Houses built for compensation

Houses built for compensation

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: More than 280 makeshift houses have
recently sprung up along the River Peusangan, built by residents
hoping to obtain higher compensation once the government proceeds
with its planned construction of a water-powered plant.

Council members in Aceh surveyed the site earlier this month.
Its chairman Achmad Amin said he suspected that the construction
of the houses was "sponsored". In addition, he said, some fish
ponds have been constructed.

The construction of the Rp 450 billion (US$196,936,542) plant
will have to demolish buildings in several districts. The
government is expected to pay Rp 2,000 (87 US cents) for every
square meter of rice field appropriated, Rp 24,000 per square
meter of pond, and some Rp 50,000 for every square meter of
coffee plantation.

The regent has called on the residents not to build anything
on the land, which the residents claim still belongs to them.
(swe)