Careysburg Mayor Proposes Mandatory Property Registration To Resolve Land Disputes

By Robert Dixon

In a bold move aimed at addressing the persistent issue of land disputes in Careysburg, Montserrado County, the newly appointed Mayor, Edwin Urey, has proposed the implementation of a mandatory property registration system under the city's government.

This initiative, according to Mayor Urey, seeks to establish a clear record of property ownership, aimed at curbing illegal land sales and resolving ongoing conflicts that have long plagued the city.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Liberia News Agency (LINA) in Careyburg on September 7, 2024, Mayor Urey highlighted land disputes as the most pressing challenge facing Careysburg.

He outlined his plan to address the issue, emphasizing that the absence of proper documentation and unclear property boundaries have been fueling tensions among the residents.

"Land disputes have been a persistent problem in Careysburg, leading to conflicts and uncertainty among property owners," Mayor Urey stated.

He pointed to illegal land sale as a key factor exacerbating the issues, noting that without a clear and authoritative record of property ownership, disputes often spiral out of control, creating tension and instability in the community.

The mayor’s proposal involves requiring all legal property owners within Careysburg to register their properties with the local government.

According to Urey, this mandatory registration would help establish a definitive record of ownership, which could serve as a critical tool in resolving existing disputes and preventing new ones from arising.

 "By registering properties with the city, we will create an official record that clarifies who owns what, making it much harder for fraudulent sales and disputes to occur," he explained.

Mayor Urey is also seeking support from key national institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs which he is directly working under, the Liberia Land Authority, and the Ministry of Justice for the successful implementation of the recommendation.

He underscored the importance of collaboration between various levels of government to ensure the success of this initiative, as land disputes often involve multiple parties and complex legal challenges.

"The support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Liberia Land Authority, and the Ministry of Justice is crucial in ensuring that our efforts to resolve these disputes are successful," Urey remarked.

He expressed confidence that, with the backing of these institutions, Careysburg could finally achieve lasting peace and stability regarding land ownership.

As residents of Careysburg await further detail on the registration process, Mayor Urey’s initiative marks a significant step towards addressing one of the city’s most entrenched problems.

Mayor Urey stressed that the success of this proposal will largely depend on the willingness of property owners to comply and the ability of the city government to enforce it.

The mayor’s proactive stance on the land dispute issue follows his broader efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure and overall living conditions.

Edwin Urey, who succeeded Thomas Urey, has started to make some significant strides in Careysburg, which was established in 1856 and named in honor of Rev. Lott Carey, the first American Baptist Missionary.

Under Edwin Urey's leadership, the City of Careysburg is undergoing significant changes, including the construction of a modern parking lot for tricycles and motorbikes, the renovation of the Administrative Building, and the refurbishment of the public school.

In addition to these efforts, Mayor Urey has pledged to engage Careysburg citizens living abroad to help improve livelihoods and bring much-needed resources to the community.