NEWMAP debunks claim of foul play in Ikot Uduak/Etim Ekpo erosion project

Reacting to a recent LENS publication on the concerns raised by residents of Ikot Uduak/Etim Ekpo erosion environ over phony payment of compensation and slow pace of work by CRS-NEWMAP-WB intervention in the gully erosion project, the project managers say adequate compensation, as at when due, was paid to affected persons without any undue deductions.

The Head of Communication, Affiong Ani who spoke on behalf of Cross River State Project Management Unit, said due process was followed in the entire exercise and called for restraint explaining that the said property which compensation was paid was a gate house valued at N 300,000.00 only, and not N 3.5m as alleged, while N 1.3m was paid for damaged property belonging to another victim (name withheld) for security reason.

She leveraged on the opportunity to inform the general public to discountenance any false information regarding compensation payment by Cross River State NEWMAP World Bank Assisted Project in the area.

LENS was informed that CRS-NEWMAP does not pay for land affected but only for properties affected by the gully erosion according to international best practices implemented throughout the captured states in the World Bank Intervention Projects in Nigeria.

By Archibong Emmanue
(Snr. Reporter)