The La Parfaite Harmonie community has been officially handed over to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). This means that the NDC now has full responsibility for the upkeep of the community and the wellbeing of the residents who will soon be paying rates and taxes.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to hand over the community, was signed by Chairman of the NDC, Dolis Eadies and CHPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson. This event was held at the La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School.
The communities handed over were Westminster, Phase one and two, La Parfaite Harmonie, Phase one and two, Recht-door-Zee, Phase one and two, Onderneeming, Phase one and two and Schoonard, Phase one and two.
Minister Ferguson said that with the handing over of the community to the NDC, there should be massive development in the community. However, she noted that for the NDC to effectively execute their duties, the residents need to also play their part.
“Many of us do not like to hear about taxes but we have to face the reality. For us to enjoy basic services, that of a healthy environment, a healthy community, maintenance of our roads… it is your responsibility to work closely with your NDC to ensure that they execute their mandate, as governed by law…. we must work collectively,” the minister underscored.
However, the minister noted that the government will ensure that all the infrastructural works that began under the CHPA are completed.
“Despite the formal handing over of the community, to the NDC, the Central Housing and Planning Authority will still play its part in guaranteeing that the basic infrastructure is upgraded,” the minister assured.
Kenneth West, a resident of the community, was in high praise of the undertaking. “I was long looking forward to a day like today and I know things will be far better and we are going to enjoy the community better because facilities are going to come in place that was not here before… and we are going to work with the NDC,” West said.
Youlanda Harvey also echoed similar sentiments. “I am very happy about with the handing over of Parfaite Harmonie. Now we can pay our taxes and get a better community,” Harvey stated.
NDC Chairman Eadies assured that they will continue to work along with the Housing Authority and other agencies for the further development of the community. Eadies also called on the residents to collaborate with the NDC to develop the community.
As it relates to the paying of rates and taxes, CHPA’s CEO noted that all the properties must be evaluated before that can happen. (Department of Public Information)
