Inspection

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Independent Panel Appointed for Inspection of Samut Prakarn Wastewater Management Project

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (10 October 2001) - The Asian Development Bank's Board Inspection Committee has appointed an Inspection Panel of independent experts to carry out an inspection of the Samut Prakarn Wastewater Management Project in Thailand. The Panel will make a finding as to whether ADB has complied with its operational policies and procedures in the processing and implementation of the Project. The inspection follows a written request filed by three residents of Klong Dan community, who allege that ADB failed to comply with its own policies and that this failure may result in direct and material harm to Klong Dan residents.

At the end of August 2001, the Panel met with the Board Inspection Committee of ADB to finalize the terms of reference following the incorporation of the views of the requesters and other stakeholders. The Panel has also prepared a proposed work plan and internal procedures as required under the Inspection Procedures. These documents will be available shortly on ADB's Inspection Function web site at http://www.adb.org/inspection.

The Panel has commenced its inspection work in Manila with a review of the extensive documentation. It plans to conduct interviews with concerned parties and visit the project area. The Panel expects to complete its findings by the end of the year.

The Panel comprises Dr. Judy Henderson (Australia), Mr. Wiert Wiertsema (Netherlands) and Mr. Ping-Cheung Loh (Taipei,China). Originally, Dr. Tariq Banuri (Pakistan) was a member of the Panel, but he recently stepped down for personal reasons and was replaced by Mr. Loh. The Panel members were appointed on the basis of their professional qualifications and independence from ADB operations as well as their knowledge and experience in the development field.

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