Cabinet has approved the Land Use Decree which will establish a Land Use Unit within the Ministry of Lands and Survey.
Cabinet based its decision on a submission by Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Land Use Unit will issue leases for a period of not more than 99yrs.
Sayed-Khaiyum said there is currently a substantial amount of both native land and land is made available for utilisation and said the existing laws pertaining to leasing of land both crown land and native lands are considered to be cumbersome and bureaucratic.
He added the long processes and the delay to finalize leases frustrates applicants and therefore reduces the development of the economy in general.
The Attorney General said the Land Use Decree 2010 will provide for the leasing of native land to the state and the State to lease it under a head lease.
He also said that given the current land reform policy increases economic development it is imperative that land is made available for utilisation.
He further said that the Decree will facilitate a fairer return to the landowners and provide security of tenure, and will also provide for the leasing of all available crown land.
Story by: Ana Naisoro
Source: Cabinet Release
