The Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Housing and Lands has assured communities whose lands were acquired for projects of public interest of adequate compensation.

While briefing journalists in Enugu on Monday, Okey Mbah, the committee chairman, said the state had no intention of forcefully acquiring land to execute any of its development projects.

He said the committee would work with the state government to ensure that the communities receive adequate compensation for their acquired land.

Mr Mbah cited the provision of the Land Use Act 1978, which states that adequate compensation be paid to owners of land acquired for projects.

“So, I believe that in acquiring the area of land designated for projects, the government will do the right thing by making sure that the communities involved are adequately compensated.

“We are conscious of making sure that no bill will clash with other existing laws. For instance, the law of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) and the laws of the Ministry of Lands, especially the 1978 Land Use Act.

“The intention is to make sure that there are no clashes in various agencies that serve almost the same purpose.

“So that at the end of the day, Enugu people will have a bill that is sound and that will be with the intent for which it was proposed,” Mr Mbah added.

(NAN)