ONGWEDIVA – Some residents in Oshikuku constituency are concerned about the initial wrong measurements taken of their mahangu fields by the Onamagongwa Trading CC, which is constructing the road between Elim and Oshikuku may disturb the ploughing season, which is just around the corner.
According to the Oshikuku Constituency Councillor, Modestus Amutse, the contractors that are upgrading the road from Oshikuku to Elim have taken wrong calculation of measurements of the community’s mahangu fields. He said the initial measurement of 30 metres has since been reduced to 15 metres, which have caused a delay in compensating some of the residents in the given time frame.
In addition the process is also said to affect the communities in ploughing their fields on time, as the contractors had not erected the public’s fences after taking the correct measurements.
“The initial measurement was calculated at 30 metres but it was later discovered because it is a district road, hence the reduction in length to 15 meters,” Amutse explained.
Amutse further said the contractors must move the fences at the correct measured distance as it is likely to delay the community to plough their fields or to it will cause the community not to plough the portion that was initially cut off.
“The construction company must ensure that the issue has been rectified before the ploughing season start and I have already instructed them to start putting up the fences to avoid hiccups,” stated Amutse.
He said he held a meeting with the affected communities, road contractors as well as site engineers to discuss the matter on Monday.
He said the affected communities have thus far not received their compensation money although there were promised it early May this year. However, Amutse said the Ministry of Works and Transport will take over the payment and make sure that people are paid on time.
The road works had started last year August and was expected to end on August 9 but the progress is very slow due to the two extensions that were added after the tender was granted. The two extensions that were added are Oshikuku Hospital and Elim Hospital.
The road contractors requested for an extension from Road Authority that he said was approved to March next year.