Egypt: Benban Solar-01
Case Tracker
Complaint Overview
Sixty-two security guards employed by Benban Solar Park.
Poor working conditions (related to the quality of food provided, insufficient water, lack of working electricity generators, lack of air conditioning on buses) and compensation issues.
Project Information
From IFC, $225 million.
Synopsis
The Benban Solar Park is a 36 square-kilometer area composed of 32 operational energy-generating power plants that are operated by different companies near the village of Benban in Egypt.
IFC leads a consortium of nine international banks, providing a debt package totaling $653 million—of which $225 million is financed by IFC. This capital supports the construction of 14 of the 41 solar power plants that make up the Benban Solar Park.
MIGA has 12 active guarantees for projects in the Benban Solar Park. Of these 12 projects, three are financed by the IFC-led consortium, and nine by a consortium led by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
CAO received the complaint on June 8, 2022. The complaint raised concerns about poor working conditions, specifically regarding the quality of food provided, insufficient water, lack of working electricity generators despite hot temperatures, lack of air conditioning on buses used for transportation, and compensation practices.
CAO received the complaint on June 8, 2022. After undergoing a review for eligibility, the case was found eligible for assessment on July 22, 2022. During the assessment process, the complainant and the Benban Solar Park representatives agreed to engage in a voluntary CAO dispute resolution process to address the issues raised in the complaint. In accordance with the CAO Policy, the case will now be handled by CAO’s Dispute Resolution function.
The assessment report is available in English and Arabic in the "Case Documents" section below.
This case is currently in dispute resolution.
Note: The CAO assessment process does not entail a judgment on the merits of the complaint; rather, it seeks to understand the facts and empower those involved to make informed decisions on how to address the issues raised.
Status as of February 01, 2023.