Construction of the long-awaited Nusatupe Airport Terminal upgrade in Gizo, Western Province, has yet to begin, pending resolution of ongoing land tenure issues.
The Western Provincial Government is pushing for the Fixed Term Estate (FTE) title to be transferred back to the province so it can be converted into Perpetual Estate (PE) ownership, a step seen as essential to avoid future land disputes.
Western Provincial Secretary (PS) Patrick Toiraena confirmed in an interview with the Solomon Star that the Western Provincial Executive, along with Premier Billy Veo, has already endorsed the permit for construction of the new terminal facility at Nusatupe.
However, PS Toiraena noted that progress is being delayed by complications related to the land’s current FTE status.
“These issues are linked to previous allocations made under earlier administrations, which involved multiple parties holding interests in the land,” he explained.
The government is now prioritizing the conversion of the FTE to a Perpetual Estate, aligning with national policy direction under the newly established State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), the Solomon Islands Airports Corporation (SIAC) Limited.
“This is to enable SIAC to assume full ownership and management of airports in the provinces and across the country. The goal is to minimize service disruptions and avoid future landowner disputes,” Toiraena said.
He cited Munda and Seghe airports as examples where SIAC is set to take over full operational control once development is completed — a model expected to be implemented in other provinces as well.
Toiraena also confirmed that he is in active communication with the Lands Division, which is currently handling the legal processes needed for the land title transfer.
“SIAC has committed to fully fund and facilitate the entire terminal upgrade at Nusatupe, but insists the PE transfer must be completed before any construction begins,” he added.
Despite this, Premier Veo and his Executive have indicated that preparatory works could begin ahead of the formal land transfer due to the urgency of the project. However, SIAC is firm on following due process to avoid potential legal challenges once the new terminal becomes operational.
As of now, the design plans for the terminal have not yet been submitted to the Western Provincial Planning Board for approval.
The Nusatupe upgrade is viewed as a critical infrastructure development for the Western Province, with the potential to significantly boost tourism and improve air transport services in the region.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
