07/09/2012 (Solomon Star) - Auluta land trustees in Malaita have been assured the government would ensure the proposed oil palm project earmarked for their land gets off the ground.

Agriculture minister Connelly Sandakabatu made the assurance during a meeting with land trustees in Auki yesterday.

“The NCRA government is clear in its intention to support the Auluta oil palm project,” Mr Sandakabatu said.

“The government is also very keen to see a number of key milestones in the project achieved.

“I am pleased that one of these milestones has been met and we can now move on to the next steps.”

Land trustees will today receive certificates of registration of their land after the government helped them registered lands within the Auluta basin.

Mr Sandakabatu said he knew land trustees have been waiting a long time to see some tangible and practical implementation begin with the project.

“We in the government share in your anxiety, eagerness and our efforts will continue to depend very much on your decisions over your resources and your willingness to organise, coordinate and work with partners.” 

Mr Sandakabatu said the successful registration of land is an important indicator of landowner commitment to organise their resources for future use.

“Moreover, it is a testimony to your commitment to organise and coordinate your tribal leaders and members to move ahead together to achieve your aspirations.

“These outcomes may not be easy to achieve and we congratulate all of you for travelling this far down the path of development planning.

“With patience and wisdom we can all find a way forward that is beneficial and sustainable for all,” the minister said.

Mr Sandakabatu however warned the achievements so far does not mean the road ahead will now be smooth and easy going.

“There’ll be more challenges and opportunities ahead of us.

“But I can assure you of government’s on-going support towards this project,” he said