The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) has issued approximately 1,400 land allocation decisions in the district of Nickerie. According to Minister Stanley Soeropawiro, this is a historic number. The issuance is part of a nationwide operation to clear backlogs in land applications. Some citizens have had to wait years for their land documents.
According to the minister, these mainly concern applications that had been pending at the ministry for quite some time. In several cases, commitments had previously been made or declarations of willingness issued, but a final allocation had never materialised. “There was an elderly woman who wore out her shoes trying to get her land documents in order; now she finally has them in her hands.”
The minister confirms that the issuance has cleared a significant part of the backlog in Nickerie. However, not all applications have yet been processed. According to him, files still remain that require further handling.
Officials work late into the night
According to Soeropawiro, ministry staff are working intensively to clear the backlogs. In several districts, including Wanica and Nickerie, work regularly continues into the early morning hours to complete files.
Not all applications could be processed. Some files are missing documents or still require administrative matters to be put in order. The minister assures that these cases will also receive attention.
Years of waiting for land documents
During the interview, Soeropawiro spoke about an elderly woman who had spent years trying to obtain her land documents. According to him, she had visited so many agencies that, by her own account, her shoes had worn out. She ultimately received her allocation document after all.
The minister considers it important that citizens retain their trust in the government. According to him, the ministry must ensure that people who have waited years for a decision finally receive clarity about their application.
Legal certainty for families
Soeropawiro stresses that obtaining a land allocation decision means more to many families than simply receiving a document. According to him, it provides legal certainty and gives citizens the opportunity to build their future with greater confidence.
According to the minister, a secure place of residence enables families to make better plans for their development. He states that citizens who have certainty about their housing situation are also more motivated to contribute to Suriname’s development.
New issuance at the end of November or beginning of December
The ministry intends to continue the operation in other districts where major backlogs still exist. According to Soeropawiro, the next issuance is scheduled for the end of November or the beginning of December.
The minister expects that a significant number of decisions will again be issued, although he does not believe the number in Nickerie will be matched.
With the nationwide approach, GBB aims to prevent citizens from having to wait years more for their land applications to be processed.
