Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

The families and priests consulted cautioned against disturbing these sacred
sites unnecessarily. However they recognised that in some cases these sites
were on the land required for the Project. Stakeholders said it was possible to
move the sacred sites, but stressed that this must be carried out in close
consultation with local religious leaders, and should involve appropriate
compensation to pay for the appropriate ceremonies required.
Benin Moats
The project site is also located close to the Benin Moats or earthworks. These
are the largest ancient earthworks in the world and are scattered across the
state. These earthworks are a complex linear system of 16,000 km of moats
and ramparts (some up to 18 m high) spread over some 6,500 square
kilometres. The Benin City Walls consist of a set of inner and outer
interlocking rings originally built to delineate the royal precinct of the Oba, or
king, from the surrounding area. Following their construction, numerous
other walls were erected in the surrounding countryside (including those
around Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor-Evboeka and Idunmwowina-Urho-Nisen)
to mark the agricultural boundaries around distinct settlements. These
earthworks attest the development of urbanization and rise of state societies in
sub-Saharan Africa, a process that began in the seventh century A.D. and
culminated in the founding of the Benin Kingdom of Bronze and Ivory in the
fourteenth century.
Figure 5.12
Picture of a typical moat in the Benin area
Source: School of Conservation Sciences, Bounemouth University website
Since the walls and moats were constructed, portions of these have gradually
vanished in the wake of modernization. Large segments have been
cannibalized for the construction of other buildings, however, significant
AZURA EDO IPP
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DRAFT EIA REPORT