National Lands Commission to verify land ownership in Jomvu again

Squarters follow proceedings as Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa was addressing them at Maganda settlement Scheme in Port Reitz within Jomvu Constituency where he jointly with the National Land Commission chairman Mohammed Swanzuri assured them that they will be well compensated to pave way for the construction of the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) line, June 15, 2015. [PHOTO/ GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

The National Lands Commission (NLC) will carry out fresh verification of 1,400 plots at Maganda in Jomvu, Mombasa County to establish genuine owners.

The standard gauge railway will pass through here and residents of Maganda Settlement Scheme have had sleepless nights after claims emerged that tycoons had irregularly acquired title deeds on land that straddles part of Port Reitz Creek on the border with Kwale County.

"We are going to verify the authenticity of the plots and title deeds that are in the hands of some people here before we compensate," NLC chairman Muhammad Swazuri said.

The commission had announced that land along the 8km stretch, part of which borders the Indian Ocean would be compensated at a cost of Sh4 billion.

Separately, sources confided to The Standard that some prominent individuals, former politicians and business men had acquired title deeds through fraudulent means.

And Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said anyone found inciting locals to rebel against the SGR project will face the law. Jomvu MP Badi Twalib expressed confidence that NLC will deliver on its pledge to carry out fresh verification for plot owners at Maganda Settlement Scheme.

"We as leaders are open on our stand for this project and wish to tell all in the open that we support the SGR venture. What we want is for fairness to prevail as the project is being implemented," Badi said.

Mombasa Lands Executive Francis Thoya denied claims that he was inciting locals.