This Department is responsible for land use planning, land tenure, survey and mapping, physical planning and housing. It processes applications for leases and consents.
The Lands division carries out all statutory functions of the Commissioner of Lands as outlined in the Land Act 1979 and Valuation and Rating Act 1980. It advises government on all land policy matters. The Lands division responsibilities include:
- The administration of the Land Act 1979 and Land Regulations 1980;
- The issue of leases under the Land Act 1979;
- The processing of applications for dealing in leased land;
- Monitoring the occupation of land and reporting on compliance by lessees on stautory and other conditions contained in leases
- The establishment of land records and maintenance thereof
- Assessment and collection of land revenue including ground rent and other statutory fees
- Advertising of sites for new grants by land allocating authorities in urban areas
- Processing declaration of areas for selected development and for setting aside land for public purposes
- Administration of Valuation and Rating Act 1980 and preparation of Valuation Rolls and their maintenance
- Valuation assessment for government, parastatal organisations and the general public for various purposes including mortgages, acquisitions and insurance
- Preparation and negotiations of lease agreements for residential and commercial buildings on behalf of government and parastatal organisations
- Mediation and resolution of land disputes; and
- Representing the Commissioner of Lands in litigation relating to land matters.
The overall function of the Land Use Planning division is to produce indicative land use plans based on the biophysical characteristics of the land, taking into account the socio-economic, institutional and other factors influencing land use decisions. All these factors should indicate the best land use options to facilitate the implementation of sector plans such as forestry, conservation, range management, crops etc, as executed by the relevant specialist agencies.
The Survey division provides advice to all Ministries, Departments and agencies on mapping requirements and specifications for development activities within the country. It maintains, and is the custodian of, all national maps, aerial photographs and survey records as provided for under the Land Survey Act, 1980. It is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the national geodetic control network for mapping and cadastral surveys; undertaking, controlling and authenticating cadastral surveys to facilitate registration under the Land Act, 1979 and ensuring maintenance of professional conduct and standards by regulating the licensing of surveyors under the provisions of the Land Survey Act, 1980.
The Housing division of the Department is one of the public sector institutions involved in the facilitation and promotion of housing. It is concerned with the development and review of housing policy, housing programmes and projects and the development and promotion of information systems. |
