Communities in Ukwa West LGA of Abia whose lands have been acquired for the building of Abia State Industrial Innovation Park, AIIP, have called for employment opportunities, adequate compensation and environmental protection in their area.
The calls were made by the traditional rulers and other representatives of Umuololo, Umuakata, Okohia, Uzaku, Umuorlu and Obibor while receiving Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna and Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna at Owaza on Friday.
The landowners, including Uche Nwaele, called for improved power supply and community involvement in project execution and promised their support to the state government’s AIIP project.
Addressing the members of the affected communities, Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, informed the indigenes that the payment of their compensation will begin on December 31, 2024.
He advised the Ukwa West communities to complete indemnity certificates and other documentation for smoother and more transparent payment of their compensations.
The commissioner who said that the communities would be protected from environmental pollution, said that the federal government is supporting the project.
“We will ensure that compensation is paid for land acquired for public interest,” said Chukwumerije.
He also said that the lands are not being acquired for political reasons but for the industrialisation of the area and Abia State at large.
