Kenya;the Sondu-Miriu Hydroepower Project
the Minutes of
Committee on Oversight of Administration
(Draft)(June 11,2001)
→→Also see"the
Minutes of Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence"
(by Mr.Sakurai, May 29,2001)
"the Minutes of Committee on
Oversight of Administration"
(by Ms.Fukushima,June 11,2001)
"the Minutes of Committee on
Accounts"
(by Mr.Sakurai, June 25,2001)
The National
Diet of Japan
House of Councillors
Committee on oversight of Administration
June 11, 2001
Mr. Mitsuru Sakurai, the member of the Councillor:
I understand that there are two issues with regard to the ODA to the project plan in Kenya. One is whether the further continuation of the project would be beneficial to the citizens of Kenya. To answer this question, whether this project is being carried out
taking reasonable steps in a reasonable timeframe should be questioned. The other issue I would like to raise is rather procedural. The bid had been rendered before the official decision with regard to the feasibility of this project was finalized in the Cabinet meeting.
Will the ODA to the project plan in Kenya be continued? What is your opinion on this unusual bidding procedure?
Ms. Tanaka, the Foreign Minister. :
Directly answering your questions, the Government of Japan is currently trying to determine whether it is appropriate to supply the second phase of this project in Kenya with the second half of the previously planned ODA. Upon our determination on this matter, we are willing to examine the issue of the unusual bidding procedure and come up with a measure to be taken.
Last week, I assisted one of the meetings that had been called every other week in order to reexamine the necessity of the ODA. Very direct and meaningful discussions given by the knowledgeable persons in the meeting included the nature and origin of the ODA itself, improved economic situations of the world that the ODAs had been bringing, and the issues of national interest. There also were further discussions on these well-said words, the “national interest.” None of the countries would proceed with an ODA that does not bring interests to the nation. Thus, I had an opportunity to listen to the opinions of individual participants and found out a direction to go to solve the problems of Kenya.
Mr. Sakurai. :
I would like to request your close attention on an on-going troublesome situation in Kenya. Members of the NGOs are having a hard time to participate in the Technical Committee, and they are facing to possibilities to be victimized. The NGO members are in danger because it is understood baselessly and needlessly that the project will be delayed due to their activities.
The other issue is about the “national interest.” There is a report on impacts that this project may cause on the parties concerned. All the corporations that received orders are Japanese. Due to the dull economy of the nation, participating in the ODA projects is one of the big chances for these corporations. If this project were cancelled, the impact on the corporations would be great. However, decisions with regard to the project should not be made in consideration of interests of the parties concerned. I do not agree with the theory that the project should be continued because otherwise Japanese corporation would be disadvantaged. What is your view on this matter?
Ms. Tanaka.
I totally agree with your opinion. However, we need to revisit with the “basic spirit” that the ODA originates. Basic idea and philosophy of the ODA is to contribute to the international community with an appropriate method since the tax paid by citizens is to be used for it. We should Proceed with the project if we are able to reach the goal that meets the original objective, although problems such as what was experienced in Kenya this time, environmental problems, problems of NGO members’ safety have been pointed out. We should comprehend these issues as a whole, and if it is unfeasible to reach the goal, or the goal itself is being manipulated and does not meet the initial prospective, we should reexamine the whole project. It is also believed that voices raised from the Committee or the site should be reflected.
Mr. Sakurai.
Thank you very much. Do you have to say anything about politicians’ participation in this project by way of promising the Kenyan side inadequately on official documents that they can pull strings so that the project will be continued.
Ms. Tanaka.
I do not have any knowledge on that at this point. I should rather say that such participation of politicians in this project do not exist at all.
Mr. Sakurai.
The context of the official document of 1999 is contrary to what you have just mentioned. I would request you to take a look at the aforementioned document.
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