With the new Honiara Shopping Mall site officially launched Wednesday, some concerned people of Guadalcanal Province have objected to the move.
Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Badley Tovusia, said the people of the province, as rightful owners of the land, disagree with what has taken place."We strongly disagree to the move on what is yet to be built, and Guadalcanal Province, in every way will stop development from happening," Deputy Premier Tovusia said.
He told Solomon Times that the province is not happy with the development "because the perpetual title belongs to Guadalcanal".
Mr. Tovusia added that they "simply want their land back to re-build the province's headquarters that was burnt down during the ethnic tension".
He said the matter will be referred to the court and the national government to address.
"We will be issuing a letter of protest for them not to develop the land but to give back the land that belongs to Guadalcanal Province," said Mr. Tovusia
It is understood the land was sold to Ezekiel Alebua when he was Premier for Guadalcanal Province before the tension.
Attempt to get comment from the Honiara City Mayor, Alfred Maetia, was not successful.