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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Unnecessary dam plan stopped

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on September 15 withdrew an application for allowing the government to seize the fishing rights and land necessary for the planned construction of a dam on the Kawabe River in the western prefecture of Kumamoto, a plan first announced about forty years ago.

After the ministry and the local fishermen's cooperative union failed to reach agreement over compensation for the loss of fishing rights, the ministry in December 2001 called for applying compulsory expropriation over 33 items, including the purchasing of land for a dam site. However, the Fukuoka High Court in May 2003 ruled that the irrigation plan that includes constructing a dam over the river is null and void.

New alternatives were tried but in vain, and the Kumamoto Prefectural Expropriation Committee last August recommended that the ministry withdraw the application.

Fishers who have been opposed to the dam plan held a press conference on the same day, and said in a statement, "We highly appreciate and welcome the decision. We demand that the ministry make efforts to draw up a new irrigation plan over the Kawabe River in a manner that will meet the demands of regional people."

Fisherman Mori Shoji stated, "Now, no one will accept the idea of constructing dams that only benefit general contractors. Irrigation without a dam is needed."

Nihi Sohei, Japanese Communist Party House of Councilors member, stated, "The decision is a landmark victory for the prefectural people who influenced public opinion and the government irrespective in differences in their political affiliation. River irrigation projects should proceed as a comprehensive plan, including the repair of riverbanks and dredging, in a panel participated in by affected citizens. The JCP will make efforts to achieve this end." -- Akahata, September 16, 2005