TWO tribes in Langalanga, Malaita Province have finally reconciled last week following a dispute over the Matalibore Island in the lagoon since 2011.
Minister of Culture and Tourism (MCT) Bartholomew Parapola and his high level delegation witnessed the moving reconciliation.
Matalibore is an island in the Langalanga lagoon which the Ministry had funded since 2011 to host cultural activities.
However two tribes namely Kwao and Feraitalona disputed the ownership of the island.
But last week both parties agreed to put their differences away and agreed to reopen the Island for cultural activities.
Mr Parapolo who officiated the reconciliation thanked the two tribal parties for organising the reconciliation ceremony.
“Matalibore is one of the government funded projects in 2011 but due to land dispute its has been on halt until today.
“But today (last Monday) I’m moved to see these tribes agree to resolve the issue and reopen this island again for tourism development,” Mr Parapolo said.
He added, the Ministry will continue to support Matalibore.
Under the cruise ship program Matalibore island is expected to be included as a stop over.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS) John Wasi in his remarks told the two tribes that the Ministry will conduct profiling of the province and Matalibore Island will also be included.
“My ministry will the Matalibore landowners to rehabilitate this cultural centre to become a tourism attraction site.”
Tourism Principal Officer, Greg Auta’a said, the culture centre was funded by the Ministry in 2011.
“Due to land dispute the island was deserted and work on the site was put on halt which resulted in some properties being removed.”
The island used to have a proper water and sanitation facilities but was damaged following the dispute.
Work will soon get underway to revive the island and its facilities.
A local consultant engaged by Ministry will soon conduct a profiling for Malaita Province. Andrew Nihopara has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.
He should start the work in Malaita province next month.
By DENVER NEWTER
