A dialogue session on strata development in Brunei Darussalam was organised by the Ministry of Development (MoD) yesterday.
The session, aimed to disseminate the latest processes for strata development applications, was held at the Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) premises.
The briefing was delivered by See Seng Guan from Surbana Jurong Consultant, Singapore together with officers from the Department of Town and Country Planning, Survey Department, Land Department and the ABCi.
During the briefing, See explained the different of strata leased development and private development. “Private development is located on leasehold or freehold lands. Tenure of leasehold lands are commonly 99 years.
“The residents in the strata titled properties own, enjoy and are responsible for the upkeep of the common facilities such as car parks, lift, sport and recreational facilities within the gated areas of the property.
“The maintenance and management of strata titled properties are governed by the Land Code (Strata) Act.
Meanwhile strata leased development is public housing under the National Housing Scheme (RPN) awarded to citizens who are qualified to own such properties, he said.
“The leasehold tenure of the unit is 99 years. These housing estates are governed by the Land Code Act and other relevant regulations of the Housing Development Department (HDD).
“Leases are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their own strata units.
“HDD owns and is responsible for the upkeep of the common properties and may appoint property or facility management company. Leases pay a fixed monthly maintenance fee.
However they do not own the common areas,” he said.
The consultant also touched on the life cycle of strata titled development.
“It begins with the planning and development then application of strata subdivision followed by registration of strata title, the management corporation and finally termination.”
Successful strata titled development is dependent on the concerted efforts and vigilance by the government and strata unit owner, he said.
“The government needs to enact various legislations to regulate the construction, selling and maintenance as well as management of strata titled properties.
“While purchasers and occupiers need to know basic information and requirements on living in strata titled properties and the management of their estates,” he said.
Acting Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the MoD Aldila binti Haji Mohamad Salleh was the guest of honour. – James Kon
