Road Dualization: Kebbi Govt disburses additional N60m compensation to building owners
By: John Bassey.
Kebbi State Government has disbursed additional N60 million to owners of buildings in Jega whose structures will be demolished to give way for the construction of a new dual-carriageway.
Cheques for the money were presented to them by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, Alhaji Aliyu Maude, at the palace of the traditional ruler of Jega on Tuesday.
The exercise was witnessed by the Sarkin Kabin Jega, Muhammad Arzika Bawa, and the Chairman, Kebbi State Due Process Office, Surajo Garba.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chairman said Gov. Nasir Idris approved the release of additional N60 million following complaints that some of those affected were underpaid during the initial disbursement.
“The committee received sixty petitions of underpayment by owners of affected buildings.
“Another assessment was made on the structures under review, of which the government discovered that 37 cases were genuine, while the rest were not.
“Submission was subsequently made to the governor, who gave approval for the release of extra funds disbursed to the beneficiaries.
“The government renews its appeal to the people of Jega to give maximum cooperation for the successful execution of the project,” Maude said.
The Chairman of the Due Process Office, Surajo Garba, informed the people that he was on the assessment team that reviewed the initial compensation payment.
He recalled that there were complaints about underpayment.
“The committee did its job professionally, Gov. Nasir Idris has special recognition for Jega as an economic centre.
“Consequently, he gave an order to do justice to all affected owners of structures on the issue of compensation and graciously approved additional N60 million to settle cases of underpayment,” Surajo remarked.
The Sarkin Kabin Jega, Muhammad Arzika Bawa, thanked the governor for attaching priority to the development of Jega as shown by his commitment to improve its road infrastructure for economic growth.
The Monarch appealed to his subjects to place general interest above personal consideration by remaining loyal and supportive to the present administration to uplift their wellbeing.
“This road project worth billions of Naira is a big deal scheme embarked upon by His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris for the economic prosperity of our area.
“For hundreds of years, Jega has excelled as hub of trade, commerce and economic activities, beneficial to people of Kebbi and beyond.
“The palace is appealing to our people to give the present administration the desired cooperation to facilitate rapid actualisation of the project.
“The timeframe for affected persons to evacuate from marked areas is two months, the enjoyable outcome of the project is everlasting after completion”, the traditional ruler assured.
It could be recalled that last week, Kebbi State Government disbursed N1.5 billion to traders and other owners of structures whose buildings would be demolished for the construction of the dual carriage way.
