In defence to the $100m lawsuit filed against it by veterinarian Dr. Steve Surujbally, who is seeking adequate compensation for the compulsory acquisition of his land through which the gas to shore project will run, government describes its action as necessary.
It says that of the 2.005 acres owned by Surujbally, it is only approximately 1.5 acres that was acquired by government and so the sum he is asking for is “unreasonable,” as that portion is valued at only $7.6m.
The defending affidavit of head of the Project Task Force, Winston Brassington, deposes that part of government’s responsibility under the project is the acquisition of lands pursuant to the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act.