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)