The second state-owned school in the country, Waimapuru National Secondary School’s 84 hectares of land in Makira Ulawa province is currently being logged by a logging company, KS.
Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Tozen Leokana will discuss with his permanent secretary on the option of writing to Commissioner of Forest to suspend the logging license of KS company.
He confirmed this when responded to Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Stephen Kumi in Parliament on Monday.
Minister Leokana said he will discuss with his PS to take the advice of the Minister of Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini.
Minister Tagini told Parliament that the particular land at Waimapuru is a registered land owns by Commissioner of Lands.
He said there are two options available, one to go to court for restraining orders but that will take a little time.
Minister Tagini said another option is to write to Commissioner of Forests to issue suspension.
He said the company can appeal to the minister within two months where determination by the minister is final and conclusive.
Minister of Education, Loekana said the Ministry was only recently made aware of allegations concerning a logging company that is said to have encroached upon land belonging to Waimapuru National Secondary School.
He said according to information received from the Makira/Ulawa Education Provider Office, a meeting was convened on 22 September 2025 between the Provincial Executive and the Waimapuru National Secondary School Management to deliberate on this matter.
“The area of alleged encroachment is believed to be within Lot 2 of LR817, the title of which is held by the Commissioner of Lands. For the information of this Honourable House, Lot 1 is under the jurisdiction of the Temotu and Makira Premiers.
“A survey was subsequently conducted, which confirmed evidence of encroachment. This encroachment reportedly occurred following the invitation of illegal settlers into the area. These settlers are believed to be descendants of the late Chief of Kaonasugu, who had transferred the land to Temotu and Makira Provinces around 1974 for a payment of ten thousand dollars,” he said.
Minister Loekana said one of the key resolutions from the meeting held by the School Management was the establishment of a Task Force to address the land issue. The Task Force was chaired by the Deputy Provincial Secretary for Makira/Ulawa Province.
“It was further agreed at that meeting that a brother of the late Chief of Kaonasugu, together with a close relative, be appointed as members of the School Board and of the specific committee established to deal with the disputed land.
“This inclusive approach is intended to facilitate constructive dialogue and ensure that the land issue is resolved amicably. The brother of the late Chief, who is the only surviving member of those who originally granted the land, continues to advocate for Waimapuru National Secondary School to reclaim ownership,” he said.
In addition, a representative from the Oneraha Trustees will also serve as a member of the Task Force.
The Provincial Legal Adviser of Makira/Ulawa Province has been directed to take necessary legal steps to address the encroachment, including the filing of an application to hold the KS Logging Company’s bond with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.
“Furthermore, I have been advised that the Deputy Provincial Secretary has been tasked to conduct a land and environmental assessment of the logged area within Lot 2.
“The actions taken thus far have focused primarily on the establishment of the Task Force and the creation of a shared understanding among stakeholders regarding the land in question. My Ministry will continue to work closely with the Makira/Ulawa Education Provider and the Principal of Waimapuru National Secondary School to monitor progress and provide further updates as the matter develops,” he added.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
