VietNamNet Bridge – Many localities are behind schedule in granting land-use certificates and titles for houses, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

In 2007 the National Assembly issued Decision 07 that targeted the issuance of all land-use certificates and titles for houses and other land-related assets by the end of 2010.

Land-use certificates for 8.75 million ha of agricultural land, or 86.1 per cent of the total, have been granted, while more than 9.04 million hectares, or 71 per cent, of forestry land has been certified. Only 56.6 per cent of special-purpose land has been certified.

Of the 63 provinces and cities, only 19 have granted at least 90 per cent of the necessary land-use certificates. Sixteen other provinces have met between 80 and 90 per cent of their target.

The Land Management General Department said one of reasons for the delay was the unclear origin of land and housing, particularly those along roads and those inherited from ancestors.

Land management agencies, particularly at the commune-level, had also managed the process poorly, according to the department.

In addition, the money allocated annually from the state budget to agencies responsible for making cadastral maps was sufficient for only 20 per cent of their needs.

Time-consuming procedures and improper conduct of managers toward customers also caused difficulties for people as they tried to complete paperwork to obtain ownership titles.

An official of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said that localities were over-whelmed with work.

In 55 provinces and cities alone, 49 million ownership titles need to be granted while 34 million old certificates must be updated, he said.

Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen of the Natural Resources and Environment said the ministry would make changes to legal regulations on the making of cadastral maps and would give specific instructions to provincial people's committees to hasten the process.

It also suggested that the Government allocate about VND1,000 billion (US$51.3 million) in funds for the 36 cities and provinces that are facing more difficulties in granting land-use certificates, house titles and other land-related assets.


VietNamNet/Viet Nam News