Posted by Hiuare
on 18/8/2008, 11:03 am
202.151.24.241
Fred Fono made a strong call to all Malaita landowners to open up their customary lands for development. Whether they know the implications of this government call is a serious concern for southern region.
Without prejudice to Fred Fono's call on behalf of the government of the day customary land policy, that is a fair call in its general context. However, when that call is given due regard to certain language groupings within Malaita customary land tenure system that is a far out cry.
I will not make any opinion on behalf of southern region but the fact is that there is no security to its customary land tenure system, and thus, no security to any development ensued thereof. That is the challenge southern region landowners are facing and have been waiting for past and present government to approach them, and work through it.
Perhaps, it’s high time for a Commission of Customary Land Inquiry be conducted throughout Malaita Province. Its term of reference will include identification of customary landownership, boundaries and registration of the same. Upon its findings the Parliament would then enacted specific legislation to each language grouping customary land tenure system within Malaita Province so that Malaita Customary land tenure system is secured under this protective legislation.
The next phase is for another Commission for Customary Land Inquiry for Development. Its term will include creation of customary land trust board, and leasing of customary land for development. Whether a specific legislation is enacted to each language grouping customary land development within Malaita Province, that is for customary landowners, provincial and national governments to decide as a result of the findings of the said Commission.
Without preempting this issue, I urge all Malaitans to debate the substance and implications of Fred Fono's calls on behalf of the government, and challenge both Provincial and National Governments for possible actions
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