The Ministry of Lands in Gambia has announced plans to significantly reduce the processing time for land lease documents with the introduction of a new digital system. According to Lands Minister Ahmat N.K. Bah, the new system aims to cut the wait time to just three days, a substantial improvement from the current backlog that has seen some applications take up to five years to process. Minister Bah made the disclosure during a parliamentary session responding to the report of the Select Committee on Regional Government, Lands, Ombudsman and IEC on the Performance Audit Report on the Management of Land Registration and Documentation.
Minister Bah highlighted the inefficiencies of the current system, which he inherited, stating that people had been waiting for years to obtain their lease documents. He noted that the ministry was currently processing an average of 50 files a week as it works through the backlog. The minister emphasized the importance of timely documentation, stating that people need to have their documents to prove ownership without delay. The new digital system is expected to address these issues and provide a more efficient service to applicants.
The new digital system, which is nearing completion with support from the World Bank, will enable applicants to receive their leases within three days once all required documentation has been completed. Minister Bah acknowledged that the existing system had several problems, including lost files and delays in processing applications. He noted that these issues had caused frustration among Gambians, with many experiencing delays and difficulties in obtaining their lease documents.
In addition to the digital system, the Ministry of Lands is also developing regional offices to bring land services closer to communities. One such office is being established in Wassu in CRR North, which will reduce the need for people to travel to Banjul for leases and other documentation. Minister Bah stated that these reforms are part of wider efforts to improve land management and make services more accessible to Gambians.
The Ministry of Lands is working to address the backlog of land lease applications, with Minister Bah assuring that the new digital system will improve the efficiency of the service. He noted that the system will enable the ministry to process applications more quickly and reduce the wait time for applicants. The minister also acknowledged that the existing system had been problematic, with lost files and delays in processing applications.
The introduction of the digital system is part of a broader effort to modernize land management in Gambia. Minister Bah stated that the ministry is committed to providing a more efficient and effective service to applicants. The new system will enable the ministry to process applications more quickly and reduce the wait time for applicants. The minister also noted that the system will improve transparency and accountability in the land registration process.
The Ministry of Lands' efforts to improve land management and make services more accessible to Gambians have been welcomed by stakeholders. The introduction of the digital system and regional offices is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service. Minister Bah stated that the ministry is committed to continuing to improve its services and provide a better experience for applicants.
Key points
- The Gambia Ministry of Lands aims to reduce land lease processing time to 3 days with a new digital system.
- The new system will address years-long wait times and inefficiencies in the current system.
- Regional offices are being developed to bring land services closer to communities.
