10 Mar 2014

Parliament has been informed that there are still some unresolved compensation cases made by Kanye residents alleging that their properties have been damaged by blasting activities carried out during the construction of internal roads.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Olebile Gaborone said Kanye Phase IV infrastructure project commenced in January 2009 and was completed on January 4, 2011, and during the implementation of the project a total of 615 properties were identified and inspected on the basis of their proximity to the construction site.

He said out of the total number assessed, 270 properties were affected and eligible for compensation while 345 were not affected by construction activities hence ineligible for compensation. Mr Gaborone said compensation is ongoing and an amount of P528, 104.80 has already been paid to 256 properties out of the eligible 270.

The remaining 14 property owners, he added are yet to be compensated. He stated that the reasons for delay in concluding the matter include challenges of locating property owners and decline to accept compensation.

Parliament was told that for those who could not be located for feedback on assessments, Southern District Council has resolved to publish their names on notice boards and newspapers.

The assistant minister stated that for those declining the compensation they have been advised to come forth with their assessments showing proposed compensation amounts.

MP for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile had asked the minister if he was aware that there are people in Kanye who still claim that they have not been paid compensation for their properties that were damaged due to some road construction activities and if so to explain the difficulties he has in putting the matter to rest. ENDS