LAND Board, a division within the Ministry of Land Housing and Survey, celebrated its two years anniversary yesterday.

The celebration also coincides with the time to bid farewell to outgoing Chairman of the Land Board and two other members of the executive.

Minister of Land Housing and Survey Hon Moses Garu joined the celebration which was held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Speaking during the event, Hon Garu said the Land Board is a great success with hard working board members showing tremendous support towards setting up and implementing the board’s plan.

He said the Board has successfully produced its first annual report as required by the act last year with the 2016 annual report ready to be submitted to his office anytime from now.

Hon Garu said the Board’s tremendous effort has resulted in the successful allocation of 489 land to landholders from over one thousand applications.

“This is the sort of dedication we like to see, where people willingly give their time and keep going until the business is done,” he said.

On the same note, Hon Garu acknowledged the work of the outgoing Chairman of the Board Mr Donald Kudu and two other members of Land Board for their dedication towards the organisation.

“You have served your country well by participating in this Board and I wish three of you well for the future,” Hon Garu said.

He also welcomed two new board members and the future Chairman to the Land Board.

Hon Garu explained that the Act allows five Board members with maximum service term of two years.

In his short remarks, outgoing Chairman Donald Kudu said the job has been tough but rewarding for the betterment of Land Board and people of Solomon Islands.

He said the success of the Land Board comes from collective effort from members, other government ministries, donor partners and other stakeholders.

“With the achievements and working together as team, I’d like to thank you all,” Mr Kudu said.

He advised whoever may be his successor that the task is enormous with lots of challenges.

Mr Kudu said huge pressure comes in full force daily as there is an increasing economic development and also the increasing population.

He stressed that the Board needs to think strategically and innovatively to achieve the amount of land that is available.

Mr Kudu said the efficient and effective way of utilising land and also giving the proper avenue in which land can be developed in the context of development is an important task that needs consideration.

He said that Board is in the good hands of any successor to carry on what is left behind.