A significant workshop aimed at updating the Greater Honiara Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan (GHUDSAP) up to 2030 was recently concluded, gathering government officials, community leaders, and various stakeholders to discuss the future of the Greater Honiara Area (GHA).
The event was marked by a strong commitment to sustainable urban development and community engagement.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey opened the proceedings acknowledging the people of Guadalcanal for their generosity in allowing the establishment of Honiara as the capital on their land.
Waleanisia underscored the people and government’s dedication to respecting the rights of traditional landowners and fostering a harmonious relationship between residents and landowners, emphasizing the importance of unity in the community.
He highlighted several pressing challenges that the GHA faces, including rapid urbanization, the rise of informal settlements, inadequate urban infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change.
These issues pose significant threats to the sustainable growth of the area, and the GHUDSAP is designed to address these challenges. He articulated a clear vision for the GHUDSAP, which aims to create a peaceful, resilient, inclusive, and well-planned urban environment, with effective governance as a foundational element.
The Permanent Secretary said the Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon. Polycarp Paea, in his response to the speech from the throne, highlighted that the GHUDSAP initiative is among the top priorities for the GNUT government and represents the vision for a sustainable and thriving Greater Honiara.
Addressing community concerns regarding the potential expansion of Honiara’s city boundaries into customary land, the Permanent Secretary reassured citizens that the city boundaries would remain unchanged. This commitment aims to alleviate fears and ensure that the rights of traditional landowners are respected throughout the development process.
The GHUDSAP outlines strategic goals that include enhancing community resilience, promoting inclusive development, supporting sustainable economic growth, and implementing master-planned urban development. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that these goals are essential for fostering a thriving urban environment that benefits all residents.
Mrs. Rosalind Y. McKenzie, a Specialist from ADB expressed gratitude to the participants and highlighted the strong collaboration among the Government, Honiara City Council, and Guadalcanal Province, which she believes will be essential for the success of the GHUDSAP. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will depend on this partnership and the insights provided by participants to inform the review of the GHUDSAP.
In a significant move towards inclusive governance, the government is committed to ensuring that at least 30% of decision-making bodies involved in the GHUDSAP comprised of women. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the planning and decision-making processes.
Dalcy Tozaka, the ADB local Country Team Leader, commended the Permanent Secretary for his visionary leadership and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands for their strong team and genuine collaboration, which began in 2017 with the launch of the GHUDSAP project.
The workshop served as a vital platform for dialogue, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussions on critical areas such as affordable housing, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the importance of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups in addressing the challenges facing Honiara.
The Permanent Secretary urged all stakeholders to work together to navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that lie before them. He expressed optimism that through collective effort and commitment, the future of Greater Honiara can be shaped into a sustainable and prosperous urban environment for all its residents.