By Georgina Maka’a

The Solomon Islands Government is preparing new legislation to overhaul the management of cemeteries, with Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga warning that growing population pressure is rapidly reducing available burial space.

Responding to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament on Thursday, Mr Maelanga said the country urgently needs a modern legal framework to ensure burial sites are managed sustainably as urban centres continue to expand.

“As our population continues to grow and urban centres expand, there is an increasing need for a modern, well-planned and sustainable framework to guide the management of burial sites throughout the country,” he said.

Mr Maelanga said the steady rise in Solomon Islands’ population, particularly in Honiara and other towns, is placing increasing pressure on land, including areas reserved for burials.

He warned that without proper planning and regulation, cemeteries could face overcrowding, public health risks, land-use conflicts and disputes over cultural and religious practices.

He added the reforms would set clear standards for how cemeteries are opened, run and maintained. They would also look at:

Public health

Land use planning

Environmental protection

Cultural and religious sensitivities

The long-term availability of burial spac

Mr Maelanga said the reforms are aimed at ensuring burial and cemetery management is carried out with dignity and respect while meeting the needs of both current and future generations of Solomon Islanders.

The proposed legislation forms part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen public administration and improve long-term planning as the country’s population continues to grow.