Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has approved the commencement of the compensation payment to the owners of the 130 legally built structures which will be affected by the expansion of Ossah/Okpara Square road projects embarked on by the State Government.
This was made known by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma on Saturday after a meeting with Town Hall Meeting with Ossah property owners on Friday 22nd September 2023 at the International Conference Centre Umuahia through the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Housing Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije.
At the meeting, Hon. Chukwumerije disclosed that Governor Otti approved full compensation payment for every affected property owner against the committee recommendation of payment by installment, which will be made according to the recommendation by estate valuers.
He reassured the property owners that only the structures that were captured and marked for demolition would be demolished and disclosed that the list of affected owners had been compiled to qualify for compensation and that compensation was going to start yesterday.
The statement also stated that “the Lands Commissioner who has been working assiduously in synergy with his Works counterpart, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, mni, and others said the demolition policy is geared towards developing Umuahia and not to victimize anyone, and advised owners of the affected property to relocate immediately after they must have received their compensations as earthmoving equipment would begin work soon.
Some persons from the affected communities like Ossah Ibeku, Isingwu Ohuhu, and neighbouring areas had while speaking expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for insisting that compensation should be paid to all the affected persons, describing it as thoughtful and commendable.”
