THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) under the leadership of Premier Billy Veo is keen to develop Mile Six in West Gizo as part of its development expansion plan for Gizo Island.
He reiterated that it has been the intention of past governments and his government to shift some of the commercial activities from the main township to Mile Six Area on the western end of Gizo island.
Premier Veo highlighted this when briefing the new Provincial Chief Lands Officer Frazer Sike along with his assistant surveyor Titus Bozo last week.
The Mile Six expansion plan has been on the WPG table for many years and the current premier is serious about achieving the proposal soon.
Under the plan, Premier Veo said his government intends to push for development of the provincial government land at Mile Six.
“The plan is to build the Western Provincial Assembly Hall there, set up school, shopping centres and other commercial activities there to avoid people living in and around that area from coming over to Gizo to do business,” he said.
It is understood the relocation of Gizo Correctional Centre at Malakerava is also in the pipeline.
Mile Six is currently used as an agriculture area. Many Gizo residents use the land for gardening. Some are also building illegally on the land.
Premier Veo told the briefing that before any development could proceed, land matters need to be sorted.
“In order for development to take place, land issues must be sorted out first and that’s what you need to work on,” he told Mr Sike.
He also expressed grave concern with squatters around the Mile Six area which is increasing rapidly.
Premier Veo believes that allowing development to take place at Mile Six soon will help control the rate of squatters on government land.
“With the government moving in with development, it would help to control squatter settlements on government land,” he said.
Premier Veo said it is time to work and his government is serious about rolling out development on the island of Gizo.
By MOFFAT MAMU
