The Federal Government has begun the fulfilment of traditional rites to five communities in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, whose lands would be used for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) mass housing project.
The communities slated for the project are Attah-Ikeaha, Emede Mkpuru, Umuawa (Opara na Nkaru), Umuawa Alaocha, Umuda, and Umuire communities.
Addressing the leaders of the communities on Monday, the Liaison Officer of the FHA, Mr Emenike Onu, assured the natives that compensation would be paid to the communities involved before the actual work starts at the sites.
He explained that a series of community engagement/public enlightenment outreaches had been conducted in the affected communities, adding that the people had approved the lands to be used for the housing project.
The FHA Liaison Officer, who allayed fears that the people would be stripped of their farmlands, said that the Federal Government understood their concerns, maintaining that “fair compensation will be paid to every individual, family, or community whose land was acquired.”
Also speaking, the Lands Officer of the Abia State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Henry Onyenweaku, pointed out that the housing project was in the best interest of all Abia people and for the overall development of the State Capital, Umuahia. He explained that the indigenes had been engaged in discussions several times.
In their responses, the traditional ruler of Attah Emede Autonomous Community, Eze Allen Okpokiri; leaders from Attah-Ikeaha Village, Emede Ibeku, Umuire and Isingwu communities, among others, appreciated the Federal Government and Governor Alex Otti for their developmental strides.
The community leaders, however, appealed that the payment of compensation, road construction, provision of potable water, employment opportunities, and other demands should be taken into consideration.
Traditional items presented to the communities included kola nuts, cattle, wine and other items.
