VOLEKANA TRIBE DISCUSSED DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS WITH PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (center) with members of the Volekana Tribe. Photo credit: GCU.
A twelve member group representing the Volekana Tribe in Choiseul Province has met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday to discuss the group’s development aspirations on their tribal lands.
A government statement said the group also presented their development plan and discussed issues surrounding their tribal lands, especially, the development of Wagina Island and other surrounding areas.
Issues discussed range from land and resources, tribal ownership, settlements and the potential of the island to host an economic zone.
Receiving the group’s development proposal, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked them for their initiative to offer their land for development.
He assured them that Government will look into the development plan and assist wherever possible to ensure the island is developed to benefit people in the area.
Meanwhile, Mr Sogavare said he is glad the group has taken the initiative to present their views to the National Government and encouraged them to establish an understanding amongst themselves and others around them on land development.
The Prime Minister was also pleased with the group’s approach in organising themselves into a Trust Board to spearhead the development aspirations of the tribe.
The group has also assured the Prime Minister of their next approach to peacefully settle any outstanding issues surrounding Wagina Island ahead of any potential developments on the Island.