The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has admitted the government owes landowners whose property is used by the state.
Manasseh Sogavare met the executive members of the Nendo Resource Development Association of Santa Cruz in Honiara last week and was told the the Government must return their land on Santa Cruz.
Other lands affected are properties on which the government has built administrative offices in Honiara, Malaita, Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Central Islands, Makira, and Rennell Bellona.
Mr Sogovare also says the administration acquired customary lands in various parts of the country to carry out economic activities, some of which are still to be returned.
He says the government will resolve the issue through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey under its Customary Lands Reform.