Hon. Rick Hou, Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita Constituency, has appealed to all landowners and community leaders in his region to allow development projects to proceed on their land.
Thats because ongoing land disputes continue to hinder and delay essential services and infrastructure delivery in the constituency.
Hou made the appeal during Parliament’s Motion of Sine Die before the festive season, where he expressed concern that his constituency office is eager and funded to deliver development projects, but is often hindered by unresolved land issues.
He highlighted road infrastructure as a key priority in Small Malaita and used two road projects to illustrate the impact of land disputes on development timelines.
He said a 20-kilometre road from Oumatawa to Rone was completed within just three months because it was dispute free.
In contrast, a shorter 16-kilometre road from Matangasi to Rorongo took four years to complete due to land disputes.
“Road infrastructure programs remain a priority in our development plans,” Mr. Hou said.
“As we all know, road construction is expensive, but land disputes and interruptions make it even more difficult and costly.”
Hou alleged that many of these disputes were influenced by individuals with political ambitions.
“The concern is that these land disputes are often induced by ‘wannabe MPs’—people who want to win elections,” he said.
Hou urged landowners, resource owners, and community leaders—particularly in Small Malaita—to avoid being influenced by such individuals.
He stressed that cooperation is critical for development to reach communities.
“My constituency office is very eager to deliver services,” he said. “The government has provided funds, but if we work with people who have personal interests, especially those seeking political advantage, nothing meaningful will be achieved.”
Despite these challenges, Hou noted that since 2017 his office has successfully delivered 45 kilometers of gravel roads across the constituency.
He added that 50 per cent of this achievement was completed in the last quarter of 2025.
“The policy goal of this road network is to connect the east and west of Small Malaita, which is critical for the constituency,” he said.
Hou explained that while the eastern side of the constituency contains about a third of the population, it plays an important economic role, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture production.
Improved road connectivity would enable easier access to services located on the western side.
However, he emphasized that continued progress depends on the full cooperation of landowners and community leaders.
“I am very grateful to the landowners and community leaders between Paeni and Rone for their excellent cooperation,” Hou said.
“I hope other land owners and community leaders in Small Malaita will learn from their example.”
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
