By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Development Authority through the department of resettlement and compensation has begun the estimated N1.5 billion compensation for economic trees and crops to the natives and residents of Gwagwa community.
During the first phase of the payment for the compensation of about 300 million out of the amount recently, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmad said “We just flagged off the payment of compensation for economic trees and crops with respect to the acquisition of the land in Gwagwa District, meant for the development of infrastructure, through the land swap arrangement and initiative of the FCT Administration.
He said the pilot phase of the Land Swap initiative is being designed to remedy the infrastructure deficit in the FCT.
He explained that Payment for compensation to the natives was a major part of measures to pave way for commencement of work on the provision of engineering infrastructure to the first Land Swap District.
The Developer said the natives and residents of Gwagwa community has by their action since the inception showned capacity and readiness to move to site years after the programme was conceived.
“We hold this payment of compensation very critical because the Hon. 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 and 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 project there is 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”
Ishaku Batagarawa, Manager Operations, Resettlement and Compensation of Gwagwa Concession limited assured the Administration and Communities of their commitment to the life changing projects which when completed many will be fully engaged in so many economic activities.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, District Head of Gwagwa under Jiwa ,Mallam Shauibu Bawa said: we are satisfied with the entire processes and pledge our cooperation to the Administration.
