1 Apr 2009

Tonga's Royal Land Commission reviews land laws

9:33 am on 1 April 2009

Tonga's Royal Land Commission is undergoing a review of the land laws and practices in the country.

The commission was set up in October 2008 with the intention of making sure that land practises are in line with peoples needs.

It's first phase of review is looking at the practises being used by the Land Ministry and making sure any problem areas in the implementation of land laws are identified and improvements are made.

The commission says the purpose is to look to recommend changes that will provide a more effective and efficient application of land laws and practices.

The secretary of the Royal Land Commission, Gloria Pole'o, says while there have been some amendments made to the current land act there has not yet been a review since it was passed in 1926.

"There's a need for review to make sure that the land laws and practices are in line with people's needs and in line with the public need and public welfare. So one of the purposes of the review is to make the land system more accessible and user friendly and just more accessible for the public."

The secretary of the Royal Land Commission Gloria Pole'o.