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CF: Tackle it once and for all
11/10/1998 NST
Come Jan 10, it will be exactly three years
since the enforcement of the Cabinet ruling that all local authorities issue
the certificate of fitness within 14 days once a building meets all the structural
and legal requirements.
But judging by the incessant complaints
of long delays in the issuance of CFs, it is obvious that adherence to the
directive by many local authorities leaves much to be desired.
Thus, it is not surprising that last week's
announcement by the Housing and Local Government Ministry that the law would
soon be amended to protect housebuyers and CF woes would be over, was received
with much scepticism. The general feeling is that more rules without solving
the existing problems will only mean more bureaucratic red tape and delays.
The proposed amendments to the Uniform Building
By-laws 1984 include two significant features. One states that CFs will be
deemed issued in two weeks from the date developers submit applications to
local authorities even though the latter does not issue them.
The other amendment makes it mandatory for
developers to get the CF before handing over vacant possession to buyers.
At a cursory glance, these are excellent provisions which will solve the problems
hitherto faced by developers and buyers. But things are not always as simple
as they appear.
From the feedback, the crux of the problems
is getting quick approval from the vetting departments. Stories of developers
given the runaround and made to wait long for inspections of their properties
abound.
Thus, the Ministry may be accused of having
said too glibly last week that because the approving procedures have been
streamlined, these instructions have necessarily been carried out effectively.
It has expressed confidence that local authorities can meet the deadline because
such procedures have been " tightened".
The revelation not long ago that a number
of local authorities are withholding issuance of CFs for housing projects
on non-technical grounds, such as meeting the 30 per cent low-cost housing
quota, is a pertinent case of non-adherence to a directive from the top.
Another serious matter which should be looked
into urgently by the Ministry is the fact that most of the time, developers
do not have clear guidelines on the requirements. It is the bounden duty of
local authorities as the issuing authority to make as clear as possible the
conditions for developers to follow.
It is important that in tackling the perennial
problems connected with CF issuance, all parties involved take cognizance
of the fact that the fault does not lie with just the developers, but also
the local authorities.
The recent proposal to abolish the need
for CF for individually-built bungalows has the aim of lessening the workload
of local authorities, many of which face manpower shortage.
Building experts welcoming the move, have
suggested that this be extended to low-rise buildings. Such a step should
not compromise the safety of these buildings as they are built according to
approved plans and their due completion is certified by professionals.
As trimming costs, increasing revenue and
relieving the rakyat's burden are paramount national objectives, a serious
effort must be made to overcome the long-standing problems once and for all.
Local authorities which have been remiss
should take a leaf out of the book of the exemplary ones. Notable among them
are the Kuantan and Kajang Municipal Councils. The former has been much lauded
for issuing the CF to a multinational company within a day.
The Kajang authority has shown that it is
not just a law enforcer but also a facilitator. Dialogues with developers
to point out their errors and guide them to the right path for the speedy
issuance of CFs have resulted in a win-win situation for all parties.
The Ministry will be seen to be more effective
if it promptly moves to help solve these seemingly intractable implementation
problems which have long plaqued the property sector.
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