Government and landowners to revive Anuha resort
BY NED GAGAHE
Anuha Island Resort, once dubbed as the “Pearl of the Solomons,” may soon come alive again after being closed for nearly four decades.
Landowners of Anuha Island signed a development agreement on July 8, 2025 to clear the way for major redevelopment.
Christian Siale, deputy secretary of the productive sector in the Prime Minister’s Office, handed over the agreement to Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari on July 10, 2025 in Tulagi.
The signing comes after nearly a week of discussions in Tulagi, backed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Anuha Resort has been left idle since 1988, when a land dispute led to its destruction where it was burnt down. Tourism in the area collapsed soon after.
Now, Anuha landowners, the national government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are united in reviving the resort.
Siale described the agreement as a “milestone achievement” for Central Province and the country.
Premier Sagupari praised the government’s support and thanked Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for his leadership and commitment in supporting vital projects like Anuha.
“This investment is not just for Central Province, it’s for all Solomon Islands,” he said.
After years of disagreement, the landowning groups have now united to allow the redevelopment of Anuha Island to move forward.
Sagupari said the provincial government will now begin further talks with the national government to kickstart work, starting with the island’s airfield rehabilitation.
“These are the types of developments worth pursuing.
“Under my leadership, we will work closely with the national government to improve the infrastructure that our province needs,” the Premier said.
First on the list is the island’s airfield, left neglected since the resort’s closure.
Premier Sagupari also revealed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has already budgeted $600,000 for airfield upgrades in 2025.
“These are the developments we need. We will push hard to improve our infrastructure.” Sagupari said.
He urged other resource owners to join efforts to bring change and progress to Central Province.
Since 1988, the island has seen repeated but failed attempts at redevelopment.
Projects stalled due to unresolved leases, investor issues, and ongoing disputes.
Despite setbacks, renewed cooperation between the government and landowners now brings fresh hope.
If successful, Anuha Resort could once again become a key tourism destination for the Solomon Islands.
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