IT must be a desirable public policy outcome to see more indigenous Solomon Islanders own their homes in registered land.
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale echoed this in Parliament, Tuesday during his debate speech on the National Building Standards Bill 2025.
He said for many of such indigenous Solomon Islanders, they build their homes over so many years.
Hon Wale said the establishment and enforcement of building standards necessarily creates red tape.
“Safety is important, so one could say the red tape is a necessary evil,” he said.
However, Hon Wale said, a relevant question to ask whether the additional red tape required by this Bill will make it harder for indigenous Solomon Islanders to be able to build their own homes, as they currently do.
“It is important that a balance is struck – safety must not be compromised, whilst at the same time the process of approvals is simple and affordable for indigenous Solomon Islanders to be able to build their own homes, even over a number of years,” Hon Wale said.
The Opposition Leader said upfront costs such as geotech tests, uxo tests, architect fees, engineer fees, etc., although necessary as standards are imposed, can become serious impediments to indigenous Solomon Islanders owning and or building their own homes, and every effort must be made to minimize these.
He added, the Bill must not result in making it difficult and unaffordable for indigenous Solomon Islanders to build homes.
The purpose of the National Building Standards Bill 2025 is stated as:
- The establishment of national standards for the construction industry, and all things incidental to that;
- To provide for the making of a National Building Code (NBC) to give effect to the standards; &
- To regulate the construction industry by ensuring compliance with the NBC, by providing for the regulation and certification of building practitioners.
– Opposition Press
