Despite a significant subvention from the government, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) saw revenue falling far below expenditure last year.
Its 2014 Annual Report recently tabled in Parliament also showed how the crisis-hit GuySuCo is affecting many sectors – the corporation paid none of the $83m in land rent that was projected to be received from it. The cash-strapped and debt-laden GuySuCo has also had problems paying over NIS and credit union dues for workers.
The GLSC report said that actual income for 2014 was $509.5m whereas actual expenditure was $601.5m. Without the subvention of $136.6m from the government GLSC would have been in a far dire financial state.
The main income for GLSC came from land administration of $253.9M followed by surveying fees of $110.6m. Curiously, the surveying revenue was more than double what had been budgeted for 2014. GuySuCo’s budgeted land rent of $83.2m was also to be a key source of income but no money was paid over to the GLSC. The annual report did not state what steps would be taken to recover the outstanding amount. Surveying brought in $47m while land information and mapping accounted for another $8.7m.
The GLSC’s budgeted expenditure for 2014 was $482m but this was far exceeded by the actual expenditure of $601.5m. The actual employment cost was $367m compared to the budgeted figure of $316.2M. Other charges totalled $234.4m compared to the budgeted figure of $166.1m.
Detailing its constraints, the GLSC report said that land rent remains a source of concern as it has remained the same since 2001. It added that the revenue base needs to be increased. It stated that non-payment by lessees has hindered the commission’s ability to be financially sustainable and noted that GuySuCo was the largest leaseholder and was depended upon to help sustain the GLSC. It was also said that inflation and rising prices are eating up the commission’s reserves.
The annual report said that a national land policy was crucial to guide the allocation of lands and the land administration authority. “The process to conduct screening of the expression of interest and applications without a functional Land Selection Policy can be very challenging, especially in Region 4. Applications were processed on a first come, first served approach, which may not be practical”, the report said.
It added that the demand for small plots in Region 4 continues to outstrip the number of plots available. The report said that the GLSC was unable to execute additional capital works in Region 4 due to financial constraints.
It disclosed that there is also “very significant demand” for land in Region Three especially from residents in the Tuschen/Zeelugt area and also a rise in interest in small agriculture plots in Region 9. The report also said that squatting has been a major problem at Port Kaituma, the Soesdyke/Linden Highway and near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
“This has created land allocation problems at the Commission since they occupy land, which were processed for leases. It is anticipated that … the establishment of an Investigative and Enforcement Unit within the Land Administration Division would remedy this situation. Additionally, this issue requires legislation against illegal occupation to prevent impediments for leases”, the report said.
