To enhance land administration and management in Solomon Islands, Australia has handed over a consignment of modern survey equipment to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Lands Office.
The equipment package includes a plotter, scanner, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, desktop computers, printers, monitors, laptops and a range of software updates which will greatly improve the Ministry’s capacity to conduct accurate land surveys, mapping and data collection, across the country.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, emphasised the importance of accurate land data for national development.
“The equipment will enhance the Ministry’s capacity to provide accurate boundaries, helping to resolve land disputes and provide certainty for the economic development of Solomon Islands,” the High Commissioner said.
“The equipment being handed over today is part of our longstanding commitment to working with the Solomon Islands Government to strengthen institutional capacity, promote good governance and support sustainable land management and planning,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Ministry, Honourable Jaimie Vokia, Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, expressed sincere gratitude and highlighted the impact the tools will have.
“This equipment will drastically increase the efficiency, the accuracy and performance in terms of industrial mapping, spatial data management, and faster processing of applications in relation to this Ministry,” he said.
The Honourable Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Stanley Waleanisia; Mr Alan McNeil, the Commissioner of Lands, and officials from the Ministry.
The equipment handover is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Solomon Islands and Australia, focused on strengthening institutional frameworks and responsible land use practices.
