[Source: Business Daily, by Kalume Kazungu]
A multi-agency team of surveyors has embarked on a preliminary survey of all the Lamu lands intended for the establishment of the Lokichar-Lamu Crude Oil Pipeline (LLCOP).
The 824-km pipeline is a key component of the Sh2.5 trillion Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (Lapsset) Corridor project whose construction is underway in Kililana, Lamu West.
The pipeline will pass through six counties of Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Meru, Garissa and Lamu.
The surveyors are drawn from the National Lands Commission (NLC), Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) and other government agencies
Speaking in Lamu on Monday, Lapsset regional manager Salim Bunu said the pipeline project will pass through various places in Lamu, mainly Kililana area — which is the Lamu Port site — then to Roka, Bobo, Bar’goni and Bodhai junction as it proceeds to Garissa, Isiolo, Moyale and towards Lokichar in Turkana.
Mr Bunu, however, said a second and final survey will be conducted in the same area with view to determine what will be done to the people affected by the project.
“The survey mainly intends to establish what is exactly on the ground for now. Are there structures, farms or the lands targeted is just a forest? After establishing such information, a final survey and decision will be made on what will be done to all the affected people.”
He assured all the affected people that they will be duly compensated.
Meanwhile, fake land claimants who will show up in the ongoing survey to demand ownership and possible compensation for land will be arrested.
The office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been incorporated in the exercise.
Addressing the public in Lamu, County Commissioner Irungu Macharia said only genuine residents affected by the pipeline project will appear on the ground as the exercise takes place.
The high number of individuals who claim compensation for lands earmarked for mega national projects has become a nuisance.
Mr Macharia urged Lamu residents to fully embrace the pipeline project and any other state projects intended in the county for the betterment of the region and the country at large.
[Full article: Business Daily, by Kalume Kazungu]
