Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo faced a round of tough questions from Members of the Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) during its second sitting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as key issues surrounding sports development and land redistribution took center stage.
The Assembly, guided by Order Paper 30/25, focused on critical infrastructure and land management concerns, with several MPs pressing the Premier for updates on long-standing community projects.
Hon. Kadiba Alu, MPA for Ward 8 (Eleoteve South Vella), raised a question about plans for a public sports field in Gizo.
“Can the Hon. Premier inform this House and the general public of any plans for a community sports field in Gizo Town, and if so, what progress has been made and what is the expected timeline for such development?” he asked.
In response, Premier Veo said the Western Provincial Government (WPG) is collaborating with the Lands Division to address land issues in the area currently occupied by informal settlers, particularly at the site owned by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) near the District’s swamp area.
“The WPG is working to reclaim the land to develop a Civic Centre or a recreational facility,” Premier Veo said.
“The ACAREA Government has already approved, identified, and begun acquiring the land, and we are working with our legal team on the process.
“The settlers have been given six months to vacate the area, which will take effect sometimes early next year,” he added.
Supporting the Premier’s remarks, Minister for Sports Hon. Eric Hitu said, the matter is being handled with care and sensitivity.
“We are dealing with people, not just land. The process takes time, but we are making progress,” Hitu said.
“Once the land is cleared, it will be developed into a recreation or sporting facility.”
He acknowledged the ACAREA Government for their continued support and commitment to ensuring development plans align with our policy priorities.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
