The controversial business complex at Town Ground, West Honiara which is now called ‘Landmark Plaza’ has finally got its occupancy permit last week.
The permit was issued by the Honiara city council environmental health division following the Town and Country Planning board’s resolution last week.
Documents have confirmed approvals from the division of planning and the environmental health division regarding inspections that qualify the occupancy over the years.
Issuance of the occupancy permit was the problem which stops any occupation of the business complex over the years.
It has taken until last week when the Town and Country Planning Board(TCPB) who has finally agreed to overturn its initial stand and made the approval for the issuance of the permit.
The occupancy permit was later issued this week to China United for the completion of the building’s first stage which has satisfactorily met the building and environmental health standards.
Managing Director of China United said this is good news for the country despite the struggles and hardship the company had faced over the years over legal battles with the building.
“I am glad that Honiara city council has finally issued occupancy permit for this complex. It shows that they have seen the importance of opening this building for commercial and recreational purpose for the benefit of the public and the country as a whole,” Shiyao Guo said.
Mr Guo said now that this building is open to public, it will reduce the stress of unemployment the country is facing and will also contribute to the country’s development and economy in terms of revenue through tax and employment opportunities.
Mr Guo said he acknowledged the TCPB’s decision despite a lengthy battle to try and get the occupancy permit for years.
“It’s good to see that council has realized the benefit this business complex will bring to the public of Honiara and also for us as investors.
“This signals a good message to other investors too despite legal issues that delayed this permit to come forth. It is a win-win situation because for the past years, millions in revenue and job opportunities could have already been realised if the permit was issued some years ago.
“But I believe this permit has just come at the right time to address the socio-economic situation this country and Honiara city had faced,” Gua added.
He said the plaza is now open for business houses and individuals who wish to occupy any of the rooms.
He said over the years a lot of businesses have opted interest to occupy the business complex but due to the delay of the occupancy permit businesses and Solomon Islanders are left disadvantaged.
The building which is now called the Landmark Plaza is offering 23 shop spaces at the ground floor,15 office spaces on the first floor and 3 multi-function halls.
It also provides 19 self contained apartments.
Meanwhile the management said they have taken steps to fix and repair the damages caused to the building.
“We have just replaced the broken window glasses, tiles and paints. We are currently working on cleaning up the building and make things ready now for new tenants wishing to move in,” Mr Guo said.
Chief health inspector of city council George Titiulu said has confirmed the issuance of the occupancy permit.
Mr Titiulu said the issuance of the occupancy permit was based on the TCPB resolution last week.
“TCPB is the only board who has the right to revoke its own decision. And now they revoked it therefore the certificate of occupancy permit was granted,” Titiulu said.
By Daniel Namosuaia
