Chad Pipeline

“Will It Be Business as Usual at the World Bank?” (Commentary, May 9) questioned the merits of proceeding with the proposed Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline. This project involves important risks. For many years, we have been working intensively with the governments, private companies and communities involved to make certain that those risks will not interfere with the project’s major purpose--which is to begin to lift Chad out of dreadful poverty. We have been very open about the issues involved and discussed them with nongovernmental organizations, researchers and journalists.

The project now reflects some of the best know-how and safeguards available. Elaborate steps are being taken to protect the environment and people living along the pipeline route and to ensure that most of the oil revenues will be used for basic services such as health, education and rural roads. The project is a good example of governments and international institutions working with the international private sector and community groups to bring the benefits of a major investment quickly--rather than just eventually--to everyone’s door. It is a solid expression of the “new” World Bank. The project still presents many challenges. But we believe they are worth taking on--to give one of the poorest countries in the world a unique chance to transform its people’s future.

ROBERT CALDERISI, Manager

External Affairs, Africa Region

World Bank, Washington