The Kebbi government has begun payment of N750 million compensation to property owners, to fast-track execution of Gwandu township road in Gwandu LGA.

Aliyu Maunde-Gwandu, Chairman of Compensation Payment Committee, said this during the disbursement exercise, on Wednesday in Gwandu. He said the N4 billion township road would be constructed from Kele – Byepass in Gwandu town.

“We are here today to pay compensation to property owners on Kele–byepass road. Many administrations failed to construct this road due to huge compensation involved. About N750 million has been earmarked for compensation payment, while the road construction is expected to gulp N3.2 billion. So, the government is spending about N4 billion on the construction of this road,” he said.

Mr Maunde-Gwadu assured that the payment exercise would be transparent to ensure that all the beneficiaries get what they deserve.

He urged the people to support and cooperate with the committee to ensure successful payment exercise and the construction work.

The chairman said work on the project would commence after payment was concluded.

“We are issuing certified cheques (drafts) to the beneficiaries, it is as good as money, therefore, I urge them not to joke with it. If they play with it, they are playing with their money,” he said.

Atiku Ahmad-Mandiya, chairman of Gwandu LGA, said the committee had verified the affected property owners and came up with an amount for each of the beneficiaries.

He lauded Governor Nasir Idris for his foresight to actualise the construction of the road after a long period of neglect.

Mr Ahmad-Madinya said the project was in fulfilment of the governor’s campaign promises, and urged the beneficiaries to exhibit a high sense of decorum to facilitate successful payment exercise.

“The Gwandu people have been clamouring for this road for a very long time until now that our amiable governor fulfils such a desire for us,” he said.

Zayyanu Haruna-Rashid, Sarkin Gabas of Gwandu, lauded the governor for the gesture.

“We also thank the governor for fulfilling his promises. There is no better reward for good other than good. We appreciate the Gov. Idris for always remembering Gwandu and enjoined his subjects to reciprocate the gesture,” he said.

(NAN)