On October 16, President Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea declassified land reserves in the industrial zone of Simbaya-Wanindara in Conakry and Kassa Island, off the coast of Conakry. The decision allows for the restructuring, regularization, and development of the sites for the benefit of their occupants. This move has brought relief to the inhabitants who have been living in uncertainty for decades.
The President justified his decision on October 24, stating that it was a step towards justice and repairing a long-standing injustice suffered by the inhabitants. He emphasized that the occupants were regaining a right that was due to them by the Republic. The President promised to restructure, regularize, and develop the areas, including the construction of roads, schools, health centers, sports fields, and playgrounds.
However, Amadou Doumbouya, Director General of National Land Planning and Urbanism (DATU), clarified that regularization would involve technical and financial operations, which are yet to be defined. This raised concerns among the inhabitants, who feared they might be required to buy back land they had acquired decades ago. The DATU Director emphasized that adapting the land status of these areas to their current occupation was necessary.
The declassification allows for a change from an industrial regime to a residential one, paving the way for the restructuring of the concerned neighborhoods. Amadou Doumbouya stressed that it was necessary to declassify the zone, as it was previously subject to an industrial regime, but is now heavily occupied by residential areas. The DATU Director announced the development of a restructuring plan to correct existing occupations.
While President Doumbouya presented the decision as a right, not a favor, Amadou Doumbouya underlined that occupation of a plot would not automatically confer ownership. He stated that occupants would need to follow procedures to become property owners. The DATU Director also announced that a cost per square meter would be fixed, with forfaitaire amounts to be determined.
The financial aspect of the operation remains unclear, with details on the amounts to be paid, payment modalities, and precise regularization criteria yet to be disclosed. The inhabitants of Wanindara and Kassa are awaiting the effective and transparent implementation of the President's promise. The regularization process is expected to bring clarity and security to the occupants.
The declassification of land reserves in Simbaya-Wanindara and Kassa marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing land rights issue in Conakry. Key stakeholders, including the President and DATU Director, have emphasized the need for a fair and transparent regularization process.
Key points
- President Mamadi Doumbouya has declassified land reserves in Simbaya-Wanindara and Kassa to grant property rights to occupants.
- Regularization will involve technical and financial operations, including a cost per square meter to be fixed.
- The process aims to bring clarity and security to land occupants, but details remain to be finalized.
