Natives and farmers around Gwagwa District in the Federal Capital Territory have begun receiving compensation for their economic trees and crops affected by the land swap programme in the area.
According to the Federal Capital Development Authority, a total of N300 million out of the estimated N1.5 billion required, is being paid by the developer, Messr Gwagwa Concession Ltd, in the first phase of compensation.
The PRO of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, FCDA, Felicia Okoro, in a statement explained that payment of the compensation to the natives is a major part of measures to pave way for commencement of work on the provision of engineering infrastructure to the first Land Swap District.
She said the Executive Secretary, FCDA Board, Engr Shehu Ahmad, at the commencement of issuance of the compensation cheques to affected members of the communities, noted that the payment of compensation signifies the level of preparedness and commitment on the part of the developer.
The ES was quoted as saying, “We hold this payment of compensation very critical because the minister has performed the flag off of the land swap programme in the FCT. Now, the community and FCT residents will know that the FCT Administration is really very prepared to go on with experienced investor who has shown great level of commitment to the Land Swap programme as a pilot scheme.
“The authority is excited about the development and believe that upon completion, the scheme will usher in the much desired infrastructure growth and accelerated development in partnership with the private sector.
“This no doubt is coming as a big relief to the government who opted for the Land Swap initiative when it was obvious that government alone could no longer fund infrastructural development through budgetary provision due to paucity of fund and other competitive demands.”
Speaking on the details of the compensation, the Director Department of Resettlement and Compensation, Mrs. Perpetua Ohammah, said two cheques were presented to each person. “One is as agreed with the chief, that’s a base value for every indigene that is going to lose his land.”
On his part, the Manager Operations, Resettlement and Compensation of Gwagwa Concession Limited, Ishaku Batagarawa, assured the administration and communities of their commitment to the life changing projects which when completed will engage many residents in economic activities.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, District Head of Gwagwa, Mallam Shauibu Bawa, said the his people are satisfied with the entire processes and pledge their cooperation towards the success of the project.