Dear Editor,
We seek clarification from the relevant authority that holds responsibility for maintaining the areas in the Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme on the East Bank Demerara.
A notice was recently placed in the newspapers by the Diamond/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council advising residents of the area to clean any property that was overgrown with weeds. The notice continued that failure to comply by May 31, 2012 would result in the NDC clearing the property and applying the charges to the rates and taxes due for the property.
We went to the NDC on June 26, 2012 and provided them with the location of such a plot of land and a picture to show that the vegetation on the property is actually higher than the house next door. The officer at the NDC indicated that they are not in a position to have this rectified as the Ministry of Housing has not handed over the area to them as yet.
My question is this: how can the NDC be collecting rates and taxes and say that the ministry has not handed over the same area to them? How can the NDC place a notice in the printed media and then renege on their commitment?
Who are we to turn to for assistance in having the property next to ours cleared? It is unsightly and can be a safe harbour for criminals. We have also seen snakes and have a toddler who could be harmed.
Yours faithfully,
Deborah Sugrim
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Mr Irfaan Ally, Minister of Housing, for any comment he might wish to make.
