More than 200 families who were affected by the multi-billion Malindi Airport expansion project have protested against the delay in compensation claiming it was affecting their livelihoods.
The residents of Malindi Airport Phase 1 B, C and D said they were told not to develop their properties anymore and wait for their money before the end of December last year but to date nothing is going on.
Currently they said there was no Clear communication from the authorities leaving them in suspense not knowing what to do.
The residents told the National Lands Commission Chairman to intervene and push for their money to be released or allow them to continue developing in their areas.
Wahuda Duncan the Local village area from the area said evaluation was done and each of those beneficiaries were told to wait for compensation.
Some of them she said took loans anticipating paying after the compensation but to date nothing has happened.
“Currently many plots within Malindi are expensive because of the Airport expansion land owners are increasing the price because they know those living at the airport will be paid well,’’ she said.
MS Duncan said tenants in the rental houses within the area left while some houses were had cracks but could not develop them anymore.
Mohamed Omar Simba one of those affected called on the government to speed up the process so as to enable the people to relocate.
Already the Government Spent Sh. 300 million to compensate the residents of Kwachocha south in the first phase of compensation.
The residents managed to secure a meeting with Swazuri in Sunday at the Malindi Deputy County Commissioner’s office and after a lengthy talk they were told to be patients as they would get their money.
Swazuri called the Cabinet Secretary for transport and KAA Managing Director demanding to know why the funds had delayed.
“I have been told that funds would be wired to us this week so all those who have not been paid shall receive their money once we get it,’’ he said.
At one time the NLC chairman engaged in exchange of words with the residents as they seem not to agree with him on the payment plan.
Some claimed the remaining Sh. 124 million was balance for those who were already compensated as some had not been paid.
However Swazuri categorically said anybody who was within the Malindi Airport expansion area shall be compensated.