More than 500 people affected by the Kasoa-Winneba Highway dualisation project have expressed displeasure over delays in the payment of compensation, giving the government a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns.
According to the aggrieved individuals, failure by the government to meet their demands will compel them to stage a massive demonstration in the coming weeks.
The affected persons include property owners in Budumburam, Fetteh Kakraba, Breku, Akotsi and surrounding communities, whose shops, houses and other properties were demolished to make way for the road construction project.
Others include residents who sustained injuries and suffered property damage as a result of stone-blasting activities carried out during the construction works.
At a press conference, Convener of the affected victims, Mr Asamoah Boadu, said that three years after the commencement of the project, they were yet to receive the compensation due them, despite repeated efforts to secure payment.
He alleged that all efforts to engage the relevant authorities and secure their compensation had proved futile.
They further accused the highway authorities and the project contractor of neglecting their plight and failing to address their concerns.
Some of the victims expressed frustration over what they described as “prolonged neglect” and appealed to the government to intervene “urgently”.
They reiterated their intention to stage a demonstration as a last resort to press home their concerns, expressing anger over the prolonged delay.
The victims are therefore calling on the government and relevant authorities to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that all affected persons receive their rightful compensation.
Source: Opanin Darko
