The Commissioner of Lands denies any knowledge of the transfer of alienated plots of land in the Western Province from his custody on behalf of the Crown as announced by Western Province Premier Billy Veo
THE Commissioner of Lands (COL) Alan McNeil has denied being aware of plans to transfer 134 alienated plots of land in Western Province to the Western Provincial Government (WPG) next month.
On top of that, he said there is no guarantee that the Land Board will approve the transfer of these 134 alienated plots of land to WPG.
Mr McNeil revealed this last weekend in response to an announcement by the Western Province Premier Billy Veo during last week’s Full Assembly meeting in Gizo.
Premier Veo told the Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) during the full assembly meeting that the historic land transfer documents for the 134 plots of alienated land will be signed during the Western Province Day celebration on December 7 in Noro.
He said he and the COL are expected to sign the land transfer documents on that day.
“The signing ceremony for the transfer of these lands is set to take place on December 7th, coinciding with the Western Province Day celebrations,” Premier Veo added.
But when contacted by Solomon Star, Mr McNeil said he was not aware of any such programme and he has not been invited.
“I am not aware of the programme and have not been invited.”
Mr McNeil added that the Land Board which normally deals with and considers such transfers is yet to meet and consider the province’s submission for the land transfer.
“The Land Board is yet to meet to consider the submission by Western Provincial Government.”
Mr McNeil further added that even if the board meets, no definite decision will be made within the remaining four weeks before the Western Province Day on December 7.
“There is no guarantee that the Land Board will approve the transfer or make any definite decision prior to 7th December 2023.”
It is understood the province is also working on getting back some of the land in the custody of COL on behalf of the state (national government) under the authority of WPG.
By MOFFAT MAMU
