Lands Department undergoes reform

Sharon Ramclam

Wednesday, July 30, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting: Prime Minister Dean Barrow has described it as a “hotbed of corruption,” and today claimed it was one of the sources of his greatest frustration as chief executive.

But it seems the Lands and Surveys Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources is finally cleaning up its act.

Following consultations with multiple stakeholders, the CEO in the Ministry, Sharon Ramclam, presented an overview of short-term reforms intended to improve service delivery, internal controls and safeguards for files and security of land tenure.

CEO Ramclam discusses efforts to control what she calls outright theft of Government funds at the Department.

There will be new security cameras installed at offices countrywide to be monitored by the information technology section of the Department.

Some specific cases have been referred to the Police Department for investigation.

CEO Ramclam also spoke of efforts at public relations and customer service improvement.

She says workers will be trained to tend to customers more quickly and efficiently and the Ministry will keep track of complaints via an automated system.

The Department will be making changes to its filing and record system to help remove the source of complaints of misplaced and changed titles and leases which have improperly benefited some connected individuals in the past.

These are only part of the plans which also address tracking of applications for national lands, field inspections and providing public information.

Internally there will be training for employees and the hiring of new contracted employees to address deficiencies in customer service and public relations and complaints from consumers.

Long-term plans for legislative and policy change are also being considered.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2014, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.