Government launches Unified Land Information System

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD) has recognized that modernized and efficient land tenure and administration arrangements are essential catalysts towards stimulating rural development and economic diversification.

As a result, government has embarked on a Land Tenure Administration Reform Programme (LTARP) which focuses on improvement and modernization of legislative, institutional and administrative systems governing land administration and tenure.
A key component of the LTARP was the creation of a Unified Land Information System (ULIS), which allowed for significant strides in meeting the stated LTARP goals.

To achieve this objective the Government of Dominica contracted the International Land System (ILS), Inc. of Sliver Spring Maryland, United States of America.

The consultancy aimed at providing technical assistance in the Design, Establishment and Operation of a Unified Land Information System for the Government of Dominica. It is expected that the new Land Information System will improve clarity, transparency in operation of the land market through effective land administration and registration process thus facilitating ownership, tenancy of land and increased private sector investment.

ULIS can be described as a computer system infrastructure that will automate operations and procedures pertaining to the administration of government settled estates as well as private lands, thus ensuring that a computerized system is in place to provide support for primary and secondary land transactions.

To successfully implement ULIS the information technology systems of the agencies responsible for land registration and management were significantly upgraded.  These agencies include: Land Surveys, Registry, Physical Planning, Housing and the Office of the Solicitor General.

The ULIS will provide the Government of Dominica with key benefits and results which include: improved data management, transparency of process within Government Agencies and the Private Sector, more efficient utilization of staff, automation of business processes and the implementation of technical modernization along with Legal Reform.

The official launching of the Unified Land Information System is carded for today, July 27, 2011 at 9:00am at the Public Service Training Centre.

This project which commenced in October, 2007 was funded by the European Union, the World Bank and the Government of Dominica to the tune of approximately EC$3m.