The answer was that the departments concerned would be notified soon, and we would be refunded quickly. And indeed, in record time, China Light and Power contacted us, and we were refunded the exact amount. Congratulations to China Light and Power for its efficient service.

Unfortunately, as for the Office of the Water Authority, the deposits have not yet been refunded after almost six months. My first calls were answered by vague excuses like, for instance: our technicians don't dare go to the village, because they are afraid of the people who refuse to move out (this was said in October 1996, but the last villagers had all moved out by mid-September).

Another excuse mentioned was that the technicians could not find the address of the Catholic Mission; when I offered to guide them, then I was answered that the Government would not let us in anymore. Eventually, after many more calls, I received a letter dated January 16, saying that the water meter was found lost during the removal and that investigations were now proceeding. And the letter concludes with the well-known: 'We will contact you again as soon as our investigation has been completed.' Two months have passed, and still no news.

I find it extremely unfair that we have to call again and again, and write letters, just to claim money that actually belongs to us. Why can't the Water Authority just send us a cheque to refund this deposit, this would take only a short time, wouldn't it? It is the same Office of the Water Authority that was sending a 'Performance Pledge for 1996-97'.

The third item is: Refund of Water Deposit: 20 days. Past achievement: 99.6 per cent. But for us, it has taken six months, and we still haven't got it.

Father P. MASSCHELEIN Former Parish Priest of Rennie's Mill