Lack of quality materials a risk to construction sector: Wale

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale says the lack of control of quality building materials imported into the country has been an area of great vulnerability for our construction sector.

Speaking in Parliament today on the National Building Standards Bill 2025, Hon Wale said this situation has been particularly bad in the last 25 years.

He said being referred to as a poor country makes Solomon Islands a price-sensitive market.

Thus, Hon Wale said some importers have exploited the price-sensitivity by bringing in poor and substandard building materials which allow higher margins to be charged on them.

“There has been no control whatsoever on this. There is need for a robust certification process for importers to ensure there is quality control at the points of entry,” the Opposition Leader said.

Hon Wale said this would be the most efficient way to enforce compliance with mandatory quality standards for building materials, coupled with hefty penalties for those who breach such quality standards.

The Opposition Leader said currently the liability for loss or damage due to the structural weakness or destruction of a building lies on the owner or the lessor of the building.

He said it is worthy of consideration whether to extend such liability to reflect responsibility for the quality of building materials, quality of workmanship, and the approvals & permits process.

Hon Wale said each contribute to the integrity and safety of buildings, and each should share in any liability arising out of their element of a destroyed or damaged building.

“I am not sure that this is done anywhere, and it may be impractical. But it is worthy of study. It would surely improve the overall incentive and high vigilance for safety in buildings,” the Opposition Leader said.

ENDS///

– OPPOSITION PRESS