A US SCALE wharf project earmarked for the southern region of Malaita Province has suffered a setback due to a land dispute.
Land dispute continues to be the major barrier to development in Malaita and the latest dispute over the proposed site to accommodate a wharf at Matangasi now denies the locals of an important infrastructure development.
The Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani, confirmed this setback, saying the proposed wharf project for Matangasi is now on halt because of land dispute.
He said people from Small Malaita want the project to relocate to Afio. However, he said the national government already has plans for Afio.
The Premier said with land disputes continuing to hinder development in Malaita, it is time that tribes in province should work together for the common good of the people by allowing their land for genuine development such as the wharf project.
He said disputing parties should have a common understanding to allow development to go ahead while they settle their differences, adding that at the end of the day, it is development that the people want.
He said the Winrock office in Auki has informed his office of the matter last week.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
