Nairobi ,KENYA:Coastal legislators have opposed a move by a local contractor executing a road project in Faza area of Lamu county by providing what they term as meagre funds to the residents in form of compensation.
In a media briefing at parliamentary buildings led by Lamu women rep Ruweida Mohammed Obo on Wednesday, they blasted the contractor who is implementing the project covering Mtangawanda to Kizingitini in Lamu East saying that such move is oppressive ,after it emerged that the contractor was paying residents sh3,000 as compensation per coconut tree.
She said that the contractor is applying dictatorial tendencies by forcing the residents to take up the money for compensatory purposes against their will.
“Lamu residents , have been oppressed ,most of the houses have been labelled X ,the contractor cut the coconut trees by force giving them just 3,000 shillings ,they are just compensating coconut trees not mango trees.”Ruweida said
Tanariver Women rep Rehema Hassan urged the contractor to halt implementing the project until the matter is resolved a micably.
“We want justice to prevail to Lamu residents in this issue ,if possible let them halt this project ,they sit together with residents and resolve this issue once and for all .”Hon Hassan said
The legislators said that there is need for negotiations to be given a chance so as to avert further conflict between the contractor and Wananchi.
Likoni member of parliament Mish Mboko urged the government conduct proper feasibility studies especially on the projects being initiated in Likoni so that Kenyans can get the value of their properties during compensation.
