PM makes unannounced visit to land department’s branch

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday made a surprise visit to the northern Amman branch of the Department of Land and Survey (DLS) where he was briefed on the progress of the work and services offered to citizens.

Ensour, accompanied by Finance Minister Umayya Toukan, was also briefed on the amount of work in the directorate, which is visited by  a rising number of people due to the decision of the Cabinet to increase the size of apartments and houses exempted from registration fees to 150 square metres, re-vitalising the real estate activity in  the area.

During his visit, the premier spoke to the local people and listened to their opinions in regard to the services they received. He stressed the importance of easing procedures of transactions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The people demanded a just commitment to the basic land price set by the DLS, noting that transactions at the department need 14 days to be completed even though they could be done faster by relying on electronic governmental services.

The officials, for their part,  responded that the transactions are completed in a reasonable time, as sale, exemption, and insurance measures are all completed in one package.

People also complained that there are no fans or air conditioners at the directorate which is usually crowded, especially in summer. Consequently, Ensour instructed the department to immediately buy fans.

During a meeting with Amer Ayasrah, the DLS north Amman branch’s director, the premier highlighted the importance of protecting the estates of the public and preventing any attempt to tamper with them.

Moreover, Ayasrah said the DLS has protective software for records of the transactions and possessions of the public, noting that the agency is  electronically connected to the Civil Status and Passports Department for overall safer transactions.

The prime minister said there are more than 70 pieces of legislation related to the work of the DLS, highlighting the importance of merging some of them and updating others to improve services and facilitate measures.