A woman who claimed to be the owner of Ludana island in the Arnavon group says they were the ones who invited MSL Import and Export company to fell trees on their land.
Victoria Poluabana Habu made the clarification in light of the controversy surrounding the proposed operation, which conservation groups said threatens the Arnavon conservation area.
“The intension is to cut down the trees first so we can get some money to help us pursue our agro-forestry project on the island,” Habu said.
She claimed the agriculture project was planned a long time ago but lack of funds was the hindrance.
Habu said money raised from the trees will be used to fund the agro-forestry project.
This should be followed according to the exemption order 3, which states “that lands to be used for agricultural purposes shall not exceed (1500 hectares) and to be certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.”
Approval and endorsement of the project proposal was granted and signed on 15th February 2015 by the Agriculture Minister, Augustine Auga.
This is a week after the Permanent Secretary, Jim Saelea and the Director Extension, Micheal Ho`ota, denied seeing any such agro-forestry project coming through their office.
“Clear felling is not an agriculture term, it’s a word used in the forestry sector,” said the Permanent Secretary.
The approval letter was sent to the Isabel Provincial Government, Chief Extension Officer (MAL) Isabel Province, Landowners of Lupou, Ghebira, Ludana and Tapakosi including the contracted company, MSL Import and Export Co. Ltd.
It states “Having perused your letter dated 27th January 2015 request.
“…I am pleased to inform you that as required under ‘clause 2’ of the exemption order, legal notice No.86 2014 for agriculture purposes, I hereby endorse and grant approval for the implementation of LGT Agro-Forestry Project within lands as specified in the scheduled 1 of the exemption order.
…I wish to advise you to contact the Chief Extension Officer Isabel Province for any technical assistance during the course of implementing the project.”
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
