AN elderly men in east Kwara’ae says lack of proper awareness in rural areas has resulted in no development in Malaita province.
Andrew Mae revealed this following concern by leaders and investors questioning why there is lack of development in Malaita province.
In an interview last week he said, many people in the country have blamed lack of development in the province due to land issues.
“The truth is these rural people lack awareness from responsible authorities about developing their lands that is why they stop their lands.
“Malaitans like any other race in the country can allow their lands for development only if there is good explanation of things to them.
“I came from one of the tribes who own land in east Kwara’ae and have experienced lack of proper awareness talks and therefore some of us have to stop land from development,” Mr Mae said.
He said, Government should send people to visit them and explained the importance of developing their land.
“We are people with strong cultures and if there are no good explanation about using lands for development, no to developments is what you always heard from them,” he said.
Mr Mae said, that this is what he learnt from the people of his region.
“We always wanted development, but please first come and explain clearly to us the importance of that development to us rural people.”
He urged the government who wants to develop Malaita province to take note of this concern.
He added that currently two major projects are being earmarked for east Kwara’ae region and they are Faumamanu growth centre and Aluta oil palm plantation.
By LESLEY SANGA
