MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
An Australian aid project has been awarded the World Bank Group's annual
Award for Excellence, Mr Andrew Thomson, the Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Foreign Affairs announced today.
The award is for the Thailand Land Titling Project, which since 1984 has
secured real property rights for 5.5 million small landholders in Thailand. Ten
million people (16 per cent of Thailand's population) have been helped by having
their land surveyed and registered on title deeds.
Australia has provided land titling systems, training and technical services,
in parallel with World Bank loan funds. Australia's contributions are delivered
by BHP Engineering.
'This is a technically complex project, but one which has brought direct and
real benefits to Thai people. Many Thai farmers have no legal title to the land
they are working. Without legal recognition, farmers could never be sure they
wouldn't be evicted or charged rent when a 'landlord' appeared,' Mr Thomson
said.
Under the project, land titles are centrally registered to prevent disputes.
Surveyors produce maps and record boundaries. Land is independently valued so
owners can borrow money against it. An adjudication process has been set up to
deal with disputes. Training and technology transfer has enhanced the capacity
of the Thai Department of Lands to ensure continuation of the land registration
system once the project ends in the year 2000.
In announcing the Award, World Bank President James Wolfensohn said the
project was chosen 'first and foremost for its tangible development impact', but
was also significant for 'fostering local institutional capacity building,
engaging stakeholders in the development process and seeing projects through the
long-term.'
'Australia is now winding down its aid program with Thailand, due to its
economic growth over the past decade,' Mr Thomson said. 'We can be proud that
projects like the land titling project have contributed to Thailand's graduation
from the aid program.'
Presentation ceremonies will be held this week to coincide with the visit of
the Thai Minister of the Interior Mr Sanoh Thienthong.
Media contact: David Alexander (Mr Thomson's Office) 02 9327
7700\041 214 6181 Andrea McLaughlin (AusAID) 06 206 4966