Sea Clan demands halt to Bina Harbour wharf project over customary land dispute
[Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025]
BY NED GAGAHE
A group calling themselves the Oreore-Bonale-Ailakwa (Sea Clan) has demanded that the national government respect their customary land rights and immediately halt plans for the proposed $30 million wharf at the Bina Harbour Entrance and Waterway.
The group claims traditional ownership of the disputed area and urges the government to wait for a decision from the Lafari House of Chiefs (Kwaio’s house of chiefs), before proceeding with any development.
They are also calling on the government to collaborate with the House of Chiefs to expedite the hearing process to determine the rightful owners of the Bina Harbour entrance and waterway.
A spokesperson for the group, who requested anonymity, warned that unless a decision is reached, no vessel will be allowed entry through the passageway for delivery of project supplies.
“No vessels would ever be permitted by the rightful landowners to enter the passageway for delivery of supplies related to the project,” the spokesperson said.
Following an enquiry made by Island Sun last week to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO) responded yesterday, acknowledging the group’s concerns and urging them to engage directly with the project office.
“This is part of the project’s grievance management mechanism. We advise that concerned groups liaise with the BHPO to ensure their grievances are heard through the proper channels,” the statement read.
The BHPO confirmed that consultations and beneficiary mapping for Bina Harbour, Bina Village, and the Kwaleunga Water Catchment areas are ongoing. If all arrangements go as planned, consultations for the Harbour will begin in September.
The group’s demand comes after Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced a $30 million allocation for wharf construction to support the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant.
The wharf will be used to offload building materials for the project’s commencement.
The group questioned the rationale behind proceeding with such significant funding while land ownership remains unsettled.
“Why does the government see it fit to allocate substantial funds for the wharf while the issue of ownership is still before the Lafari House of Chiefs?”
“This kind of irresponsible, no-care attitude is perfectly deplorable,” the spokesperson said.
While the group strongly supports the Tuna Processing Plant project for its economic benefits, they insist that all stakeholders—national and provincial governments, and landowning groups—must first resolve the land ownership issue.
“We fully support the project due to its lucrative and economic viability, not just for resource owners and Malaita Province, but for the Solomon Islands as a whole,” the spokesperson said.
The group urges the national government to engage the Lafari House of Chiefs as an informal court under Section 12(1)(a)(b)(c) of the Local Courts Act, to address the dispute using Kwaio customary land tenure, including those of Taelanasina and Sulanasina.
They argued that this customary court is the most appropriate body to settle the matter due to its historical and jurisdictional relevance to the disputed land.
“Engaging the Lafari House of Chiefs will help avoid elements of bribery and partiality, and ensure a culturally legitimate decision,” the group said.
Prime Minister Manele described the Bina Harbour project as a flagship initiative under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
He told local media following his official visit to New Zealand early this month that the project, supported by partners including New Zealand, is expected to create over 1,600 jobs and inject around USD 400 million into the national economy over the next 15 years.
“This will be a game-changer for Malaita Province and the wider Solomon Islands economy,” Manele said.
He acknowledged the public’s growing interest and concern over the project’s slow progress and said these concerns are valid.
“People have every right to ask questions, particularly when a project is consistently referred to as a national priority,” he said.
Manele explained that large-scale infrastructure projects take time due to complex negotiations involving landowner agreements, environmental safeguards, and foreign investment coordination.
He assured the public that the project is currently in a necessary preparatory phase, which includes land identification, environmental assessments, consultations, and investment partnerships.
The total estimated cost of the Bina Harbour development is USD 202 million, and the government plans to allocate additional funding in the 2026 development budget.
“We are committed to getting it right—for Malaita, the Solomon Islands tuna industry, and all Solomon Islanders,” Manele said.
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