Wale calls on Government to Settle Landowner’s Grievances on Tina Project

He says, landowners’ concerns are legitimate and the government needs to take a proper approach to address the issue.

“Some of these issues have been raised years ago, and now we reached the stage where the work on the project should be moving forward.”

“And of course, you don’t expect land owners to swallow their claims, there’s no such things like that! Justice requires their issues are properly taken into account.”

Mr. Wale added, “Landowners concerns are legitimate concerns and I call on the government to take a conciliatory approach to address the issue and allow the national project to go on smoothly. We all need the project.”

Meanwhile, the Tina hydro Project office says, the land issues has been addressed through the Grievance mechanism within the project’s office.

Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade earlier, calls on the Tina people not to disturb the progress of the project, but settle the matter once and for all.

The Commissioner of Lands, Allan McNeil confirmed that the Tina land was acquired through a compulsory land acquisition by his predecessor.

However, an elder from Malango Simon Pilosi claimed that the land was acquired through a gentleman’s way of land acquisition.

The government is yet to provide any comments on the issue.

by Charley Piringi