Gov't compensates victims of demolition exercise

The commission for compensation of victims of loss of land rights or destruction of property for the expansion of the East of the city of Douala started work on November 5, 2014.

The commission in the services of the prefect of the Wouri in Bonanjo, noted that some victims have already been compensated. Sixty- six, (66) people were involved, and they received monetary compensation to a tune of 172 millionF. The allocation of sums ranged from 100 000F to 35 million F.

But on the first day, only six (6) people showed up for about 20 million f probably as a result of poor communication. “We were surprised by the low turn up as we sent radio releases", explained the prefect of the Wouri, Naseri Paul Bea.

To remedy the situation, the president of the collective of the Association of traders and merchants from the East, Bonaventure Gouanon, received the list of beneficiaries.

Bonaventure Gouanon said: "many of our members were on the alert. Since 2007-2008, we held numerous meetings with the authorities of the place to negotiate on what compensation will be given to those affected by the exercise. And thank God, we are pleased to know that the terms of the various meetings are being applied."

Next week, the second wave of payout will kick off.