BY SAMIE WAIKORI
A team from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey conducted consultations on the proposed Huro and Namuga townships in Makira Ulawa Province.
The consultation, held in Kirakira, brought together community representatives and the project team to review the draft Local Planning Schemes for Namuga, Kirakira and Huro.
According to a statement posted on the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government’s official Facebook page, the consultation forms part of the groundwork for the establishment of the proposed townships.
The statement explained that the Local Planning Schemes outlined guidelines on how land within the township areas will be developed in the future, in line with a shared vision for growth.
“Planning for these future townships is in progress,” the statement said.
In a separate statement, Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the proposed developments in Namuga, Kirakira and Huro.
He referred to a program developed in 2011 by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) under its Annual Work Plan, which benefited three provinces, including Makira Ulawa.
Premier Siapu said the initiative, known as the Provincial Expansion Development Program, enabled the province to purchase Huro land under an outright purchase arrangement.
However, he said the program was later phased out, preventing the three provinces from progressing development on the acquired lands.
Despite this setback, premier Siapu emphasized the need for MPGIS to reinstate the program. He stressed that expanding provincial town boundaries and providing much-needed accommodation for provincial officers remain critical priorities.
He said provincial expansion has continued to be pursued as a key development priority of his government.
In the current 2025–2026 fiscal year, the provincial government has prioritized preparatory work for the development of Huro land.
Premier Siapu said his government aims to transform Huro into a vibrant economic and social hub through sustainable, inclusive and innovative development initiatives.
He said the proposed developments for Huro and Namuga are part of a broader series of transformative initiatives designed to reshape the province’s landscape and drive long-term sustainable growth.
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