Stakeholders Analysis: Case Study Merowe Dam

Abstract

This research aims at promulgating the usage of new techniques that help draw a map with clear and deep vision of the influence and impact of stakeholders in managing projects. However, by means of employing these tools one can be closely acquainted with stakeholders as well as knowing their influence and impact over the project. Besides, one can recognize the way of dealing with these stakeholders according to their own priorities and the best way to contact them. The study used reasonable method chosen from among of six methods presented in this study. This method complies with social and environmental structure as that kind found in the Sudan, in addition to its simplicity. This method comprises three steps: identification of stakeholders through brainstorming techniques, and how positive and negative affects they have over the project. Then they would be divided according to their priorities through a stakeholders matrix and the power/interest grid. This is followed by the stage of understanding in which the main interests, feelings and expected reactions of stakeholders towards the project are addressed. Also this step includes the way to involve stakeholders and communicate with them. This can be explained, by color coding, in an easily read matrix. Merowe dam project that lies on the River Nile at the fourth cataract was chosen as appropriated material for applying the selected method. The stakeholders have well been understood as far as the affected group and the schemes are concerned. With this accurate understanding, the stakeholders were divided, according to their influence, into four categories: The first category is the project supporting group, represented by the committee elected by citizens. The second category is the project opposing group represented by a committee out of the unelected group. VIII The third category consisting of the commission of social and environmental affairs. This category manages negotiations and curbs obstacles. The fourth category represents financiers, executives, legislators, statistics authority and ministries, etc. The study reflected the problems confronted by officials among which their are inaccurate statistical calculation of properties. In fact, the two processes of enumerating has resulted in big differences. The first was conducted at the start of the project in 1999 while the other was during the completion in 2006. This difference has been inconsistent with the international standards of the natural increase of population. In addition to disparities in agricultural areas, means of irrigation, services and compensation values were apparent due to the aforementioned inconsistency The study recommended, in relation to similar projects, involvement of experts and insiders to estimate the compensation values together with engaging social studies experts and providing qualified staff for analyzing and managing stakeholders and approaching opposing people but not overlooking them. Moreover, the study presented general recommendations including looking after analysis of stakeholders more appropriately. Then it recommended enlightening stakeholders about and interpreting for them all steps of the project till it’s completion. This is hoped to guarantee the successful conclusion of the project.