BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Mining, logging and poor consultation with landowners dominated discussions at the Choiseul Province Hard Talk Forum held yesterday ahead of today’s 35th Second Appointed Day celebrations.
The Hard Talk Forum was held yesterday the Auditorium of the National Museum in Honiara.
The forum brought together four key speakers; Ruth Liloqula, Nelson Kere, Dr Jones Gabu and Bauro Koraua who shared strong views on natural resource management and rural development challenges facing the province.
Transparency advocate Ms Liloqula said that while mining and logging may bring revenue, landowners must be properly consulted before any agreements are signed.
She said poor consultation processes have continued to create division, mistrust and disputes in communities in Choiseul.
Mr Kere also shared similar sentiments, questioning whether resource developments are delivering long-term benefits to ordinary people.
He said many landowners still lack clear information about contracts, environmental impacts and royalty arrangements.
Dr Gabu highlighted the environmental and social consequences of extractive activities, warning that unsustainable logging and poorly managed mining operations could undermine the province’s future.
He called for stronger governance, enforcement of laws and genuine engagement with customary landowners.
Mr Koraua, a business man in Choiseul acknowledged the importance of development but said it must be balanced with protecting land rights and ensuring benefits reach communities.
He urged the provincial government to improve consultation mechanisms and strengthen monitoring of resource and companies before conducting operations.
The speakers also raised concerns about gaps in education, health services and agricultural support while mining and logging were the dominant issues.
They further said that revenue from natural resources should translate into improved schools, clinics and farming assistance and major infrastructure development in the province if proper consultation has been done.
The forum concluded with calls for transparency, accountability and meaningful landowner participation and unity as Choiseul marks its 35th Second Appointed Day today.
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