The role of communication in large infrastructure : the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project in post-conflict Sierra Leone

Infrastructure development in the past was often implemented without adequately taking into consideration the possible negative environmental and social impacts. Drawing from the experience of the Bumbuna Hydropower project in Sierra Leone, this paper proposes to complement safeguard policies by establishing, at the beginning of the project identification phase, two-way communication mechanisms and a continuous consultation process, allowing the government and the donors to interact with key stakeholders.