The Ministry of Local Government has earmarked Rs80.2 million to relocate and compensate the inhabitants of Mare Chicose village who are to be displaced due to the Mare Chicose landfill.
According to information gathered by NEWSNOW the exercise has reached “an advanced stage of implementation.”
“The land swapping and payment of compensation are being effected by the notaries upon signature of the relevant deeds by the beneficiaries,” a senior officer of the ministry said.
To date, the notarial deeds for eight families out of 31 families who have accepted the government offer have been finalised and Rs10.7 million paid out.
Following a request from the president of Mare Chicose village council, the inhabitants have been exempted from payment of registration duty on their deeds of land exchange as the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has agreed to provide additional funds of Rs3.1 million.
“Due to escalation in construction costs, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has also agreed to provide additional funds of Rs8.8 million to pay for the increased compensation costs as submitted by the Valuation Department,” added our source.
Accordingly, the total amount to be disbursed for compensation has increased from Rs71.4 million to Rs80.2 million. Twenty-two members of extended families and tenants will also be offered the opportunity to purchase a plot of land of about 224 m2 each at the relocation site.
Upon the advice of the Attorney General’s Office, each potential buyer has officially been requested to swear an affidavit to ascertain that he is eligible to purchase the land.
Following their request, the deadline for submission of affidavits has been extended from March 25 to April 15. As of now, five affidavits have been received by the Ministry of Local Government.