The Solomon Islands Government will today hand over Registered Land Titles to 10 tribes within the Auluta Basin area in East Malaita.

Land owning tribes within Auluta Basin underwent a major government-funded land recording and registration process in the last three years to make the region dispute free ahead of a major oil palm project proposed for the area.

National coordinator for the palm oil project George Boe said the Tribal Trust Boards from Auluta Basin have successfully registered their land and they will be in Auki to collect their certificates.

Mr Boe said this would be a big step in moving the Auluta project forward.

He said during the gathering a congress will be organized for the tribal trust board members during which Trustees and Associations will elect a new committee that will represent them in the affairs of the proposed Auluta palm oil development.

In 2009, six land owning tribes received their perpetual land titles.

Mr Boe added that tribes that are still having disputes will not receive their land titles.

"Once they resolve their disputes and register their land, government will hand over their titles," he said.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and his officials are expected in Auki for the hand-over ceremony.

East Malaita MP and Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga is also expected to attend the ceremony.


Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit