By Lazarus Apunyo
The demand for compensation threatens to hinder the implementation of the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) project funded by the World Bank in Moroto Municipality.
Moroto is among the fifteen municipalities selected to benefit from UCMID project expected to be rolled out this financial year under the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development, following the phasing out of the USMID project.
The project expected to span five years, includes the construction of roads, modern abattoirs, street lighting and extension of electricity amongst other infrastructural developments.
Moroto Municipality has earmarked thirteen roads for facelift under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) project.
The roads include Natumunkasikou road, Acholi in road, Kaamu-Jaluo road, Salimu Saleh road, Ojakal road, Kaakolei close one and close five road, Mayor’s Link road, Ilakut road, Independence Avenue road, Lomilo road, Soroti road, and Kamuturkana road.
As the project implementation draws nearer, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development recently held a two-day stakeholders consultation meetings in Moroto Municipality.
During meeting, the landlords and residents in Moroto Municipality asked the municipal authorities and Ministry officials to clarify whether they will be compensated for their property that may be affected during the project implementation.
Joseph Kodet a resident of Kaakolyi cell criticised the municipal authorities and Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for keeping quiet on compensation issues.
“It’s unfortunate that the project implementation has come when property owners are uncertain of whether they will be compensated or not, he said.
Charles Topoth a resident of Natumunkasikou blamed the municipal authorities for failing to carry out awareness campaigns regarding the UCMID project among others.
He explained that most people are not aware of the upcoming project due to a lack of awareness created by the municipality leaders.
Topoth urged the municipal authorities come out and meet property owners to explain the issue before the project starts.
In response, Paul Natunka a consultant from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Developments clarified that there are no arrangements for compensation because no funds have been budgeted for it.
He expressed concern over the encroachment of road reserves in the municipality.
“Although the measurements of the road have not yet been done, it is very clear that many properties in the municipality encroach on the road reserve” stated Natunka.
Meanwhile Sarah Akwaso, a community development officer in Moroto Municipality, encouraged the community to embrace the program emphasising that it will be beneficial for everybody.
She explained that UCMID project is expected to boost development , create employment opportunities for the youth, and improve transportation of produce and goods.
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