By Ngor Deng Matem
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has officially handed over a Computerized Land Data Management System to the government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBGs) marking a major step toward modernizing land administration and improving transparency in the state.
The new system is designed to secure land records, reduce disputes, and provide the public with easier access to reliable information through an updated Land Registry website. As part of the initiative, NRC also upgraded the state’s land office, installing secure digital and physical filing systems to strengthen accountability and enhance service delivery.
State Minister of Land and Public Utilities, Dominic Kang Deng, welcomed the development, pledging the government’s commitment to its effective use. “We appreciate NRC for this important contribution, and we are committed to managing the digital system well for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
Deng noted that the system will support enforcement of land regulations, particularly provisions of the Land Act that prohibit individuals from holding land for extended periods without development. “A committee will be formed in every block to record undeveloped plots and enter them into the system. According to the Land Act, no one is allowed to hold land for 10 or 15 years without development, and this system will help us implement that effectively,” he explained.
Officials say the digital platform will play a critical role in resolving land disputes by providing accurate, up-to-date records. It is expected to strengthen citizen confidence in land administration, ensure fair allocation of land, and contribute to long-term social and economic development across Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
NRC has pledged ongoing support and monitoring to ensure the system’s sustainability and to help the state government maximize its benefits for the community.