Dam's research firm is dependent on major construction companies

A foundation undertaking environmental assessment for the construction of dams throughout Japan has been fully supported by general contractor construction companies, both with personnel and funds, Akahata reported on January 15.

The controversial dam construction at the Kawabe River in Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan was assessed by the foundation. The Nature Conservation Society of Japan has criticized its incompetent works and suspects dirty collusion with the government.

The foundation is called the Center for Environmental Adjustment for Dam & Water Resources. It was established in 1987 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Former vice chief of the Hokkaido Development Agency Kato Akira is the director general, and directors include retired Land and Transport Ministry officials, the Kajima Corporation (leading general construction contractor company) president who is also Japan Dam Association chair, and the Toa Harbor Works president.

As much as 800 million yen out of one billion yen was funded by these companies. Of about 70 staff members, only three are full-time workers. Some 50 are from related corporations which also fully pay their salaries in the first year in shift works.

In 2000, the foundation made contracts with the Land and Transport Ministry and the Water Resources Development Public Corporation for environmental assessments on 149 cases totaling 4.45 billion yen. A former foundation member said that a survey report will never go against the interest of their companies.

A Watch Kumataka (rare species of hawk) Group member in Kumamoto demands that the assessment of the Kawabe River dam should be reviewed. (end)