No efforts are being made by NIDCO or China Railway Construction Limited to displace residents of Silk Cotton Trace Extension in Bon Accord, Tobago without compensation

“It is a matter of public record that lands in the vicinity of Silk Cotton Trace Extension need to be acquired for the construction of the new airport terminal at the ANR Robinson Airport,” Finance Minister Colm Imbert told the Senate on Wednesday.

“Land acquisition for the new airport terminal is being pursued in accordance with the law, in four zones which have been established based on the project’s priorities. To date, 95% of Zone A, 85% of Zone B, 91% of Zone C and 25% of Zone D have been acquired and handed over to the contractor to commence construction,” he added.

A total of 133 properties are required to be acquired, of which 90% has already been completed.

The estimated cost of land acquisition for the new terminal is $300million, Minister Imbert revealed. To date, total payments already made amount to $237,791,954.

“It is a fallacy therefore to insinuate that residents are being relocated without compensation,” Minister Imbert said in response to the Opposition’s question.