Ministry of Lands and Malaita Provincial Government Re-affirms commitment to Drive Land Recording Programme through a Customary Land Recording Framework

The National Government through Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and  the Malaita Provincial Government has re-affirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation and coordination efforts to advance customary land recording throughout Malaita Province in a step officials say that will elevate customary land security and unlock development opportunities for landowners.

The decision was re-affirmed during a recent meeting held between officials from Ministry of Lands and Malaita Provincial Government on Friday 26^th June 2026  in which both sides underscored that in order for land recording to be effective, it requires strengthened collaboration between government agencies and local communities.

The Minister responsible for Lands, Honourable Salopuka commented that land recording remains one of the governments key priorities as the counties continues to address long outstanding issues surrounding land ownership and access to development opportunities on customary land.

In his opening remarks the Minister for Lands stated that “ as a country where more than 80 per cent of land remains under customary ownership, it is important that our systems evolve to support landowners while preserving our traditions and identity”

The Honourable Premier for Malaita Province, Elijah Asilaua embraced the initiative noting  that one of the key areas of Malaita Province is land for development needs. This includes customary land recording of areas identified for the Greater Auki and key sites earmarked for development.

Under the strengthened partnership, the Malaita provincial government will work closely with Ministry of Lands through the Tribal Land Recording Unit to identify potential customary land recording areas, support landholding groups through documentation processes and facilitate dialogue among tribes and communities.

Both Governments have pledged to  maintain a united approach to ensure that land recording programmes are implemented effectively, transparently and in a way that  benefits present and future generations of Solomon Islanders.  The partnership marks yet another milestone in the country’s broader land reform agenda to promote security of land tenure, reduce or minimise land disputes and create new innovative pathways for sustainable and resilient development across the nation.