Land Commission bill public hearings kick start

Public hearings on the Land Commission bill are due to kick off this week starting with Banket tomorrow.

Cabinet recently  approved the Land Commission Bill as Government steps up efforts to weed out multiple farm owners, resolve land disputes and deal with land reform beneficiaries leasing out farms to white former commercial farmers.

The land audits will be carried out by a Land Commission.

The Land Commission is a requirement under Section 296 of the Constitution.

According to the new Constitution, the Land Commission should carry out periodic land audits and ensure accountability, fairness and transparency in the administration of agricultural land controlled by the State.

It is also expected to make recommendations to Government regarding all aspects of agricultural land and to investigate complaints related to administration and allocation of land.

The Commission will report to the Minister. The Land Commission should be made up of a chairperson, deputy chair and between two and seven other members appointed by the President.

The members are chosen for their integrity and knowledge of best practices in land management.