Around 3800 public servants to continue rely on existing rental scheme

Around 3800 Solomon Islands public servants will continue to rely on the existing Public Service Rental Scheme (PSRS). 

In late last year, the government announced a new policy change in which Public Servants will have their rental eligibility deposited directly into their bank accounts – under a new policy called the Public Service Housing Assistance (PSHA) policy.

The new Housing Assistance policy has been decided to come into effect as of January this year. However, it was later deferred to July 1st this year, which is Friday next week. 

But the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Nego Sisiolo said the Ministry of Public Service has made another joint submission to the Cabinet to continue to rely on the existing Public Servants Rental Scheme.

“Public servants will continue to rely on the PSRS until we come up with a thorough report or information on what would be a better option for the government to do.

“At this point in time, the Cabinet is yet to deliberate on the submission and we will have to wait for that,” Mr Sisiolo said during a recent Government Press Conference.  

Mr Sisiolo said the government is also looking into the possibility of regulating rental markets.

“We are also looking into the possibility of regulating rental markets and examine how appropriate PSRS can be implemented in rural areas where there are services, for example clinics.”

This is so that government workers such as nurses, teachers, etc can rent homes in rural areas.

“We would see whether or not PSRS is applicable or responsive in that kind of situation,” said Mr Sisiolo.

In the existing Public Service Rental Scheme, rentals are paid to Landlords of government workers. 

Mr Sisiolo said there are around 3800 public service officers that are currently housed under the Public Service Rental Scheme. 

by Jared Koli