The Mamara New Capital City project Developer on Tuesday responded to the recent media publicized letter from Metropolis Pacific Pte Ltd, notifying the government of the delivery date for the first batch of houses.
The Mamara Developer in a statement said the communication was a typical notification that they the developers, shall have delivered on their promised first batch of brand-new urban houses within the stipulated time frame.
“The purchase of the homes in bulk by the government is by way of being intermediacy between developer and the civil servants, in order to meet the demand from this part of the population.
“The homes shall immediately be allocated to civil servants who wish to own their own home. The funds used to purchase these houses shall ultimately come from the civil servants by way of their own savings, provident funds or housing credit from banks and financial institutions, and not at taxpayers’ expense.
“Our commitment to a project of this magnitude and complexity demonstrate our dedication and belief in the improvement of the Solomon Islands economy, the expansion of its community, its potential for industry and tourism, further development, and future investment.
The statement also revealed the Mamara project and the development of Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo land is based on Solomon Islands Law No. 145.
“While Metropolis Pacific Pte Ltd is the Company that is party to an Agreement made under this law, Metropolis Mamara Development Limited is our wholly-owned subsidiary that has been incorporated and registered in Solomon Islands for the specific implementation of the MAMARA project in terms of development and construction.
“The original shareholders of Metropolis Pacific Pte Ltd (and thus, Metropolis Mamara Development Limited) occupy two seats as Council Members on the Mamara Council, out of the three Council seats assigned for the developers.
“The current development plan comes after many years of planning, discussions, setbacks and adjustments, finally receiving approval at the 8th and 9th sessions of the annual Mamara Council Meeting. We have persevered through many obstacles, including the Covid pandemic in order to finally kickstart the MAMARA project.
“It is only possible through the cooperation and support of the central government of Solomon Islands, the provincial government of Guadalcanal, and their people,” the statement from the Mamara developer said.
The statement added the housing construction techniques adopted for the Mamara houses are modern techniques originating from Australia and New Zealand, with capacities to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 9 and typhoons of magnitude 12.
The materials are selected for their high-quality environmental protection, fire resistance, heat insulation, and termite prevention.
“In only two months, a new town complex with 50 fully-functional novel villas will be built on what was previously completely barren land. The speed of construction would be impossible to achieve without the hundreds of local employees who are working hard to bring a new standard of housing to Solomon Islands.
“The houses currently underway are intended for civil servants and ordinary citizens. It has always been our intention to ease the housing shortage that has plagued Honiara for a long time.
“For civil servants who wish to purchase these houses, they need only put a down payment of 20%-30% of the house price, and after obtaining a mortgage loan from the bank or finance company, shall only spend half or two-thirds of their current rental outlay to serve the monthly mortgage repayment amount. It is their own choice as to whether to continue to pay rental or to put a portion of their earnings into purchasing their own home,” Mamara developer said.
Meanwhile, the developer said they welcome feedback and kind criticism, and hope for ongoing support as their project takes off.
“There are many positive outcomes that can only eventuate with continued momentum, willingness from international investors, cooperation from the Solomon Islands government, and patience from the public,” Mamara Developer said.
However, it is understood the government says it is yet to make any formal agreement with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd to buy houses for public Servants that are under construction at the Mamara New City, west of Honiara.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Riley Mesepitu clarified this following the publication of a leaked letter from the current developer, Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.
By ESTHER NURIA
Newsroom, Honiara
