Dear Editor,
I respectfully request that you grant me some space in your letter column to call on the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (Ministry of Communities) to further modify the Condominium Regulations and Miscellaneous Act Chapter 36.22 Act .4 1989, amended by 20 of 1991, under the Laws of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in order that the conflicts and animosity which presently exist between neighbours in the existing previously owned Government condominium housing schemes, which are now privately owned, would cease to exist.
After living as a State tenant from December 1970, and paying a rent to the State of eighteen dollars a month, I acquired the property by way of cash purchase of twenty five thousand dollars $25,000. A Certificate of Sale was issued to me and each purchaser by the then Government, but the issue of two apartments sharing one septic tank that existed then, still does until this day.
In 2002, I applied to the City Engineer’s Department for
permission to extend my premises for the benefit and welfare of my family. Permission was granted to me by the then City Engineer, Mr. Cephas James, by way of documentation dated March 22, 2002, with reference to Plan #116/2002,to carry out the works on my building.
Notice Re: Public Health Ordinance Cap. 145 (Notice Requiring Abatement of Nuisance) dated 9th February 2017 by the City Public Health Department was sent to me in connection with a Septic Tank on my property, which is not in use by me and my family, but is presently being used by my neighbour at 693 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, which I was authorised to remove, but cannot touch because of the present Condominium Act.
However, my neighbour’s action of failing to erect their own septic tank at their 693 premises, is hindering me from completing my construction work over the years.
This matter is now before the Courts and was sent to the Mediation Centre for resolution, where I was advised that the fact of two apartments sharing one septic tank is still in force under the present Condominium Act. Although some property owners had erected their own private septic tanks, others are refusing so to do.
My neighbour at 693 is aware of the irregularities in the Act and therefore refuses to build their own septic tank, causing me and my family to suffer ill health from flies and rats due to the overflowing of the septic tank, which they have not taken the responsibility to clean.
Editor I implore upon you to grant the publicity of this letter in your columns, for the benefit of all and sundry who may be suffering as I am, in order that the animosity which presently exists between neighbours can be eradicated by my Government, by modifying the Act once and for all without any unreasonable delay.
Yours faithfully,
David Noel
