After many years spent overseas, during which I had regular visits to Mauritius, I finally decided to buy a property with a view to settling down here. I found the property I wanted late last year. I organised a power of attorney and went overseas with photos of the same property in need of major renovation and its location to discuss eventual purchase with my family. We decided to go ahead and the property was bought through my power of attorney in late February.

As I wanted to save time, I made arrangements from overseas for an architect in Mauritius to have my house plans drawn for extension and renovation. I came here in March hoping to submit my new house plan and contract to the appropriate authorities for approval. I thought five months should be ample time to go through the process and get all works completed as my wife was to join in August. How wrong and misguided I was ! After eight months, I am still awaiting for my elusive contract, which my notary has failed to submit for transfer-registration, in spite of several meetings and reminders. As a last resort in September, the department of notaries was informed of the current instructions and one week later, I was informed that my file has been sent to your department for further action if any. Various telephone calls to your secretary, whom I was told was in charge of my case, were a complete waste of time. I am still awaiting for her to get back to me in spite of several telephone calls. Two weeks ago, a personal letter was sent to you explaining the urgency of the situation and making myself available to meet any of your staff members so that the matter can be investigated and resolved. Until now I have not even received an acknowledgement of my complaint from the department !

I am so disappointed specially after being saturated lately on the media with all the rhetorics from our politicians on good governance, accountability, etc. that I am flying back overseas with my house plans in my luggage to join my wife who left two weeks ago.

Eddy XÉRÈS P.S. I have made arrangements for the municipal rates, still being issued on the previous owner, name and address, to be paid?by me and on time.