Minister orders probe on NBC land

LANDS and Physical Planning Minister Lukas Dekena has directed the department to immediately investigate the alleged issuance of a title over a piece of land belonging to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
Dekena also questioned the procedures followed in the alleged action resulting in a private company claiming to have 99-year lease title over the land near the 5-Mile roundabout.
The minister in a letter to Lands and Physical Planning secretary Pepi Kimas said land dealings, particularly over those land allocated to state entities through certificates of occupations must never be forfeited without the expressed written consent of the state body.
This, he said, ensured that all the public bodies continue to have bases from which to operate from for the service of the people of this country.
“With particular reference to the state leases in question, I note that this piece of prime NBC land had been cleared by the agents of Saaku Ltd and attempts were made on March 12, by the same group to survey the place.
“This action clearly conflicts with the state lease award processes whereby survey of land normally precedes any award or transfer title.
“I am of the view that NBC should go ahead and fence the place now to stop any illegal trespasses by this company or obtain a court order to stop this development with off course, your full and undivided support,” Dekena said in his letter.
He also wrote that he was considering the withdrawal of his delegation to the secretary and the deputy secretary on the approval of state leases as it seems that his power might had not been used with due diligence checks.
Dekena has directed Kimas to do a report on this matter before close of business this Friday, in which he has to list what actions he would be taking as secretary to protect this portion of land for NBC.