Government is planning a land title registration bill this year as it seeks to simplify the process of buying, selling and mortgaging land.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess told the House on Friday: "All will be aware that land is a the ultimate source of wealth and economic success, given that it is such a scarce and valuable resource in Bermuda."

So it is important that it is managed and traded in an efficient manner so that it can be of benefit to current and future generations, said the Minister.

The Department of Land, Buildings and Surveys will introduce a system of land title registration.

"It will provide a definitive record of ownership and other rights and interests in land such as mortgages and rights of way," said Mr. Burgess. "Critical to the success of this initiative will be the preparation and enactment of a land title registration bill."

He said it would come later this year to give teeth to the Land Title Registration Office.

A new IT system will record the information as well as provide comprehensive details of all land Government holds.

Three Bermudian staff have been hired and are undergoing further training.

Work continues on the online mapping access giving access on address, location and other data layers said Mr. Burgess.

He added that surveyors would be working major mapping projects this year including a new area survey which will produce new larger scale aerial photos of the whole island.

"In time the new aerial map will be publicly available to the whole community to be used as the basis of decision-making, planning and project work across the island and to enhance the walls of our homes and offices."

Mr. Burgess said his ministry was having a hard time attracting technical staff because of world wide shortages.

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