Residents of Coomacka Mines on the outskirts of the town of Linden, have received land allocation letters for the lands which they have been occupying for approximately six decades.
The letters were handed over to 200 residents on Friday last by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
The land allocation letter paves the way for titles to be issued once surveys are completed, DPI stated.
According to DPI, it is expected that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), under which the lands are administered, will complete the requisite surveys within the next few weeks.
Harmon stated: “There are some survey works to be done on the lands and I have asked NICIL to complete this work in six weeks so that we can begin the process of you having your titles.
“These letters will then be presented to NICIL and they will come and do the survey and based on that, you will get your titles
“What we are doing here today is to help you improve your quality of life because if you want to go to the bank to do your house or do something to improve your life, you will now have a piece of paper that can show ownership.
“It is about giving power to you so that you can make decisions for you, your family and your community.”
The residents thanked President David Granger and his government for taking such a positive step on their behalf.
DPI quoted Jean Wagner, a senior resident of the community, as saying she has been occupying her land for over 60 years but was never given the opportunity to acquire ownership.
The agency also quoted Bernadette Torres, a health worker. She said: “I am feeling very happy today receiving this paper because I have waited over 15 years for this. This is something special for me and this entire community and now I have something that I can leave for my children and grand-children.”
Wendy Wagner, a teacher, told DPI that she has been waiting since 2005 when the last survey was done in the area.
“Today, I am really happy that this process is continuing because it tells me that we are finally heading somewhere and we are progressing,” she stated.
Additionally, Shenelly Brimmer, was quoted by DPI as saying: “I have been waiting for quite some years and I am so happy and proud and it is not just me, but every resident you see here. We can finally start the process of improving our lives.”
Minister Harmon also visited the communities of Mackenzie and Speightland, where he presented lamps to the communities which are to be used for street lights.
The lights are to be installed by the Regional Administration.
He also committed to provide the teachers of the Mackenzie Primary School with a much-needed fridge and gas stove.
