Insurers of Dana Air have begun payment of compensation to Iju-Ishaga residents whose properties were damaged when a Dana Air aircraft crashed into the area on June 3, 2012.

Tony Usidamen, Dana Air’s Head of Corporate Communications, confirmed the development.

He said, “We can confirm that payment of compensation to affected Iju-Ishaga residents has commenced. The process is still on-going, and our insurers are committed to ensuring that all claimants are compensated to the extent of their losses.”

The Dana Air spokesperson declined to give the name of the residents or amount paid. However, LEADERSHIP investigations revealed that Pastor Daniel Omowunmi, who has been the most vocal of all affected residents, was among those who have received compensation; an initial payment of $30,000.

On why it took this long for compensation to be paid to the ground victims, Usidamen explained, “In order to ensure that just and fair compensation is paid to the affected families, several processes have to be followed by law, and settlement reached by all parties concerned. These processes usually take time but our insurers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all the matters are resolved.”

The airline’s insurers have also continued to deal with claims by families of passengers and crew onboard the ill-fated flight.

Usidamen said, “Over 84 families have received advance payments of $30,000 and payment of final settlement to families who have produced the requisite Letters of Administration (and Letter of Guardianship in the case of minors) has since commenced.

Usidamen expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for the cooperation and assistance rendered so far.

“With the waiver of statutory fees and fast-track system, families will have the requisite documents expeditiously. This will enable the insurers to settle all claims within the shortest possible time, and in accordance with the law”, he added.

Culled from The Leadership