BY LIONEL TAORAO – FREELANCER
Officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) have conducted a Local Planning Scheme (LPS) consultation in Kirakira aimed at guiding future development for Namuga, Kirakira and Huro townships in Makira Ulawa Province.
The consultation, organized in collaboration with the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government, brought together community representatives, stakeholders and planning officials to review the Draft Local Planning Scheme for the three proposed township areas — SS Mamaloni Township at Huro, Kirakira Township, and Namuga Township in Star Harbour, East Makira.
Makira Ulawa Provincial Secretary, Chris Waiwori, said the Local Planning Scheme establishes development controls and planning guidelines that will regulate how land within township boundaries will be used and developed in the future.
“The aim of the consultation is to bring communities together with the project team to participate in reviewing the draft Namuga, Kirakira and Huro Local Planning Scheme,” Mr. Waiwori said.
He added that the consultation process allows local community members to directly contribute to shaping development priorities, infrastructure planning and land-use arrangements by expressing their views before the scheme is finalized.
Mr. Waiwori described the consultation as a significant milestone, noting that the Local Planning Scheme provides a structured process for planning new townships, including the demarcation of land for essential services such as clinics, schools, churches, roads and public parks.
The Provincial Secretary confirmed that the remaining process for the proposed SS Mamaloni Township at Huro is the registration of plots with the Ministry of Lands and Survey.
The initiative marks an important step toward structured urban development in Makira Ulawa Province, with planning for future townships progressing following successful stakeholder engagement sessions.
Similar consultations are expected to be conducted in the future once advice is received from the Ministry of Lands regarding other proposed sub-stations identified across the province.
