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A total of K120, 000 was paid to three complainants by the Works Department after they lodged complaints with the Ombudsman Commission.

Joe Ambane, Joe Yorua and Benedict Ioi were paid K40, 000 each over claims of government state land in Jiwaka Province and damages to food gardens along the Highlands Highway, respectively.

Ambane had lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman Commission against the Works Department over a portion of State land in Jiwaka.

When the complaint was investigated, it was found that Yorua, who happened to be from the same area as Ambane had made a similar claim to the Works Department.

Yorua claimed to be the legitimate lease holder while Ambane claimed to be a traditional landowner over the same portion of land.

Despite Yorua not lodging a complaint with the Commission, his claim was taken carriage of when it came in conflict with Ambane’s registered complaint. The cases were amalgamated and the issues were resolved.

Ioi on the other hand, also lodged a complaint against the Works Department around the same time. He claimed K366, 000 for damages to food gardens along the Okapa/Lufa Road in Eastern Highlands Province.

The matter was referred to the concerned government body and Ioi was paid K15, 000 in 2015. He returned to the Commission for redress when the Works Department failed to pay the balance of his initial claim.

Ioi’s case was reviewed and he was paid another K40, 000. Meanwhile, his balance is still outstanding.

While the complainants acknowledged the Commission for its assistance, the Commission is also thankful to the Works Department for its corporation in addressing the issues.

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