By Gladys Fred Kole
Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster terms the current land policy as an obstacle hindering investors, affecting the development of Juba City.
However, Taban Deng Gai assured that land acquisition won’t be an obstacle in the development of Ramciel, the planned new capital city.
Gai stressed the importance of a clear and secure land policy for attracting investment.
He criticized the current 30-year lease limit in Juba, stating it discourages investment for large-scale projects worth millions of dollars.
“Land is crucial for investment, and the existing policy in Juba creates challenges for investors,” Gai said. “Leasing land for 30 years isn’t feasible when considering investments in the millions.”
He further mentioned that the complex land ownership situation in Juba acts as a barrier for young entrepreneurs seeking bank loans, as they often lack the required land titles as collateral.
The Infrastructure Cluster vice president believes resolving land issues is key to unleashing Juba’s growth potential.
In contrast, Gai presented Ramciel as a solution, emphasizing that the planned city will offer a streamlined and secure land acquisition process.
“The master plan for Ramciel, a billion-dollar project, is ready for implementation,” Gai said. “We’re seeking partners to collaborate with the government on this project.”
He highlighted the key difference in land tenure between Juba and Ramciel.
“In Ramciel, when building a hotel, you get a land title for 99 years, not 30,” Gai explained. “It’s impossible to recoup a 100 million dollar investment within 30 years, hindering investor interest.”
He emphasized that Ramciel is designed to address the land issues plaguing Juba.
“Ramciel is a planned city with organized land ownership. Unlike the situation in Juba, land won’t be a problem,” he stated.
The development of Ramciel’s master plan involved collaboration with the King of Morocco and a South Korean company.
“Ramciel is envisioned as a smart city, free from the land issues hindering Juba’s development,” VP Gai concluded.
It is important to note that the national land policy, passed by the cabinet in October 2023, states that land ownership belongs to the people of South Sudan, not individual communities. This policy faced opposition from the Central Equatoria state transitional assembly.