Abia Commences Payment of Full Compensations on 130 Buildings Marked for Demolition in Umuahia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Government will today commence the payment of compensations to owners of 130 buildings that have finally been marked for demolition to make way for the expansion of the main entry into Umuahia, the capital city.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, broke the cheering news at the weekend during a town hall meeting with the affected communities and property owners held at the Ochendo International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

He said the initial plan to pay compensation to the property owners was dropped after the governor rejected the idea when it was presented to him.

According to him, at the conclusion of the processes of enumeration of property, evaluation and identification of the owners, the state G9overnor, Alex Otti, directed that every identified property owner should be paid compensation in full.

He announced that payment of compensations would effectively commence on September 25, adding that everything in connection with the issue of compensation has been transparently worked out to the last details.

The commissioner stated that the government would pay compensations on 130 property that have been marked for demolition to pave way for the expansion of Ossah road to six lanes from express tower to Okpara Square.

“The process has started. Before, I said we will pay, but now we have started,” he enthused assuredly, adding that the list of those to receive compensations has been uploaded and sent to the state Accountant9-General for action.

Chukwumerije said indemnity forms were earlier issued to property owners to fill with their bank details and return to the ministry, which would issue them indemnity certificates to receive compensation.

He explained that after receiving their compensations, every property owner will be required to come back to the Ministry of Lands “for documentation” to prevent future claims.

The town hall meeting, which was interactive, was attended by property owners from the four communities affected by the road expansion project.

They communities include Ossah, Umuoriehi, Mgbaja, and Amankwo, all traversed by the road leading from the “Tower of Peace” along Umuahia axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway to Okpara Square in the capital city.

Apart from the commissioner for lands, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, and a representative of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice were on hand to address the concerns raised by the property owners.

A property owner and Ossah native, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, raised the issue of some property owners not yet captured for compensation, but Chukwumerije said such “exceptional cases” would be treated.

Request was made by property owners that more time should be given to them after payment of compensation to enable the people salvage their belongings and relocate before the commencement of demolition.

But it appeared the government was not ready for extra time as the land commissioner insisted that “we’re on injury time and our equipment are ready to move in any time and start demolition.”