Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL) is proposing to expand the existing plantation with an addition of 35,000-40,000 hectares.
This means the oil palm plantations is expecting to expand as far as Aola in East Central Guadalcanal.
This was highlighted by Arial Manager of GPPOL Craig Gibsone during a visit by new the Minister of Agriculture and Live Stock Duddley Kopu to GPPOL yesterday.
The visit was to reciprocate an invitation by the General Manager to the new Minister and give an opportunity for the Minister to get first hand information on the ongoing operation and development plans of the company.
Mr Gibsone said, the company in its new development is proposing to add 35,000 to 40,000 hectares to the existing one which is 7,000 hectares.
“At this stage we are putting a plan before the board and the progress will be updated when the board meet, “he said.
Mr Gibson said, so far they are looking for available land for the expansion and consultations is in progress with landowners at Kauka, Rere and Aola.
He said, the plan is a long term plan that will take 10-12 years.
“If we manage to secure additional land of 35,000 -40,000 hectares we will build a sea port and two milling and other business opportunities.”
Minister Kopu said, the development plan is very important for the country to boost the economy of the country.
He said, there is high potential of oil palm production in the country and so the propose plan of GPPOL to expand is something the government, landowners, stakeholders and the company can pursue further.
He said, he will try his best to pursue with the government to fast track infrastructure development especial road to allow the plan to go ahead.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
