The Ministry of Lands, Housing & Survey warmly welcomes the recent Court of Appeal Order delivered on 23 July 2025 by the President of the Court of Appeal, Sir John Muria. This landmark ruling effectively concludes all appeals by Pari Development Company Ltd concerning several government-owned land parcels located in the northern part of Noro town, Western Province.
Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil said, “This ruling is a significant victory for good governance and the rule of law. It secures vital land for public use and future development that will benefit the people of Noro and the wider Western Province.”
This matter traces back to 2012 when a former Commissioner of Lands issued a 10-year Grant of Profit to Pari Development over multiple land parcels covering hundreds of hectares around Noro. Subsequently, the following Commissioner requested cancellation of the grant, prompting the company to file a High Court claim in 2015. Later that year, the dispute was settled through Consent Orders which required the land to be returned to the company but granted Fixed Term Estates for 75 years instead of simply reinstating the original grant. These estates were issued without payment of premiums or land rent, some of which Pari Development sold for profit.
Upon appointment in 2018, Commissioner McNeil observed that some parcels remained unoffered back to Pari Development. Acting in compliance with the Consent Orders, he sought Land Board approval to offer the remaining Fixed Term Estates for a reduced term of 7 years and 8 months (reflecting the original grant period less elapsed time) and subject to payment of fees. The company declined these terms, creating an impasse over whether the Consent Orders had been properly implemented.
The High Court ruled in favor of the Commissioner and Land Board, confirming their compliance with the Orders. Pari Development appealed this decision, but the Court of Appeal has now dismissed their application, upholding the High Court’s ruling.
As a result, key parcels identified as 098-009-051, 098-009-053, 098-009-055, 098-009-057, 098-009-058, and 098-009-063—covering over 30 hectares of prime land north of Noro township—remain under government control, free from ongoing claims. This land includes the road network north of South Pacific Oil to the Marina Hotel and areas currently used by CCECC as a depot for the Noro Road upgrade project. The Ministry of Commerce plans to develop an industrial estate here, and the Ministry of Health intends to build a medical store, ensuring this land supports future community benefits.
Commissioner McNeil also expressed his gratitude to the Attorney General’s Chambers, stating, “I sincerely thank the Attorney General’s Chambers for their steadfast support in defending the Ministry’s position and ensuring that government land is protected for the nation’s long-term interests.”
ENDS///
[PM Press Secretariat]
