There is growing public interest in receiving an update on the proposed public tender process for land owned by the United Church of Solomon Islands (UCSI) at Tavapuhaka, also known as the Lokuloku area, in Munda, Western Province.
Lambeth resident and legal practitioner Edward Biku has called on the UCSI to provide clarity and transparency regarding the subleasing of the land, describing the issue as one of “significant public and community importance.”
“The Tavapuhaka land is strategically located and holds enormous development potential.
“Because of this, the process of subleasing must be handled with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Mr Biku told Solomon Star in an interview last week.
The UCSI holds a substantial land area at Tavapuhaka, which has already been formally subdivided with the support of the Commissioner of Lands.
An approved urban plan is also in place, allocating portions of the land for commercial, residential, and related development.
Mr Biku acknowledged that the initiative is “a positive and forward-looking step” for the Church.
“The approved subdivision and urban planning framework provide an opportunity for the Church to responsibly sublease its land and generate sustainable rental income to support its mission, growth, and long-term financial stability,” he said.
However, he stressed that the subleasing process must be conducted through an open and competitive public tender, allowing genuine and capable investors to apply.
“An open tender process will help avoid perceptions of preferential treatment, closed-door allocations, or conflicts of interest.
“These are issues that can easily lead to disputes and undermine public confidence if not properly addressed,” Mr Biku said.
He also reminded the Church of the historical and moral responsibility attached to the land.
“This land was originally entrusted to the Church by customary landowners for the purpose of supporting the Church’s growth and service to the community.
“It must therefore be managed with fairness, integrity, and due diligence, so that its use delivers long-term benefits to both the Church and the wider community,” he said.
Mr Biku is calling on the responsible Church authorities, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, to clearly and publicly communicate key information relating to the subleasing process.
“In particular, there needs to be public clarity on the process and criteria for applying for subleases, the timeline for the tender process, the conditions of lease and development obligations, and the governance and oversight mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and compliance,” he said.
He further recommended that strong development controls and planning provisions be enforced to ensure orderly and sustainable development of the Tavapuhaka area.
“We have seen the consequences of poor planning in other fast-growing commercial and residential areas. Tavapuhaka should not repeat those mistakes. Proper planning and enforcement are essential,” Mr Biku said.
He emphasised that the call for transparency is made in a constructive spirit.
“This is not about criticism, but partnership and responsible stewardship.
“The shared objective is to see Tavapuhaka develop into a well-managed, organised, and conflict-free commercial and residential area that reflects positively on the United Church of Solomon Islands and contributes meaningfully to the development of Munda and Western Province,” Mr Biku further added.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
