LANDS MINISTRY PUTS OUT LAND FOR TENDER, FLOOD VICTIMS PRIORITY

Over 200 lots of unallocated land in Honiara is currently being offered as 50-year fixed term estates for residential purposes.

In a press release, the Ministry of Lands and Housing says the lots are at April Ridge, near Gilbert Camp Aekafo and Lau Valley in East Honiara.

Permanent Secretary for Lands and Housing, Stanley Waleanisia says a total of 268 lots are to be offered.

Mr Waleanisia says the lots are open to anyone to apply for, but preference will be given to people who lost their homes during the April floods in Honiara.

He adds the Ministry has records of the names of people who lost their houses to flooding in Honiara, and these records will be used when the applications are assessed.

SIBC News understands the land will be allocated by tender and the process closes towards the end of this month.

Meanwhile, victims of the April flash floods have already began settling in at April Ridge, but many have not applied for the lots they have settled in.

Permanent Secretary for Lands and Housing, Stanley Waleanisia says Ministry officers visited April Ridge this week, and noted many flood victims have recently moved into the area and are living in tents.

The Permanent Secretary says lands officers have informed people about the tender process and to submit their applications if they want to have a chance of securing land title for the area they have settled on.

He said, if the families do not submit an application, the land may be allocated to other people, and they would be required to vacate the land.

SIBC News understands, Lands officials will be visiting flood affected areas along the Mataniko River tomorrow to raise awareness about the tender process.