 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
toubab1020
12306 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Jul 2013 : 10:18:23
|
Should be looked at again and an efficient and transparent system worked out that suits all HONEST AND REASONABLE people.
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/the-looming-land-crisis
The looming land crisis
africa » gambia
Thursday, July 25, 2013
We are once again compelled to write about the situation regarding land ownership in this country.
The situation befalling land ownership in this country, to say the least, is alarming. This unprecedented situation has been creeping slowly, but surely into the fabric of Gambian society to the dismay of many.
As we stated in these pages earlier, our point of focus is the rate at which simmering land cases increase in our courts.
This is, of course, a cause for concern not only to the government of The Gambia, but the whole Gambian citizenry, who struggle day in, day out to make ends meet.
Ordinary citizens now find it difficult to own a plot of land in this country.
The current situation, no doubt, does not tell well in a country where decades ago land used to be acquired by merely dishing out cola nuts to its traditional owners.
It is our belief that land must be made available, affordable and accessible to all citizens by means of legal mechanisms, and through the right channels.
Selling a plot of land to three or four different persons at the same time, as seen in many cases, is unacceptable.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government to address the issue by putting in place a proper mechanism, to ensure that land is legally acquired to avoid unforeseeable circumstances.
Needless to say, urgent action should be taken to redress the issue, before it gets out of hand.
The public would also want to know the steps being taken by the Government to address this situation, if there are any.
It is our belief that only urgent action by the authorities can avert such abnormality.
“Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our needs.”
George Eliot
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11641 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2013 : 11:36:55
|
DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE FORESIGHT? ONLY THEY COULD ANSWER THIS QUESTION AS LAND DISPUTES LOOM
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Thursday, 25 July 2013
Foroyaa reporters were shocked when they saw the outcome of the violence between the people from Babylon and those from Manneh Kunda of Mandinary, Kombo North. We have also been following many land disputes between herders and tillers of the land regarding the location of cattle tracks and farms. Why is Foroyaa asking whether the Government has foresight?
The reason is simple. When the constitution was drafted, the numerous land disputes and concerns gave rise to the recommendation to establish a Permanent Land Commission to handle such matters. This was accepted at a referendum. Hence section 191 of the Constitution read before it was amended in 2001:
“Land Commission 191.
(1) There shall be established a Land Commission which shall in co-ordination with the relevant public agencies and governmental bodies, perform the following functions –
a) on behalf of the Government, manage all lands vested in the State;
(b) process applications for grants of State land and make recommendations thereon to the Secretary of State;
(c) process applications for title deeds from deemed lessees and make recommendations thereon to the Secretary of State for approval;
(d) investigate disputes on land ownership and occupation in any area designated by an Act of the National Assembly;
(e) assess land tax and premium for properties within any area designated by an Act of the National Assembly;
(f) monitor the registration of properties and inspect land registers and records; and
(g) perform such other functions as the Secretary of State responsible for land may assign to the Commission.
(2) The members of the Land Commission shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Attorney-General.
(3) The Land Commission shall submit a quarterly report on the performance of its functions to the National Assembly. (4)An Act of the National Assembly may make further provisions for the purposes of this chapter.”
In 2001, the Government brought a bill to the National Assembly to amend section 191and had it passed. The amendment left this vague provision in its place as Section 192 of the Constitution. It reads:
“There shall be established a Land commission whose functions and powers shall be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.”
Since 2001, people have been waiting for the permanent land commission to be established in vein. There is no doubt that the early warning signals are there for the state to act. If it fails to do so with urgency then it would become apparent that it lacks foresight.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
