Glenn’s Article

I once thought of ADB as a bank, supposedly awash with wealth, that
they are able to finance big projects for the betterment of developing
countries. Because of Forum_on_ADB, I realized that there are many
incidences wherein the projects and loans that ADB approves of are actually
either dehumanizing to the citizens of the community or destructive to
the environment or market/social structures within that community.

Laiban Dam is an example of a project that ADB once approved.
In fact, ADB has already released some amount of money for Technical Assistance
and Research of the Feasibility of the Study. Laiban Dam was actually
in the process of being approved, several years ago, but, only recently,
is being revived once again. Villagers from the surrounding communities
continue the Outcry against the Dam Project, speaking of how fisheries and
farmlands are made worthless by this Project. There have also been accounts
of bribery and civilian soldiers hired to suppress the Outcry of the villagers.

As of July 25, 07, there is reason to believe that ADB has ceased supporting
the Laiban Dam Project. This, from ADB’s perspective, is because the
environmental or social assurances that should be kept safe are not being protected
in the terms of the project, thus, because of these safety measures, ADB
has decided to withdraw from the Laiban Dam Project.

Unfortunately, however, there are sources who say that a Chinese Firm is planning
to pursue the Loan Approval, even if detrimental environmental and social effects
may be expected.

May this paper and website be of help to those affected and continue to be affected
by mismanagement of resources to Bad Loans.

 - glenn