Land Speculators and developers have been warned by the Kogi State Government to stay clear of the newly acquired parcel of land where the 16km Otokiti – Ganaja bye pass road passes.
The Kogi State Governor Capt Idris Wada, gave the warning when he inspected the extent of on going work on the road construction which he disclosed has reached a substantial level.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, advised buyers to beware of Land Speculators who may want to sale plots of land along the road corridor, disclosed that the state Government has acquired all plots of land on both sides where the road passes, for the development of a new town settlement.
Capt Wada also advised developers along the stretch where the 16km road passes to stop further development , disclosing that following the acquisition,Government he said would design a layout of the area for interested persons for the take-off of a well planned new town settlement.
The Governor further noted that the decision to acquire the parcel of land is anchored on the powers vested on the government by virtue of the Land Use Act of 1991, which he said places all land 16km radius from the post office area of lokoja under the management of the State Government.
Capt Wada appealed to property and land owners located in the acquired area, not to panic, but to present there documents for valuation as Government would pay compensation to genuine owners.
The Governor who expressed satisfaction with the extent and quality of work so far covered by the contractor, said government was making frantic efforts to resolve other constraints hindering the construction of the road.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Eluja Neol, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works who conducted the Governor on the inspection, noted that 10km of the road has so far been opened, with the removal of the top soil currently in progress.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that valuation work has already been carried out on properties, land and crops on the stretch of the road, urged those yet to appear for valuation to do so.
Also speaking, Engr. Shaibu Suleiman, who spoke on behalf of Ceezali Nigerian Ltd, the construction company, handling the project, said the company would work towards meeting the eighteen months completion period and assured of a quality road that would be of world class standard.
The State Governor also visited the site for the proposed construction of 500 hundred Bond Housing Estate to be located at Ganaja and Crusher areas of the State, where he appealed to property and land owners to cooperate with government by heeding to technical advise and to present their documents for valuation and for adequate compensation where necessary.
