A concerned Lambete resident has appealed to the Western Provincial Government (WPG) to strengthen land administration and long-term spatial planning to support sustainable development in the rapidly growing townships of Lambete and Munda.

Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview, a concern citizen Biku Edward said, the resurveying of land boundaries in Lambete Township must be treated as a priority to clearly identify legal boundaries and lot numbers.

“Without proper surveys and clearly defined  boundaries, land disputes, encroachment and confusion will continue to slow down development,” Mr Biku said.

“If Lambete is to grow properly, land administration must be done right,” he added.

Mr Biku also raised concerns over the management of leased land blocks, particularly Fixed Term Estates (FTEs) that have remained undeveloped for many years. 

He said idle land should be reviewed and, where necessary, re-tendered to serious investors.

“There are blocks of land that have been sitting unused for years while local people and businesses struggle to find space,” he said.

“Priority should be given to genuine local investors, but the province should also remain open to foreign investors who are ready to develop.”

He further stressed the importance of improving  provincial data and records management, saying accurate and up-to-date information is critical for effective planning and decision-making.

“Good data is the backbone of development,” Mr Biku said.

“When land, lease and revenue records are outdated or missing, it becomes very difficult for the Province to plan for roads, services and future growth,” he added.

The registration of roads between Munda and Noro was also highlighted as a major issue, with large sections still falling under customary land ownership.

 Mr Biku said resolving this matter would improve road management, traffic regulation and transport services.

“Once roads are properly registered, it becomes easier to enforce traffic laws, regulate transport associations and create a fair system for both  drivers and commuters,” he said.

He also called on the province to formally notify landowners and leaseholders with outstanding land rents and property rates, noting that unpaid arrears represent a significant loss of provincial revenue.

“If everyone pays what is due, the Province will have more resources to invest back into development and essential services,” he said.

Meanwhile, addressing concerns over land allocations in growing urban centres, Chief Lands Officer Francis Sike last year said the Lands Division, together with the WPG, is continuing work on land matters, including in Munda and Noro, through the proper legal process.

“Currently, work on land allocations is ongoing, and all subdivided land must go through the approved application process,” Mr Sike explained.

He said, the land administration system is now more structured and regulated compared to the past, when applications were largely handled at the provincial level.

“The process today involves multiple steps and approvals and is no longer as straightforward as before,” he added.

Mr Sike  acknowledged that while many people are eager to secure land, the sub-division and allocation process takes time and must be handled carefully to ensure transparency, fairness and legal compliance.

While many of these issues have been raised repeatedly over the years, Mr Biku said there is now a need for a clear policy direction and long-term vision to manage the rapid growth of Lambete and Munda.

He stressed that progress will require broad consultation and cooperation among government ministries, statutory bodies, business and transport associations, communities, churches and landowners.

Mr Biku expressed optimism that the Western Province 10-Year Strategic Plan will address these challenges in the short, medium and long term. 

He also welcomed the anticipated passage of the Revenue Sharing Bill, saying it would strengthen the Province’s capacity to plan and manage development for the benefit of all stakeholders.

By ULUTAH GINA

Solomon Star, Gizo

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