South Sudan’s National Land Policy has been reviewed to better guide the country towards the acquisitions and management.
The review was done at a two-day consultative workshop for the members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) in Juba. The workshop was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization and held under the theme; “Building Consensus for National Land Policy”.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Land, Housing and Urban Development Minister Michael Chiangjiek, said the workshop ensured that parliamentarians have a better understanding of the draft policy.
This National Land Policy has been long-awaited by the people of South Sudan and it is indeed necessary because there are other things that are constrained by its absence, said Chiangjiek.
“Our parliamentarians are very open and I hope they will have a very fruitful debate on this,” he added.
Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba, said the workshop would enable MPs to develop a National Land Policy that fosters peace, prosperity, and progress.
“Today, we have an opportunity to address these challenges head on through a comprehensive and inclusive National Land Policy. This policy should aim to ensure equitable access to land, promote sustainable land use practices, and protect the rights of all citizens, including women, the youth, and the marginalized groups. It is a vision that should reflect our commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law,” Kumba said.
The new policy will address post-war conflict over land rights, the urban informal settlements as well as conflicts over access to land with pasture and water.
Land grabbing, which is the acquisition without regard for the interests of the rights holders, and disagreements regarding county and payam boundaries, will be addressed by the policy.