WITH the current high cost of living in Honiara city, the rental rates for houses is also soaring rapidly, concerned people in the country’s workforce has stated.
While the cause of the increasing rental rates is unknown and can only be clarified by the landlords, this issue is always the talk of the town on a daily basis.
Unlike the public servants in the country, the rental dilemma is always faced by poor workers in the private sector.
“The housing market in Honiara is very expensive.
“This is an issue that needs to be addressed by the authorities responsible because most of us in the private sector will still not be able to meet the high rental rates in Honiara city,” Alex Siosi, a concerned city resident told the Solomon Star.
Siosi added, the issue with high rental rates in the city is also a contributing factor on the increase of illegal squatter settlements in the city.
He said, the lowest accommodation that can be found in the city today is SBD500. But still, it is not affordable for many poor workers in the city.
The most executive houses that were up for rental today now range from SBD10, 000 to SBD20, 000.
“It will be helpful for all citizens of the country if there are standard rates for all available houses for rent in the country”.
Solomon Star understands that, most landlords today are depending on their house rentals for loan repayments, payment of school fees for their children, and other daily family necessities.
This is the very reason why there is an increase on rental rates for houses in the city over the passing years.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
