Fury over Livingstonia, Njakwa Road compensation

Rumphi District Council has admitted that assessment of property along the Njakwa-Livingstonia Road happened after the contractor, Mota-Engil, had demolished people’s property.

Communities around Phoka continue to stage protests over alleged under-compensation.

However, the council says nothing can be done because the said property is no longer in existence.

One of the aggrieved persons, Grymson Mkandawire said he received  K18 300 for his maize mill, 30 pines and other trees.

He wrote the council on September 27 this year expressing his displeasure over the compensation.

However, council director of planning and development Frank Mkandawire said re-assessment of property cannot be done.

“Records in my office show that assessment of your property was done by a team comprising officers from my office, Roads Authority, FN & Partners and community committee representatives etc.

“This means the exercise was done in a transparent manner,” reads part of his response to Grymson

In an interview yesterday, Grymson said he has responded to the council.

“Out of all that property, do you think it was fair to be given K18 300? Why did they come to assess after demolishing?” he asked.