CCC decision could open can of worms ,says HBA

New Straits Times 26/03/2005

THE National House Buyers Association (HBA) is unhappy with the Government's move to replace the local authority-issued Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CF) for completed housing with certification by industry professionals, who will issue the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

"Abolishing the CF for housing could open a new can of worms. Should we risk our safety, even lives, in the name of speed?" asked HBA secretary-general Chang Kim Loong.

He added: "We say the status quo must remain. Local councils should retain responsibility for the issuance of CFs, and take steps to enforce the 14-day rule (for its issue) without undue delays."

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting announced earlier this week that architects and engineers would issue the all-important certificate, which allows people to move into their new houses faster, from December.

This ends a decades-old practice, for which local councils have often been accused of imposing red tape and corruption.

Chang said local authorities were closest to what was happening at the building site, from the day approval for a housing project was granted, and were in the best position to ensure compliance with all conditions.

"That is the reason why Temporary Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (TCFs) are sometimes issued prior to the permanent CF. Let us not forget that project consultants are on the payroll of developers.

"Let us also not forget that they can only make guarantees in their individual capacities, and during their life span. We hope our leaders bear in mind that no system can function without a check and balance in place," Chang added.

Nevertheless, he said that since the Government had made its decision in favour of CCC issuance by industry professionals, the HBA would like the Government to seriously look into ways to improve the delivery system.

It therefore wants the Federal Government, and the housing authorities in particular, to take a number of steps to safeguard the interests of house buyers, including:

* Compulsory monitoring of projects, from building approval to completion;

* Make the processes transparent. State Governments and local authorities should provide information progressively, from issuance of building approvals to when the houses are completed, on the Internet;

* Employ qualified professionals and beef up diligent enforcement staff in local councils, as well as get rid of the corrupt; and

* Ensure that the 14-day rule is strictly adhered to in the case of CCC issuance.