Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has commenced the payment of about N2 billion in compensation to 865 property owners affected by township road construction in the state.

Mr Sani said the compensation covered affected properties across Zaria, Sabon Gari and Giwa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the presentation of cheques to some affected property owners at Unguwan Iya in Zaria, Mr Sani said the payments demonstrated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development while protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring fairness.

According to him, the administration temporarily suspended construction to allow a transparent and equitable assessment of affected properties and public utilities.

“Our position remains unequivocal: no citizen should be disposed of without fair and adequate compensation,” he said.

Mr Sani explained that the reconstruction of 11 township roads in Zaria and Sabon Gari, alongside the township roads in Giwa and Shika, would improve connectivity and economic activities.

He said the projects would ease movement, support commerce and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

The governor commended the affected property owners for their patience and cooperation, acknowledging the financial and emotional challenges associated with relocation.

He said the compensation was intended to support affected families in relocating and rebuilding their livelihoods.

Mr Sani disclosed that his administration had compensated 4,865 households across the state’s three senatorial zones since May 2023, at a cost of about N7 billion.

He urged beneficiaries to complete the necessary verification procedures and retain their documentation for accountability and proper record-keeping.

The governor also directed relevant utility agencies to expedite the safe relocation of water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate the resumption of construction.

He charged contractors to maintain quality standards, protect public safety and fulfil their contractual obligations.

Earlier, the managing director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Abdullahi Ahmed, said the ceremony reflected the administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure while upholding transparency and respect for citizens’ welfare.

Mr Ahmed reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to accountability and the timely delivery of quality road infrastructure across the state.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas; and former Kaduna governor Ramalan Yero. 

(NAN)