The Parliamentary Secretary for Planning today launched a consultation process which will lead to a reform in the way public lands are administered.

Addresing the media, Dr Deborah Schembri said the office has the right political direction, including the will to change the department into an authority.

She said the current system did not deliver as much as it should have.

“The public has experienced the inefficiency of the current system and therefore we need to start this change. First start is the public’s feedback.”

She explained the PS office is planning a radical change in the process.

Edmond Tabone and Vincent Galea are helping out in the reform process as OPM representatives.

Architect Robert Musumeci, a consultant in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the first step is to change the department into an authority to create an autonomous entity. The plan is to divide the executive and the operator.

The new authority will also have the participation of the Opposition, internal and external audits and a system which allowsfor a judicial review. ‘The aim of the board is to recommend,’ Mr Musumeci said.

Existing systems will be simplified and policies will be revised to make them clearer and more transparent.

A final decision will have to be handed in in a stipulated time frame.

He mentioned the need for a definition on the parameters on what a public purpose is.

“We have to consider who will choose whether a particular land expropriation is of public purpose or not? And we also need to make clear guidelines on land valuation. One thing is sure, the government does not want arbitrary decisions.”

The reform will also focus on integration between the various arms which are all linked to the lands department. These include the need to include Gozo and the lands registry.

The consultation will start this Monday ends 6 March.

The public can participate by calling on 80072260 or via email on [email protected].