The fencing off of a tract of land which until recently was used by members of the public as an access road into Noro township, Western Province, has raised questions.
The land in question lies just next to the main road and stretches towards Noro Community Centre and on to the Noro market.
It is reported that in the last two days the western half of the shortcut was fenced off by its new Asian owner – a move which has angered members of the public who used the road.
Many said consideration should be given to roads used by members of the public when allocating land in Noro.
A Noro Lands Officer said his Office was still trying to find out what happened.
“It is our understanding that the land in question was not subdivided and available for allocation in that manner and the current fencing seemingly does not align with the subdivision we are aware of.”
It is said that issue would need to be looked into further before a formal explanation can be provided.
A Western Provincial Government (WPG) Official called on residents to properly enquire about the allocated area as land issues are not always as simple as they seem.
The Noro tract of land is under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Lands and not the Premier of the Western province as many have suspected. Most allocations in Noro often bypass the WPG Executive Committee, the official said.
The public has been assured that with the new Commissioner of Lands land dealings would get better. Members of the public have meanwhile been directed to make their inquiry with the Planning and Development Board.
By TERENCE ZIRU
In Gizo
