The DCGA Government has started the process of mapping the boundaries of the customary land of a tribe in Northwest Guadalcanal under its Land Recording Program. According to the Minister of Lands, Willie Marau, this process will lead to customary land being converted into a commodity which the tribe can then use to participate in the economic development of themselves and the country. The Minister reiterated that land is critical to economic, social, and cultural development and plays a key role in Government’s effort to eradicate poverty and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Minister assured tribal leaders and the community that the Land Recording Program was not there to alienate their lands but to assist and facilitate security of their land rights. (Source: Sunday Isles)
Customary land disputes – varying from disputes over rival business interests, land boundaries, and access to benefits – have tended to stall attempts by previous Governments and businesses to bring economic development to the rural areas. The existing system to resolve customary land disputes, from a business perspective, is time-consuming, costly, and unpredictable. With national infrastructure projects ready to be funded by foreign states and multinational development banks, the Government may be now laying the groundwork to ensure that customary land earmarked for the projects will be ready for registration, and if necessary, acquisition, thereby fast-tracking economic development.
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