The government plans to expand land conversion, initially limited to plots of up to 2,500 m², to 2 hectares. It is assumed this decision follows an evaluation process. While specific details about the expansion have not yet been officially announced, it has been confirmed that an increase is forthcoming.
This announcement was made recently during the distribution of 1,200 land titles at Roeli’s Event Centre. President Chan Santokhi stated that the land conversion initiative has so far generated SRD 150 million in revenue.
The government aims to generate additional income by selling land to citizens. The decision to expand has already been made within the administration. VHP parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi mentioned that he understands the expansion will cover up to 2 hectares.
In an interview with Radio ABC, Jogi stated that the move is beneficial for the country, as it will bring in more revenue. He added that the president has the constitutional authority to make such a decision. According to Jogi, while the public may not necessarily favor the decision, the national interest takes precedence.
Jogi emphasized that existing legislation, such as the Land Reform Act, allows for the conversion of leasehold land to ownership. He noted that critics opposing this policy have so far failed to present valid arguments demonstrating its disadvantages for the country. The current 2,500 m² limit for plot conversion, Jogi explained, is not an invention of President Santokhi but a policy established by the government in power in 2003.
Jogi also expressed frustration over criticism of the land conversion policy. He compared its success, which contributes to state revenue, to the failure of gold sector regulations that have yielded little. Beyond financial benefits, the land conversion initiative, according to the VHP parliamentarian, provides citizens with greater security regarding their land ownership.
