Kolombangara landowners in Western Province have achieved a historic milestone after securing a 20 percent shareholding in one of the country’s major forestry companies, Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL).
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Hon. Jimson Fiau Tanangada, Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara and Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MNPCS) during the official handover of the Joint Venture Certificate held on Ringi on Kolombangara Island.
Minister Tanangada described the achievement as a proud moment for the people of Kolombangara, marking their recognition as equal partners in KFPL operations rather than mere participants.
“It is with great pride, humility and deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you on this momentous occasion—the formal handover of the new Joint Venture Arrangement Certificate of KFPL,” Minister Tanangada told the crowd of chiefs, elders, women and youth.
The Minister reflected on the long struggle for land equity, noting that the landowners’ quest for rightful participation dates back more than a century, to as early as 1923 when the first claim registration was made during the colonial era.
He also acknowledged his own tribe’s role, the Leanabako, who host nearly 70 percent of KFPL’s investment area.
“Today I stand with humility and pride and say to my fellow Leanabako tribesmen and women, thank you for entrusting me with your confidence,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the land has always been held in stewardship, not only for the current generation but for those yet to come.
The achievement stems from the establishment of the Kolombangara Landowners Trusts Foundation (KLTF) in 1992, which has since represented the people’s vision of “Nina Mule Mair”—a return to their motherland through rightful ownership and participation.
“This 20 percent shareholding through our KLTF business arm, KIL, ensures that the people of Kolombangara become true partners in any development or investment on our land,” Tanangada said.
The Minister also extended gratitude to key partners who supported the process, including Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), and fellow ministers Trevor Manemahaga (Planning and Finance) and Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai (Health and Medical Services).
In his concluding remarks, Minister Tanangada announced a new community-focused initiative, revealing plans to upgrade Ringi Clinic into a Health Centre or Mini Hospital through a public-private partnership (PPP) between KFPL, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency.
He said the partnership would further strengthen development ties between the company and the people, ensuring tangible benefits flow back to communities on Kolombangara Island.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
