By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Several so-called landowners of East Malaita have reportedly barred Our Telekom from carrying out repair works on its towers there.

The Our Telekom official page said the areas that will be most affected are Bethel and the surrounding areas of Ataa, Atori, Fiu, and Gwaelade in East Malaita. 

The branch manager of Our Telekom branch in Auki said Our Telekom mobile network in East Malaita was shut down “because we were not allowed to carry out repair and maintenance to this site after a long time”. 

Fred Ota said the issue is now dire and that their engineers are finding solutions to resolve the issue. 

“We have plans in place, but I will not make them public.

“Usually, when there are land disputes, Telekom remains neutral,” Mr Ota said. 

He added that they cannot say anything but are with their engineers and legal team from Honiara to resolve the issue.

The manager said the issue of land disputes in East Malaita is a long-standing problem, and they have not made any visit to the towers for a long time. 

He also said that during the times they visited the area, they were threatened. 

“We have even been threatened by the landowners at times, so we just use caretakers to check on the tower on our behalf,” he said. 

Meanwhile, when asked when they should resolve the issue, Fred Ota said we are currently working with our engineering department.

He added that they will try their very best and hope to resolve the issue so that the service can return to normal.

“We hope to restore the service as soon as possible, while a permanent solution will be forthcoming very soon after,” he said.

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