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You have advised that a study should be conducted to assess for a project option that avoids all resettlement. It took an additional six months to undertake and entailed additional cost for the Riverside City government. The conclusion of the study was that the existing design could not be modified to avoid resettlement and a suitable alternative site is not available that is technically feasible.

The rice mill owners, large-scale rice farmers, and the construction company are now impatient at the process, and stating their dissatisfaction to the media. Meanwhile, those who have challenged the project, including the fishing communities and other residents concerned about cultural and environmental impacts are calling for its cancellation.

Would you advise to the Governor to 1) explore other large-scale project alternatives that could attain similar outcomes to the Regional Rice Hub plan; 2) commission additional research on peoples’ development needs; or 3) cancel the large dam and Regional Rice Hub project without a replacement?