28 Nov 2008

Samoa's Cabinet approves controversial land bill

10:41 am on 28 November 2008

Samoa's Cabinet has approved the controversial Unit Titles bill 2008.

A government release says the main objective of the Bill is to facilitate the subdivision of lands into units to be owned or lease by individuals.

It says the Bill also provides for the use and management of the units and common property and for related purposes.

It is believed that the Bill will improve the development of Lands in Samoa.

The Bill does not allow the selling of customary lands as it is stipulated under Article 102 of the Constitution.

The bill had been strongly criticised by NGOs, lobby groups and by Samoans living outside of the country.