01/06/2011 (Solomon Star) - The two national oil palm development projects in Auluta and Waisisi, Malaita province will start off as soon as formalities are ready this year.

That's according to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) John Harunari.

He said the MAL is embarking on additional survey to be carried out at Auluta to secure an extra 2000 hectares before they put out expression of interest for any investor.

The Auluta project has been going on for sometimes now.

“For the Waisisi project we will be engaging a surveyor to produce another 800 plus hectares,” he said.

“There is a plan interms of consultation with any investor for Waisisi and we are making contacts through the Foreign Affairs.”

Mr Harunari said hopefully the oil palm projects will proceed this year.