The Minister of Agriculture, Water, Forestry and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has said any amendments to the Land Bill intended to improve provisions in the communal area are welcome.

Zaamwani was responding to Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader McHenry Venaani, who raised concern over residents in rural areas not having property rights to their land since a motion regarding the matter was raised in Parliament years ago.

"Parliament has adopted a motion to agree that we must start formalising property rights in rural areas. Sixteen years later, we are seeing departures and the entry of a new agriculture and land minister."

The minister stated that she was unaware of the motion; however, provisions can be made to improve areas related to land in rural areas.

"I don't think at this stage I'm aware of the motion that the honourable member has referred to, but since we have the opportunity to improve the provisions of the Land Bill that was tabled here, I propose that members will feel that there are some provisions that require improvement."