05/09/2012 (Solomon Star) - The government will hand over registered land titles to 10 tribes within the Auluta basin, east Malaita, this Friday.

A multi-million dollar oil palm project is proposed for the area.

National coordinator for the palm oil project George Boe said the tribal trust boards from Auluta have successful registered their land and they will be in Auki to collect their certificates.

Mr Boe said this would be a big step in moving the Auluta project forward.

He said during the gathering a congress will be organised for the tribal trust board members.

“At that congress, the trustees and association will elect a new committee that will represent them in the affairs of the proposed Auluta palm oil development,” Mr Boe said.

The project coordinator said this would be the second lot of tribal trust boards to receive their titles.

In 2009, six land owning tribes received their perpetual land titles.

Mr Boe said tribes that are still having disputes will not receive their land titles yet.

"Once they resolve their disputes and register their land, government will hand over their titles," he said.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and his officials are expected in Auki for the hand-over ceremony.

East Malaita MP and deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga is also expected to attend.