Mr. Weah, during his presentation, first extended thanks and appreciation to the lawmakers on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and staff of the LLA for their support and used the occasion to emphasize the need for continued cooperation with the local office of the LLA in the county, local authorities, and the selected communities.
He further stated that the CLF process will help communities to secure their ancestral lands, minimize land disputes, prevent conflicts, clarify boundaries, and create a pathway for investment, job creation, and long-term economic empowerment for the county’s youth.
“The passage of the Land Rights Law is a fundamental step toward land reform in Liberia. Hence, the law guarantees the rights of all Liberians regardless of their social status, religion, or background. If the needed support is provided, the LLA can do more. We will be able to formalize all customary lands across this country,” he said.
The LLA Assistant Director used the occasion to call on other lawmakers to do the same. He further stated that the formalization of community land creates ownership and can resolve disputes between concessions and communities and foster an inclusive environment where residents, particularly women and girls in rural communities, can have equal benefits as enshrined in the 2018 Land Law.
“The law is clear about women's rights and protection. Formalization brings about equality at all levels of the community. No one is left out. This is why we always ensure that, right from the Community Self-Identification (CSI) process, equal participation and representation are adhered to,” he added.
For their part, the River Gee Legislative Caucus pledged to strengthen oversight, provide political support, and maintain engagement with local leaders, chiefs, elders, women, and youth groups in the county to ensure the process is conducted peacefully. The lawmakers further stressed the need for cooperation among line ministries and agencies in protecting customary land across the country.
The six (6) communities or clans are Jargbor, Gborkorken, Wlegboken, Glarro-Sackor, Karyelibo, and Chegboken. Thus, the activities include scooping, awareness, stakeholder and radio engagements, community self-identification, participatory mapping, boundary harmonization, development of community bylaws and governance structures, confirmatory surveys, land use planning, and other customary land formalization-related activities.
However, the successful completion of the CLF process is expected to give six customary communities at the clan level Statutory Deeds (Legal security for their land).
The Liberia Land Authority, as enshrined in the LLA Act of 2016 and the 2018 Land Rights Act (LRA), is mandated to implement the LRA fully. Thus, the LLA remains committed to working with line ministries and agencies of government to strengthen land governance and address land-related issues in the country.
Keep following for more updates! You can also follow us on Facebook at, Liberia Land Authority
Published by: Davis Emmanuel Chedeh
