THE Government says it is acting within the statutory requirements governing the acquisition of the Water Street, Georgetown plot of land from Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) for public purposes.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon told a news conference at the Office of the President Wednesday that the Government had already declared the land was for public purposes. This was done in the first acquisition order issued on October 5, 2001 by Prime Minister Sam Hinds, he said.

Luncheon noted that Parliament by resolution last week authorised the provision of $50M for payment of compensation to TPL.

He said that with those steps having been completed, the Government is proceeding to conclude the compulsory acquisition of the land by paying the $50M into the courts.

Mr. Hinds assented to the amended Acquisition of the Lands for Public Purposes Bill which was passed last week in the National Assembly as the Government signalled its determination to acquire and develop the plot of land on Water Street for use by vendors who ply their trade in the area.

The Government and the company are at odds over the valuation of the land and TPL has taken the matter to court.

The new legislation allows the Government to lawfully acquire land for public works whether or not there is any building or erection on it.