By Josiah Williams
December 18, 2024
The Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Bill, debated today in the National Assembly, is designed to provide enhanced benefits to citizens whose properties are acquired by the government.
The bill, which addresses outdated provisions in the current legislation, aims to ensure that landowners receive immediate and fair compensation when their land is acquired for public use.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, explained that the amendments would strengthen the existing law by guaranteeing that landowners are compensated adequately.
Under the new provisions, the Public Works Ministry will be required to pay 80% of the compensation upfront, allowing landowners to receive a substantial portion of the payment before the acquisition process is finalized.
Additionally, the amendments will cover the payment of outstanding mortgages before properties are acquired, ensuring a smoother transition for affected landowners.
The bill also introduces an arbitration process to resolve any disputes that may arise during the land acquisition process.
These changes are expected to address delays that have previously stalled several government projects, which were held up by issues related to acquiring the necessary properties.
While the bill has received support from the government, opposition members have raised concerns.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, suggested that the bill be referred to a select committee for further examination, proposing that the government incorporate social and sentimental value into the compensation process.
He also recommended the establishment of a tribunal to assess the value of properties being acquired.
Despite these suggestions, the bill is seen as a significant step forward in streamlining land acquisitions and facilitating the timely implementation of government projects.
It is expected that the amendments will expedite the acquisition process, benefiting both citizens and the government in the long term.