Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambian Government will soon set up a task force to investigate the alleged illegal sale of government lands by the Alkalolu (Village heads) of Batokunku and Tanji Layouts.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government expressed deep concern over recent reports linked to the allegations directed at the two local authorities.
“The Hon. Minister has received reports that the Alkalolu of Batokunku and Tanji were deeply involved in the illegal sales and transactions of lands within the Batokunku and Tanji layouts,” the release noted. It added that these Alkalolu were previously warned over their illegal activities in an earlier warning letter and a press release issued sometime last year.
The release announces that due to the actions by these Alkalolu, the Minister has suspended the two Alkalolu, pending the outcome of the investigations into the said allegations. “Acting Alkalolu for the two communities will soon be appointed, and therefore the general public, and in particular the communities of both Batokunku and Tanji, are hereby urged to refrain from engaging in any land transactions with the suspended Alkalolu.”
“The practice of selling land in any government-designated layouts is strictly prohibited. In response to these allegations, the Hon. Minister will constitute a task force that will undertake urgent investigations to address these incidents and ensure that public lands are protected from illegal transactions,” the press communique added.
The government said its preliminary findings suggest that parcels of land designated for public use or held in trust by the state have been sold without prior approval from the Ministry of Lands, adding that these actions, if confirmed, are in direct violation of existing land governance laws and administrative procedures.
It is informed that government lands are held in trust for the public good and cannot be sold, transferred, or leased without the expressed authorization, warning that any individual found engaging in illegal land transactions will face the full force of the law, including the staff of the Lands Ministry, if they are found wanting.
The government further urged citizens to verify the legitimacy of land with appropriate government authorities before entering into any agreement.
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