A new chapter in land governance and development commences on Wednesday as Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the Auki Customary Land Recording Office
This occasion marked a historic milestone for Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands.
Describing the occasion as a positive indicator of upcoming developments, Prime Minister Manele said the new office represents a major step forward in strengthening land tenure security, improving governance, and promoting peaceful, sustainable development.
“Today we do more than break ground for a building- we open a new chapter. A chapter of stronger governance, reduced conflict, and greater prospects for development,” said Prime Minister Manele.
Prime Minister Manele said, the establishment of the Auki office is in response to longstanding calls from Malaitans for clearer and fairer land management systems. Historically, gaps in consultation, documentation, and dialogue have contributed to disputes and stalled development.
The new facility aims to address these challenges by providing a transparent and accountable framework for recording customary land ownership.
Since the government’s land reform programme began in 2019, 33 parcels of customary land have been officially recorded nationwide. Malaita Province has emerged as a key participant, with three recorded lands to date and more expected soon. The province also recorded the highest interest in the programme, with 55 landholding groups applying in 2021.
The Prime Minister stressed, Malaita is a fitting location for the country’s first provincial Customary Land Recording Office, given its strong participation and historical involvement in land recording initiatives such as the Auluta Basin Project.
Currently, 29 sites in the province are under consideration for recording, with work ongoing through the Office of the National Recorder.
Once completed, the Auki facility will serve as a central hub for coordinating efforts between landholding groups, provincial authorities, and the national government.
It is expected to modernize land administration while respecting traditional systems, ensuring that ownership is clearly documented and preserved for future generations.
Prime Minister Manele also acknowledged the contributions of the Malaita Provincial Government, development partners and officials who played key roles in the project.
He underscored, land recording processes, must be conducted with honesty and fairness to protect rightful landowners and foster unity.
At the same time, building confidence between communities and government institutions remains essential.
This Customary Land Recording initiative is aligned with GNUT’s pillars of Transformation and Accountability by modernising land systems, strengthening ownership security, and promoting transparency.
The programme also contributes to national unity by reducing land disputes and building trust between communities and the government.
– OPMC
