Government seeks to launch land bank

by Moses Njagih

Landowners have been asked to sell their parcels to the Government to help it create a land bank.

The Ministry of Lands invited citizens who own land and were willing to sell the same to the Government to send expressions of interest to Lands PS before November 16.

But those with small pieces of land who may want to benefit from the plan will be disappointed because only those with parcels measuring 100 acres and above will be considered.

Also locked out of the new concept are landowners whose property is not suitable for farming, because the Government is only interested in arable land.

A newspaper advertisement directed those willing to sell their land to include the name of the owner, a copy of the title deed and a valid search certificate when they apply.

Clear statement

They should also provide a certified copy of a survey map showing the land and its location and a copy of the Personal Identification Number certificate. The landowners will also be required to quote their estimated cost of sale per acre and give a clear statement that the land is available for land banking and its immediate use.

Commissioner of Lands Zablon Mabea said the need to create a land bank was because much of Government land is exhausted.