HONIARA city council (HCC) has welcomed the empowerment of the Land’s Board which is expected to come into effect as of November.
As a member of the Urban Planning and Land Task Force, city council sees the implementation of the new Lands and Titles Bill 2014 an opportunity council could have a say on city land and its development.
City Clerk Charles Kelly said being a member of the Board will assist council to have a voice over land in Honiara.
Kelly said over the years, council has little say over land within the city since the power was vested on the commissioner of lands.
“Today we have realised there are no parks or recreational areas for the public to enjoy. Because once the land is sold, we are powerless to go against it because the commissioner has already given it away. At the end of the day we (council) can only have a say in what development can be done on that land,” Kelly said.
However he said with the new Lands Board, council will have a say on land that is allocated for any developments within the city.
He said this will help council in the city’s urban development which has been problem for council over the years since council has no power over these lands.
“But now that we could have a say on land decisions, council will have their say over land allocation and its developments,” Kelly added.
He stressed that as a service provider, it is very important to ensure public interests must be on the fore front of their decision making.
Adding, proper management of the city affairs is vital to ensure required services are provided adequately and efficiently to meet public demand.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
