THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) says it will work with the National Land Board (NLB) to ensure the successful transfer of Perpetual Estate (PE) titles of all alienated land in Western Province to the Premier from the Commissioner of Lands.
This came after the National Government through Cabinet has rejected a submission by Western Province (WP) Executive for the alienated land transfer to the Premier.
In his opening speech on Monday during Full Assembly Meeting, Premier Billy Veo said work on the transfer of the PE titles of alienated land to the Premier of Western Province has been halted for the time being.
“This is because of the delay in the signing of the Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement – Government for National Unity and Transformation (ACAREA-GNUT) Communique.
“We strongly suspect there are some strong political influences from certain quarters, which threatens to derail our implementation.
“Much to our surprise, we learned that Cabinet has rejected a submission for the transfer,” he said.
Premier Veo said the Provincial Executive only realized later that the submission was made by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey and the Commissioner of Lands.
He told the Assembly Meeting that WP Executive had actually paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey and the Commissioner of Lands and also the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry Lands, Housing and Survey in July.
“During that meeting, the WP Executive also reiterated the call for the transfer to be facilitated.
“We learned that it was after that meeting that a Cabinet submission on the matter was made. But it was drafted in a manner that pre-empted its rejection.
“Although the submission was rejected by Cabinet, the National Land Board holds the view that Cabinet can only provide guidance, which the National Land Board can choose to uphold or differ from,” he said.
Premier Veo said despite the setback, they will continue to pursue this deal.
“The power for land allocation therefore rests with the National Land Board and as such, we will continue to pursue possible options to realise that ambition.
“The 500 plus clear parcels which are free with no existing charges have already been identified and we aim to continue to push for their eventual transfers as a starting point,” he said.
He told the meeting that Provincial Government also in the process of finalizing the Western Provincial Land Policy for Economic Foundation.
“This is an important framework, which aims to prioritize pertinent land management and administrative processes to cater for development of land in Western Province,” he said.
The current Provincial Assembly sitting is held on Imagination Island.
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
