By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state government has began the disbursement of over N100million to another group of over 40 property owners, affected by Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project.
According to the government, the amount brings to over N300million paid so far as compensation to building and land owners affected by the Ibadan Circular road and construction of overhead bridge at Ajia end of the road, as well as along Iseyin/Ogbomoso road.
The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo made the disclosure on Thursday, during the payment of compensation to some property owners at a brief event which held at the Conference Room, Ministry of Lands, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The Commissioner, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing fair compensation, maintained that ancient villages affected would be spared and integrated into the project.
He further assured that another round of compensation would be disbursed in the coming weeks to additional property owners impacted by the project.
He said the payment is in fulfilment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to the affected building and lands owners on the Circular road.
He said, ”The governor shares your feelings and pains hence the directives for prompt payment of compensation to the affected land and building owners.
“We have paid over N300million as compensation to the affected land and building owners since the commencement of the exercise.
“The first tranche of the payment was N200million while another N100million was paid to the owners of buildings affected during the construction of overhead bridges at Ajia end of the East wing of the Circular road and along Iseyin/Ogbomoso road.
“Today, we are making another payment to over 40 building owners on the Circular Road. As I said earlier, it is in line with the gesture of Governor Seyi Makinde to those affected by the construction of Circular road.
“The government is sensitive to the plight of the people on the Circular road, that is why we are minimising the number of the houses affected.
“To put the record straight, the formers governors Rasidi Ladoja and Late Abiola Ajimobi approved 150 metres and 350 metres as corridors not the present administration.
“The corridor is going to accommodate infrastructure such as hospital and recreation centres and others as obtainable in developing countries of the World.
“By the time the project is completed, it will be a source of pride to the people as well attract local and foreign investors to the state.
“Also, I want to inform the gathering that New Town and City Development is in charge of the Circular road while the Ministry takes care of the enumeration of houses and payment of compensation to the affected building and lands owners.
Some of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the state government for showing empathy and commitment to the welfare of residents impacted by development projects.
In response, one of the affected building owners, Adeyemi Peter thanked the government for being sensitive to the plight of the people.
He also called on the government to be considerate of the elderly in the schedule of payment.
