Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (Tanesco) has set aside over Sh80 billion for compensating people living along the gas pipeline from Lindi to Dar es Salaam.
Payments to people in Somangafungu area in Lindi Region where the project starts, to Kinyerezi area in Dar es Salaam will take place early next month, according to the ministry of energy and minerals.
Assistant Commissioner for Energy Eng. Innocent Luoga said that people who will be compensated are those living within thirty meters on either side of the pipe line.
He was responding to Kinyerezi residents’ concern on why the payments that were scheduled for December last year has not materialised.
“Tanesco is putting together some issues after discovering that some people had cheated during the valuation exercises last year,” said the commissioner.
He revealed that some residents claimed that they had storey buildings while they had two roomed-houses and some demanded compensation while they were not within the project line.
Luoga clarified in Dar es Salaam recently that the set amount might be reduced or topped depending on the actual number of people to be verified.
He noted that out of 405 people who registered as eligible for compensations, 88 were not recognised when a team from Tanesco went to the field for verification.
Ulongoni Ward Executive Officer, Majura Mutalemwa blamed the Ministry for Energy and Minerals for delaying the payment exercise, saying they were dishonest to the residents.
He called upon people’s wisdom and patriotism since the project was for the betterment of all Tanzanians.
According to the letter made available to this paper by residents, dated January 2, this year, the first valuation took place in 2011 showing that Sh35bln was set for compensations.
Luoga said in 2014 Tanesco carried a re-valuation exercise to ensure that people get the appropriate payment after establishing that the compensation rates had changed.
The ministry assured them that the set timeframe will not change and that all who have been listed will receive their compensation according to the arrangement.
Regarding people who have been visiting the area introducing themselves as valuation officers from the ministry who wanted to evaluate the land, Luoga said they were conmen; warning residents never to allow them do anything and instead should report to responsible authorities once they were doubtful.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
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