Transfer of NHC units for debate

Long-standing tenants of National Housing Corporation (NHC) units, including those which have illegal extensions, will soon be covered under the law, after the NHC (Transfer of Terrace Units) Bill 2012 is debated in the House of Assembly.
The bill will be read for the first time today when Parliament sits at 10 a.m.
If passed, the NHC (Transfer of Tenants) Act will provide for the transfer by the NHC to its tenants who have lived in and/or paid for units for 20 years.
Among the requirements which these tenants will have to satisfy will be that of good financial standing with the corporation, not using the unit for any activity contravening the Town and Country Planning Act and being responsible for paying legal fees in relation to the transfer.
Requirements covering the already existing extensions include the necessity for these to be certified as structurally sound by an engineer. They also must not restrict access to areas which are normally used by fellow tenants or the publi, and must not breach any health, safety or sanitation laws.
The bill will be introduced by Minister of Housing and Lands Michael Lashley.
Other items on the Order Paper are: the Social Investment Repeal Bill, Land Tax Amendment Bill and Land Valuation Amendment Bill, all to be debated as one entity in the name of Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler; the Holidays With Pay Bill, National Petroleum Corporation Amendment Bill, and a resolution to approve the compulsory acquisition of the burnt-out legendary hotel, Sam Lord’s Castle. (RJ)