ADDIS ABABA – Gambella state cabinet is set to pass a decision on uncultivated investment land, said state president Omud Ujulu Ibebu.
Omud told The Ethiopian Herald there are 245 investors who have not yet commenced any activities after receiving land. “They have not able to present their reasons though the state has given them the chance to do so,” he added. “Out of 301 investors that received land, only 56 have been able to respond. Hence, the cabinet will pass a decision on the investment land taken by the 245 investors.”
Over the years, there were many investors who received land illegally for investment. However, many of the investors, who even accessed a loan, left to other places and start new businesses without developing a piece of the land, he added.
Each investor has taken 300 to 10,000 hectares of land and accessed a loan through the National Bank of Ethiopia in the name of investment. But only a few have managed to make tangible development activities on the ground, The Herald learnt. The Gambella state has 3.1 million hectares of land suitable for agricultural activities.
The Ethiopian Herald, November 21/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
