A LEADING clergyman on Isabel has challenged landowners in the Province to open up their land for development.
“Isabel Province is one of the least developed provinces in the country and I want people to open up their lands to the National Government, provincial government and investors to develop,” Anglican priest, Fr Wilson Mapuru told Solomon Star in an interview at his home at Havivua, Bugotu District, last weekend.
Fr. Mapuru said he had already opened up his land to Pacific Nickel Mine Company to develop because of the benefits for his tribe, the provincial and national governments would receive from the development.
“Opening up land for development comes with many opportunities, including the opportunity for local people to have jobs so that they can support their families. You may have seen my people. They are happy when Pacific Nickel Mine Company comes to do prospecting for nickel in our land. As a result, they now have jobs,” he said.
“I want to participate in developing the nation like other landowners in the country do. And so offering my land is my contribution in that regard,” he said.
An estimated 30-plus local people have been employed by Pacific Nickel Mine Company which this week began the second phase the company’s multi-million drilling program at its tenements on Kolosori and Havivua on the mainland.
Landowners work on a two-week rotating shifts while those from other parts of Isabel are given side jobs such as drilling to support their family especially at this time when everyone is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fr Mapuru said his tribe planned to develop essential services like school, clinic and church for the benefits of their kids and people.
“All we ask from Pacific Nickel Mine Company is to be transparent in its dealing with us so that we can all enjoy the benefits of the development. Our commitment is to see that the Company is happy just as much as we are,” Fr. Mapuru said.
Fr Mapuru said opening up his tribal land for development is his contribution to nation-building.
“I want to see other resources owners do the same so that our nation can move forward,” Fr. Mapuru said.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom, Honiara
