run-of-river dam, which minimizes environmental impact compared to large storage reservoir dams. The project aimed to provide reliable electricity to support economic growth and development.

• Initial Opposition
  Civil society groups launched a campaign against the project, arguing it would harm the environment and not benefit the poor. This led to negative media coverage and prompted an Inspection Panel review. Additionally, the original sponsor, AES Corporation, withdrew due to financial difficulties, causing the project to stall.

• Revival and Support
  After six years, the project was revived with a new private sponsor, BEL. The World Bank Group provided $360 million in loans and guarantees, including $130 million from IFC, $115 million in risk guarantees from IDA, and $115 million in investment guarantees from MIGA.

• Communication Strategy
  The project team implemented an active and transparent communication strategy to counter negative narratives and ensure informed decision-making by the World Bank Board.

Key Lessons Learned

1) Accept the Storm and Prepare to Get Wet

• High-risk projects often attract negative campaigns.
• It is more effective to focus on managing the impact rather than trying to prevent it.
• A proactive communication strategy was developed early to ensure transparency and build public support.

2) Communicate Technical Attributes

• The project's run-of-river design and environmental offset measures were key points to highlight.
• These facts were used to counter misinformation and demonstrate the project's alignment with sustainability and safeguard policies.
• Emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of hydropower over diesel generators helped shift public perception.

3) Use Active Transparency to Build Credibility

• A dedicated website and multimedia tools were used to share project information.
• All key documents, including the Project Concept Note, Environmental Impact Assessments, and Power Purchase Agreement, were made publicly available.
• Budgeting time for spokespeople to address queries and engage with the media helped build trust and credibility.

4) Local Presence Reduces Risk

• Having local staff involved in communications was crucial for rapid response and effective messaging.
• Local presence ensured that the project team could engage with stakeholders, including parliamentarians, and respond to public events in real time.
• This approach helped neutralize the impact of negative campaigns and ensured the project's messages reached the right audiences.

Conclusion

The Bujagali Hydropower Project is a testament to the importance of transparency, inclusiveness, and local engagement in managing high-risk infrastructure projects. Despite initial opposition and setbacks, the project was approved and praised by the World Bank Board for its innovative approach and alignment with development objectives. The lessons learned from Bujagali have been applied to other projects in the Africa energy sector, highlighting the value of open communication in promoting sustainable development.