Five financial specialists to tour Hindi, Mokowe, Kililana and Mashunduani
What you need to know:
- He said Sh860 million was a big amount that could transform the county in terms of development.
- The government disbursed Sh860 million to 154 families last Thursday as part of the Sh1.31 billion given to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for compensation.
- “Some beneficiaries of the railway project are still in tears after they wasted their cash. I believe it is because no one prepared them on how to use it,” Mr Timamy said.
Residents compensated after their land was taken for the construction of Lamu Port will be given advice on how to use the money.
Governor Issa Timamy, Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa and Woman Representative Shakila Abdalla said financial experts from outside the county would be called in to help the locals.
They expressed worry that without proper directions, the beneficiaries would soon find themselves in poverty after misusing the money.
The government disbursed Sh860 million to 154 families last Thursday as part of the Sh1.31 billion given to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for compensation.
The money was wired directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts.
In an interview with the Nation on Tuesday, the leaders said meetings with the beneficiaries would be necessary.
Mr Timamy said he had invited about five financial specialists who would be visiting Hindi, Mokowe, Kililana, Mashunduani, Lamu Town and other areas to educate locals on proper use of the money.
He said Sh860 million was a big amount that could transform the county in terms of development.
The governor said poverty levels in Lamu were very high and that there was need to use the funds to improve livelihoods.
He said the objective of the compensation would not be achieved if people were not sensitised over planning and using the money.
Mr Timamy said beneficiaries should learn from what happened to in Voi, Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa where some of those who received money for land taken by the standard gauge railway project became paupers after misusing it.
STILL IN TEARS
“Some beneficiaries of the railway project are still in tears after they wasted their cash. I believe it is because no one prepared them on how to use it,” Mr Timamy said.
Mr Ndegwa said he was aware that some beneficiaries married extra wives immediately they got the money.
He advised residents to use the money to educate their children.
“I know most people here are naïve but that doesn’t justify being irresponsible. We don’t want to hear complaints. Our economy should be made to grow,” Mr Ndegwa said.
The leaders’ sentiments came a few days after more than 50 elders asked the National Lands Commission, the Lands Ministry and the county government to advise Lapsset beneficiaries before wiring money into their accounts.
