The Editor, Sir:

Please allow me space to get the prime minister's attention on an issue for legislative change.

In this pervasively challenging economic climate and prior to now for others, it has become increasingly difficult for some apartment owners to pay maintenance on time, yet parliamentarians who have been elected to protect the rights of all citizens, or maybe it is only some who have rights, are debating a change of the law to put more hardship on the back of the already disenfranchised citizens.

Have you considered that there are persons whose positions have been made redundant, and do not qualify for a pension are owners of these apartments that you want to sell without their knowledge if they fall behind in paying maintenance? It, therefore, leaves no alternative but to ask whose interest is being served for such a proposal. Certainly, it is not the owners who are living day to day with the help of good Samaritans. Is it the Government's plan to amend the law to place these people in places such as the infirmaries that are under their watch?

Callous insensitivity

One radio-programme host said if people cannot afford to pay, they should not live in the apartment complex. What callous insensitivity! But then again - too many people do not care what is happening as long as it is not happening to them. The opportunity to speak at this time is taken, since I cannot foretell the future, and although things are well with me, it can change in a moment, God forbid! Maybe not so for some, but I admit that I am a mere mortal.

To add insult to injury, apartment owners have not been consulted to have a say in their status and the persons who sit in the House of Representatives are oblivious of the realities of these people, while getting their bills paid are ready to sign off on such a change. This is disgraceful and inconsiderate! One wonders if ideas come to their mind after a night of eating too much pepperoni pizza. Pardon my ignorance, I forgot that they do not eat such a paltry costing thing when one considers that a chair for an office is said to be in the region of $77,000 - another example of the waste of public funds.

Revenue fund

Another area of concern is the custodian of the revenue fund into which 2.5 per cent of annual contribution will be held. Is it a case that it will be under the Government's watch only to be told that it is missing from some safe with no trace of when or how it happened? Some apartment complexes have systems in place to deal with major repairs and renovation and abhor the added burden the prime minister and his Cabinet ministers want to put on the necks of law-abiding citizens.

Mr Prime Minister, we are not against the payment of maintenance fees, but certainly there cannot be a blanket statement to sell our units if we fall behind in the payment, some of which are already too high. We want town-hall type dialogue or, alternatively, set up a hotline where people will be able to state their cases. You might be surprised to hear the realities of some persons. Apartment owners are expected to be consulted so that views can be aired and the best decisions taken in keeping with best practices.

I am, etc.,

NANCY DREW

holistic.77@hotmail.com

Waterford

St Catherine