LANDOWNERS of east Fataleka, Malaita, reportedly sold the majority of machinery left in their care by Hoylake Nominees Pty Ltd from Australia without the company’s permission.
These landowners were part of the rural economic development project being conducted by Evita Solomon Ltd from August2013 to August 2015.
The machines first landed in Ro’ole lands during week of Christmas, 2013.
A 13km of road had been created and seven bridges had been constructed and repaired as part of the planned Coconut and Cocoa initial 300ha development with the machinery.
“All machinery were left in the care of the Ro’ole Trust Board to be use for the benefit of the communities in the area,” a spokesman for Hoylak Troy Cassar said.
He added a cooperation agreement was signed by members of three trust boards including Ro’ole, Burara and Kwasa with the actual owner.
“The intention was to resume operations once the matter with the Ministry of Forestry was resolved and a clear new Ago-Forestry policy outlining working with tribal lands was released to give new confidence to recommence operations with new investors or sponsors,” Mr Cassar, who has tried to assist with the Voluntary Administration of Evita Solomon, said.
Mr Cassar helped to introduce the project sponsor from Perth, Hoylake Nominees.
“Machines included 3 x Hitachi Excavators, 1 x Dong Feng Dump Truck, 1 x Nissan Dump Truck, 1 x Cat 12’ Grader, a Log Truck Trailer, 1 x D6D Cat bull dozer and 1 x Cat Front End loader both needing repair were all left with the Ro’ole Trust Board.
He said over SBD$6 million was originally spent to buy the equipment that was then leased to Evita Solomon for use in the project.
“Equipment was to be used for the benefit of creating on going jobs not to be sold off for the benefit of a few for the short term.
“It was actually recommended to members of the Ro’ole Trust Board and discussed that a road and development business be commenced with support of other government departments like MID.
“No permission had been given for the sale of all the equipment as they clearly belong to Hoylake Nominees in Perth, Australia.
“No consultation on the sales had taken place either.”
The chairman of the Ro’ole Trust Board, Alan Siau has commented that machines have been sold without the full support of their Trust Board.
That a number of individual families have been behind such action.
However, Mr Cassar said this has yet to be clearly determined and legal recovery action could be sought against any logging companies or other that have purchased such assets.
The Evita project had been brought to a stop in August 2015 as a result of a Seizure Notice and Cessation Notice issued by the Ministry of Forestry, despite the project being under the support of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr Cassar said a class suit action combining land owners is still being prepared to be launched in regards to the matter against the Ministry of Forestry for breach of administrative powers.
Mr Cassar stated further:
“One year later there still has been no clear Agro-Forestry policy confirmed to encourage international project sponsors to invest in further agri-development which is what Malaita is in real need of.
“This new Agro-Forestry Policy has to be quickly finalised.
“Evita helped set a way by working with Trust Boards there to really create development and engagement with communities.
“Many other customary land owners were in support of agricultural development which was excellent to see.
“Land disputes were experienced but did not stop development.
“This development was stopped prematurely without proper consultation between the Ministry of Forestry at the time, the Ministry of Agriculture, and stakeholders.
“A real pity as I am positive development would have continued on till today.
“Current ministers I have been consulting with for new agriculture and infrastructure projects are very eager to ensure good collaboration going forward with stakeholders which is encouraging.”
The previous Chairman, Managing Director of Evita Solomon Ltd John Davies had passed away in June 2015, holding a majority of shares, leaving the company in a situation where it had to enter into voluntary administration with no further funding available to continue on project development as a result of the action taken by the Ministry of Forestry and further coupled by probate matters.
Mr Cassar said over SBD$20 million was contributed by project partners to support the development on customary lands over the initial two years of the project.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
