The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government will carry out a major traditional boundary demarcation exercise program in Malaita Province next year.
National Consultant for Land Reform in the Office of the Prime Minister Genesis Kofana revealed in an interview this week.
“This exercise will cost taxpayers money approximately worth $1million that is for Malaita alone.”
He said in fact government has allocated $15million for this land reform to execute their program which will cater for allowances and payments for the staff and other expenses.
Mr Kofana said, DCC’s main focus is on Malaita province because big national projects are being earmarked for the province.
“Government has underpinned in his policy to rectify the land issues before economic development will come into fruition.
“Because government is serious to address land issues throughout Malaita Province before projects are implemented.”
He explained his team will conduct workshops at various regions in Malaita particularly Northern, Southern and Central regions.
“At these regions chiefs, land owners, tribal leaders, church leaders will be invited to attend to tell their stories on land.
“We’ll request land owners from these regions to present their land boundary to us for land recording in to our system. Global Position System (GPS) mapping will also be conducted by our team.
“This land reform is one of the Government’s main organs of its fundamental reform in the socio-economic sector.
“Land recording is important because it gives clarity from both parties who claim to own the land before land acquisition is done.”
Mr Kofana said, acquisition is based on a particular space of the whole land and it’s a legal process.
“This is the approach government is taking in its land reform policy.”
He said if the program in Malaita is successful then they will continue on to other provinces such as Isabel, Renell Bellona and others.
By ELLIOT DAWEA