Mega power project stalls over payout

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita/Taveta, Kenya: The implementation of a multibillion shilling electricity project has hit a snag after squatters and land buying company officials demanded compensation before the project could proceed.

The Sh22 billion power scheme will pass through community land and private farms in Coast region.

Over 600 squatters and Vindo Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited officials in Voi town, Taita-Taveta County, demanded compensation first before the project kicks off.

Frequent power outages in the country will be a thing of the past once the transmission line project is completed.

The plant will generate more than 1,500 megawatts, which would be sufficient for the country and its neighbours, officials of the power project have disclosed.

Provincial and senior Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (Ketraco) officials confirmed that the plan had stalled due to a dispute over compensation.

“The land buying company has a title deed to the land and squatters who have been living on the land for years are also demanding compensation. The squatters say they also have the right to be compensated,” said Ketraco Social Economist Stephen Munzya, who also disclosed that a meeting with squatters and local elders will be held today at Kirutai.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, the economist and the Voi Assistant County Commissioner Issaac Mujesia said the contractor had been barred from implementing the project in the area until payment was made to beneficiaries.

“For the last three days, the contractor has not been on the construction site. The land buying company officials and squatters have stopped the workers from putting the roller to pave way for the power lines to pass through the disputed land,” said Munzya.

He, however, said efforts were being made to ensure that the row was resolved as soon as possible to pave way for the implementation of the project.

COMPENSATION

The economist said a stakeholders’ meeting comprising the provincial administration and politicians would be held today to address the matter amicably.

The cooperative society’s treasurer Joshua Mwakesi, however, exonerated his company from blame, saying Ketraco should compensate the squatters.

“We have no issue with Ketraco. The company should compensate the squatters for destruction of their trees and houses in the land where the power lines are passing through,” he said.

Mbololo Ward Representative Geoffrey Mwambi said Ketraco had earlier agreed to compensate the squatters.

“The electricity company held a meeting with affected residents of Kirutai area and promised to pay them but in vain.  “We were later shocked to learn that Vindo cooperative society members have already been compensated leaving the squatters out,” he said.