MALAWAI, Central Kwara’ae — A three-month public notice has opened an important new chapter for the Kunkwaikwai customary landholding group in Ward 30, Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.
Kunkwaikwai is the first tribal group in the Central Kwara’ae region to formally accept the customary land recording programme.
The latest step followed a meeting between the Central Land Recording Office team and members of the Kunkwaikwai customary landholding group at Malawai Village. Community members were given information about the land recording process and what they need to do as the process moves forward.
The three-month public notice gives the Kunkwaikwai tribe time to prepare and check its records. It also gives people who believe they belong to the customary landholding group a chance to come forward.
The notice is aimed at making the process “transparent, open and fair” for everyone involved.
Community members are being encouraged to read the notice and take part where appropriate. Anyone who believes they have a customary interest or connection to Kunkwaikwai is asked to make themselves known at the next meeting.
For many community members, the process is an important opportunity to ensure that customary land information is properly recorded and that people with genuine connections are given a chance to be heard.
The public notices have been displayed at Sita Village, Malawai Village, Radefasu Community and the Malaita Provincial Notice Board. Notices have also been posted at Radefasu and Malawai villages.
The three-month period is therefore more than a public announcement. It is an opportunity for the Kunkwaikwai community to take part, check information and help ensure that the customary land recording process moves forward with “fair decision-making.”
