The governing body of any municipality of this State may provide for the repair or reconstruction of curbs on the streets or roads of such municipality at public expense under the conditions hereinafter stated; both which must exist;

(a) When any curb, previously constructed or reconstructed as a local improvement under chapter sixty-five of Title 40 of the Revised Statutes or under article XXV of chapter one hundred fifty-two of the laws of one thousand nine hundred and seventeen or under chapter ninety-nine of the laws of one thousand nine hundred and nineteen, is dilapidated or in need of repair or reconstruction, where such condition is not attributable to the acts or negligence of the abutting property owner or his predecessor in title nor that of any one for whose acts or negligence they are chargeable; and

(b) When the abutting property owner or his predecessor in title shall have paid within twenty years then last past, or shall pay, in full with interest all the assessment for the laying or relaying of the curb in front of his property (at least to the extent that the instalments of such assessment are then due).

L.1941, c. 208, p. 606, s. 1, eff. June 14, 1941.