More ‘missing’ SABL files found

ANOTHER 10 special agriculture business leases (SABLs) files have been found in the drawers and desks of Lands and Physical Planning officers.
Lands and Physical Planning Minister Justin Tkatchenko told Parliament that the officers would be held responsible.
Tkatchenko had earlier revealed that 40 lost files had been found.
Among the pieces of land Tkatchenko is pursuing to regain is the 650,000-hectare lease by the Purari Development Association.
“We are turning the Lands Department upside down to ensure we find all the land files, titles files of the SABLs that have been issued,” Tkatchenko said.
“I’m pleased to say that since making that announcement, we have found another 10 SABL files in the drawers under the desks of officers in the department.
“From there, appropriate action will be taken and we are still continuing the search throughout the department.
“It’s a very tedious process but anyone involved in hiding or concealing these very important documents will be dealt with in the department and we will not spare them at all.
“We’ve had enough and the department needs to be cleaned up to allow our people to have access to all the information that they require without any interference or intimidation.”
Tkatchenkosaid 650,000 hectares of land had been issued as SABL under the association.
He said the SABL committee set up by the National Executive Council found breaches.
“We will go back to the drawingboard and identify the traditional landowners,” Tkatchenko said.
He said the department would assist the people of Gulf to go through the process of identifying the true landowners.