By Jennifer Acheng
The construction of a multi-million mega dam in Kanu parish, Abim sub-county, Abim district is hanging in balance, following a land dispute that has since affected the works.
The dam project implemented by the ministry of agriculture, animal industries and fisheries is part of the strategic plan to address water for production challenges as well as improve commercial agriculture in Karamoja.
In April 2022, the vice president Jesica Alupo Epel launched the construction works of the said dam seated on a 65-acre piece of land reportedly donated by some area residents in Adwal village.
However, two years later, the project has stalled with construction materials said to be wasting away and lying idle at the project site after a section of residents claimed that their land was encroached into by MAAIF
One of the affected land owners who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity says, after their gardens were destroyed by MAAIF without their consent, they petitioned the Agricultural ministry that accepted to compensate them with at least a tractor, a fish pond and 30 million shillings token, but to date, nothing has materialized
He says much as they welcome the project in their area, they ran to court to block the construction works, as they seek compensation for their crops and trees destroyed, before the works can resume
Earnest Ayen the Abim district youth councilor says the issue was caused by some leaders who led MAAIF officials to the site, without first consulting the land owners.
Rev Canon Omwony the Abim sub-county LC3 Chairperson however, says some of the land owners seeking compensation are being influenced by ill-intentioned persons aiming at jeopardizing development in the area.
Janet Akech Okorimoe, the Abim district woman MP recently accused MAAIF of using a wrong approach to acquire land for the construction of the said dam, further tasking the district leaders to follow up on the issue
