The Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) two Wednesdays took over full responsibility for twenty-four housing schemes, all of which have infrastructural work completed.

A statement from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the schemes were handed over to NDC Chairman Randolph Blair by the Land Administration Manager (ag) Gladwin Charles at Non Pariel, Section B community playground.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Four Shafdar Alli in his address urged the residents to play an important part in the management of the different schemes and to co-operate with the NDC. He also urged them to pay the rates and taxes so there can be further progress.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Claudette Moore called on residents to ensure that there is a good management team in the communities to facilitate the development of their respective areas and to report issues affecting them.

According to the release some residents raised concerns about the taxes they will have to pay but Blair said that properties will be valued using the 1995 system which will amount to a very small sum.

The residents expressed their gratitude to the government through the Ministry of Housing for expediting the handing over of the housing schemes.

The Ministries of Housing and Water and Local Government began the handing over process last week with the first being the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, the release added.