MINISTRY of Forest and Research (MoFR) has dismissed outright allegations it issued logging licence to Xiang Lin Timbers (SI) Ltd the same day application was received.

Nende Resources Development Association (NRDA) Chairman, John Chris Mwelo allegedly made the claim on May 18 in the Island Sun Newspaper.

In a statement, the Forestry Office says it did act on the rightful procedures and was satisfied with all the requirements prior to approving Xiang Lin Timbers (SI) Ltd licences.

Out-rightly dismissing claims the licence was issued to the company on the same day it applied for the licence; and an inaccurate issued date mentioned, says the statement.

The statement says records shows application tendered by Xiang Lin Timber (SI) Limited to acquire timber rights hearing over various lands on Santa Cruz, Temotu Province.

Followed a public notice put up on August 7, 2015 by the Temotu Provincial Government for a timber rights hearing at Kala Bay scheduled for October 30, 2015

It convened on Carlisle village, on which Temotu Provincial Government made determination in favour of Xiang Lin (SI) Limited, says the statement.

It adds, Clerk to Eastern Customary Land Appeal and Courts (CLAC) and Principal Magistrate then issued a certificate of no appeal on May 26, 2016 with advice to the Forestry Ministry that there is no appeal made against the timber rights determination made by Temotu Provincial Government over the hearing.

Thus the applicant proceeds into executing the timber rights agreement with the determined trustees of the various customary lands on June 1, 2016.

This timber rights agreement was later approved by the Provincial Government on June 24, explains the statement.

The Forestry Office says upon payment of necessary fees, fulfilments and an approved annual harvesting plan, includes granting of the Development Consent from the Director of Environment; licence was issued to Xiang Lin Timbers (SI) Ltd.

It is understood this licence covers Noka, Kala Bay, Bomalu, Nelua, Poa, Nepia, Malue, Naba and Neudang customary lands, says the Ministry of Forest and Research in the statement.

The Ministry of Forest and Research is also aware that the applicant through the same application for licence intends to hold another timber rights hearing at Nangu on Santa Cruz.

This did not eventuate as no timber right hearing was held.

–MOFR PRESS