THE Auki sea front area, the site of the current main wharf of the provincial capital is still the matter of a dispute with the Malaita Provincial Government since it was declared in 2009 by the Magistrate Court in Auki.

This was announced by the premier of Malaita Province during an interview with Island Sun in Auki.

Premier Peter Channel Ramohia said the Malaita Provincial Government waits for any positive agreement made by landowning groups for the actual ownership of the area by the MPG.

He said fencing has already been made with a proper security house and they had also recruited four security officers to look after the Auki wharf.

But issues have been raised against the MPG since the area is still a customary land owned by five different tribes on malaita in one particular area, Ramohia revealed.

He said for this reason the site is treated as a drinking pub for the public and is not safe, as experienced where people have lost their lives from accidents.

Ramohia adds that the MPG sends condolences to the families who lost their family members at the Auki wharf unexpectedly.

The MPG will be looking forward and try to solve this issue so that security will be provided at the Auki main wharf.

He also calls on the landowning groups to work together with the MPG as the site is one of the priorities for development on Malaita province.