The World Bank is investigating allegations of human rights violations raised in the implementation of Tanzania’s $150 million tourism resource management project after authorities failed to settle dispute with communities the project affected.

The investigation was formally launched on December 14, 2023, following confirmation from the Bank’s Accountability Mechanism department that the two complainants — who have not been named — rejected government proposal for negotiation for settlement of the dispute.

According to the Bank, the investigation is expected to be completed by June and the findings will be submitted to the Bank’s top management for further action.

A major focus of the probe is the state-run Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), one of the project’s main implementing agencies, which is accused of using violence and forceful seizure of cattle belonging to communities surrounding the Ruaha National Park, which is part of the project area, in a bid to force them out of the land.

The seven-year Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth (Regrow) project is funded by the Bank in support of government’s efforts to develop national parks in Tanzania’s southern tourism circuit. The project is meant to improve infrastructure and management systems and offer alternative livelihoods for affected communities. It is scheduled to end in February next year. According to Bank records, about $99 million of the project’s financing package has already been disbursed.