Gulu railway settlers ask for more time to vacate

Oct 18, 2009

GULU residents who settled on land along the railway line have asked the Government for more time to vacate.

By Gloria Laker

GULU residents who settled on land along the railway line have asked the Government for more time to vacate.

The residents were early this year ordered to vacate the land to pave way for the reconstruction of the 505km line from Tororo to Pakwach via Gulu.

Reconstruction resumes after nearly two decades due to the insurgency in the north.

Alex Otim, the district works secretary, said the project, which began last month, is expected to cost sh4b. He added that over 500 houses would be demo- lished in the exercise.

Grace Akello, the proprietor of Aero Nyero drug shop in Layibi, called for an extension in the vacation period, saying she had completed her building in April.

“This will affect my business and children’s education. They are midway through the term, how do they expect us to get another school and accommodation within this short period?” she asked.

Grace Layet, a formerly displaced person from Paibona, said she had lived along the railway line since 1988 at the height of the LRA insurgency for fear of abduction.

“I spent eight years saving and bought this piece of land. I have just put up a house and a shop. I appeal to the Government to compensate me,” Layet said.

But Otim said only the elderly would be compensated.

Dinah Opiyo, the Layibi LC1 chairperson, said the rebirth of the railway line would boost business in the region.

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