The Strata Titles Bill 2017 was passed in parliament after it underwent thorough scrutiny in the committee of the whole house in its third reading with amendments on Monday.
This Bill has now become a law to provide for the division of land into strata titles; to amend the lands and titles act (Cap. 133), the land and titles (general) regulations, the local government (exemption from basic rate) (Honiara) regulations, the local government (rating of land) regulations and the planning and development Act (Cap.154); and for related purposes.
Strata Title is a form of land tenure that would allow for units in a building to be individually owned as separate lots, even if they are on different floor levels.
This form of land tenure was introduced in Australia and United States in the 1960s and has since spread around the world, even to neighbouring countries such as Fiji and Vanuatu.
According to Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey Andrew Manepora’a the objective of the Bill is to facilitate higher density development in Solomon Islands, while protecting the interests of person who buy units in such development.
It is understood Mr Manepora’a has also tabled a list of corrections to be inserted later into some of the clauses.
The parliament adjourned for today Tuesday 7th 2018.
By ANDREW FANASIA
