Council sets for big task
Property owners between the Hot Bread Kitchen and NPF building at Point Cruz will be issued with notices soon to demolish and rebuild their buildings.
The notices of demolition will be issued by the city council after its recent approval of a technical report compiled by a team from its environment, health and physical planning divisions.
“Property owners should now prepare themselves for this major exercise, which will commence soon,” city mayor Alfred Fatai said.
This area of Point Cruz was houses some of the oldest buildings in Honiara.
Fatai said a survey done by their technical team found the buildings are too old, are health hazardous, and are no longer safe.
“We are finalising how this exercise is to be carried out before building owners are informed and served with notices,” he said.
“We expect property owners to comply with this exercise.
“Those who failed to comply within a given period of time will expect the council to move into their buildings and demolish them.”
Fatai said new buildings to be built in the same area will have to get Town and Country Planning Board approval before work could start.
“Any building type or size will not be tolerated; all buildings have to be built according to the set standard criteria of the town and country planning board.”
Fatai said this is an important exercise to ensure we improve the status and image of our city.
“This is why I am asking property owners to cooperate and work with the council to ensure the exercise runs smoothly,” he said.
The mayor added similar exercise will be expanded to other parts of the city as time goes.
“The council is committed to face-lift Honiara city; this exercise is part of it and will continue to do so with other areas within the city the council sees fit for demolition and rebuilding.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
