KAMPALA- The affected people by the Kiteezi disaster are frustrated by the government’s delayed compensation for their destroyed properties.
The frustrated residents include survivors of the tragedy, and those who lost properties. They were promised compensation by the government within forty eight hours ever since the incident happened.
Some of the affected residents said they have been at the camp for months, without knowing the government plan on the promised compensation, so that they have also restarted their lives.
”My properties were demolished by the tractors, to create a way. I lost all my houses, they only registered us in August, and assessments were made by government valuation people. But up to now, nothing has been given to us. We are here suffering in the camp eating posho on a daily basis.” Nakibuuka Racheal, one of the affected survivors said.
Nakibuka and fellow affected residents reject the government’s relocation plan to Dundu, insisting they want compensation to choose their own location, not one imposed by authorities.
“We don’t want that plan of relocating us to Dundu, because it is the landfill that found us here, not us. It means we had plans and clear reasons why we bought land near the city. So they should give us money and we get ourselves another land in our chosen place.” She added.
Alex Ssenono, chairperson of the victims and a landlord who lost all his properties, reveals that the government promised compensation within 45 days, but so far, no assistance has been provided.
Another resident is Zaham Namutebi, whose house falls within the 200-meter buffer zone, warns that residents’ lives remain at risk of disease contraction and urges the government to provide compensation and alternative solutions for the Kiteezi area.
Kampala Metropolitan state-Minister Kyoffa Togabye has clarified that the government is awaiting the final evaluation report before kicking off the compensation process for affected residents near the Kiteezi landfill. This process is expected to unfold in two phases.
Kampala Metropolitan state-Minister Kabuye Kyoffa Togabye has told this reporter that the government is awaiting the final evaluation report before kicking off the compensation process for affected residents near the Kiteezi landfill. This process is expected to unfold in two phases.
“The Prime Minister has instructed us to make payments in two phases,” said Kyofa Togabye. “The first payment will be 50%, enabling residents to relocate while awaiting the final evaluation report from our experts, followed by the final payment.”
The devastating Kiteezi disaster on August 10 claimed over 30 lives, with many more feared trapped under the massive waste pile. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability, particularly towards the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which manages the landfill.
