NDC Convenes Stakeholder's Conference On Revised Land Use Plan

The National Development Corporation on Thursday, July 16^th convened a stakeholders' conference to garner feedback on a revised land use plan for NDC administered lands in the south of the island. The half-day session, convened at Juliet's Lodge in Vieux Fort, brought together representatives from key organizations for dialogue on the workings of the plan in the lead up to its implementation.

The five-year revised plan replaces the previous one which dates back to 1997.  NDC's Assistant Properties Manager Mr. John Labadie noted that the revised plan had a wider scope and addresses land use developmental issues in greater detail; spelling out specific courses of action dealing with land sales/leases, the provision of basic amenities, interfacing with key agencies like the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), and the vexing issue of land rationalization and squatting irregularities. 

NDC's Acting General Manager Mr. Timothy Greene indicated that the stakeholders' conference "came against the backdrop of the Corporation attempting to be more realistic in its strategic planning making for better matching of investors with developmental prospects."

According to Greene, "Over the past few months we have been in dialogue with a number of individuals and agencies i.e. District Representatives, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to develop a practical and functional map sheet. The intention is that other agencies with sizable land holdings in the south will develop similar land use plans, that would ultimately feed into a National Plan stamped and approved by government."

The NDC's revised land use plan has been endorsed by the Ministry of Physical Development, Environment and Housing and the Development Control Authority among others.  The Corporation is the custodian of close to 4000 acres of land in Vieux Fort. Similar land use plans are being developed for Dennery and other areas where the Corporation has sizable land holdings.