An evaluation of development-induced relocation process in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality

Abstract

The development of the Eros-Vuyani-Neptune 400 kV transmission powerline has seen some of the people of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape relocated from their original place of residence. This research evaluated the process that was implemented when relocating the affected people in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, covering villages within Lusikisiki and Flagstaff towns. This study provides a response to the research question, which was: “Did the relocations improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the people in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality?” The evaluation process of the study followed a systematic methodology, which entailed i) investigating and analysing the social impact indicators identified during the relocations; ii) evaluating and comparing key socio-economic and environmental indicators in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality; and iii) making recommendations to improve the relocation process. The study also formulated five key indicators of relocations, utilised to compare the social receptors before and after the relocation phase of the project. The utilised key indicators are: 1) quality education; 2) quality health care; 3) affected age groups; 4) community linkage; and 5) employment conditions. The results of the research highlighted the need for a comprehensive and, most importantly, inclusive process when relocating people from their homes. This research concluded that the relocation process needs to be formalised and adopted hand in hand with development instead of being treated as a separate process. The research study further recommends that the process of relocating communities, as a companion of development, needs to be effectively monitored and managed in order to curb the socio-environmental impacts thereof.