THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) as the peak body representing the private sector in the country will be part of the Land Board under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
SICCI will be represented by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Atenasi Ata as a member of the Land Board commencing on 2nd December 2018.
The appointment was made by Minister of Land, Housing and Survey Hon Andrew Manepora’a under section 8B and with reference to clause 1 (1) (a) and clause 1 (3) (b) of the Second Schedule to the Lands and Titles Act.
The Land Board makes all decisions relating to allocation of interest in registered land in Solomon Islands. This includes the power to grant and transfer Fixed Term Estates, the power to set land premiums and rentals, the power to decide whether to allocate interest in land by direct allocation or by ballot or auction, and the power to grant temporary occupation licenses.
In accepting the appointment, SICCI CEO Ms Ata acknowledge the appointment and thank the Government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey for the opportunity for SICCI to contribute to greater change and transparency in decision-making on issues relating to land in our country.
“The appointment reinforces the importance of Public-Private Partnership and SICCI assures its commitment to the Land Board and service to the business community and all citizens in the country,” she said.
Ms Ata said from a private sector perspective, land remains a key growth aspect and if not managed properly can constrain private sector development by making it difficult for investors to start or expand businesses and to borrow capital.
The responsibility for land matters now rests with the Land Board consisting of 12 voting members instead of that power resting solely with the Commissioner of Lands.
–SICCI MEDIA
