The Lagos State government has paid N1.7 billion compensation to those whose houses and landed properties were demolished along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway currently undergoing reconstruction.
Land Bureau Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gbanga Ashafa, disclosed this at a briefing at the state secretariat in Alausa, where the presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries was made.
Ashafa explained that the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) had approved N2 billion to compensate the affected people out of which it had since paid over N1.7 billion in the last 10 months.
According to him, as a mark of commitment to its promise, the government had paid over N1.5 billion to 30 property owners between August and December, 2009 while another 12 had received N266 million on Wednesday.
He added that the administration “remains committed to regularly pay compensation to affected people whose houses and landed properties were demolished along the ongoing upgrading of the Lagos-Badagry highway to a 10-lane expressway.
“The government will continue to provide enough fund as part of our budgetary and project plans to ensure that property owners who are affected by this landmark infrastructural development are adequately compensated in line with the provisions of law”.
Speaking after the presentation of cheques, one of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Usman Adisa, commended the state government, describing the compensation as a surprise package.
According to him, “when the officials of the government contacted me to pay me some compensation, I never believed it until today. I am happy and I pray that the present administration continues to move forward.”
The construction firm, to which the project was awarded, Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has since commenced work on the first phase of the road, spanning 7.3 kilometres.
The government awarded the reconstruction of the road to 10 lanes with a promise to compensate those whose houses and landed properties were demolished, especially those properties that fell within the right of way more than a year ago.