Dispute between landowning parties at Koaá, West Kwaio, led to the closure of a logging operation and the sudden departure of the logging company.
Right Trade Solomon Islands Limited (RTSIL) last week packed and shipped its machines, as well as local and foreign labourers to Honiara.
Landowning parties, Rade and Arakwao, as well as other subtribes in the area have been arguing of land rights since the logging company arrived there five months ago.
A Rade tribesman accused so-called heads of tribes for the dispute.
“Landowners should not sign the documents to for the operation when they knew disputes are going to arise,” he said.
“The landowners stubbornly give in and responsible authorities within the province should have done something at the first place”.
The Kwaio man went on to reveal another issue of argument, which stemmed from the licensee.
“Our group did not agree with the license holder since he was from West Kwaraáe”.
He said the company pulled out with their notice.
“They do not even tell our chiefs or settle outstanding pay for local workers.
“The company did not even meet our claims to pay damages done to the environment and other minor issues.”
A well-placed source from the Provincial executive admitted they were shocked to hear news of the company’s withdrawal.
The source said establishment of the logging operation is quite sketchy.
“We were informed shortly prior to arrival of machines. This prompted us to issue a licence debit for the company to process and signed.
“However, public officers responsible must have failed to oversee the process and claims of whether the disputes are legal or baseless.”
TEDDY KAFO
in Auki
