SENIORS of Silverkroon Old Age Home in Raceview are very frustrated with the fact their lift has not been working for a while now.
The RECORD visited them and saw a notice from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) which was written on July 23 stating the following:
This notice serves to make all tenants aware that the Department of Human Settlements is experiencing challenges with regard to operations of lifts in all the complexes across the City of Ekurhuleni. Recently a lift at Silverkroon broke down and a technician was requested to inspect it with a view that it is fully functional. Upon an inspection, the technician advised the Department to ensure that major maintenance is done on the lift in order to ensure the safety of the tenants.
In view of the technical report received from the technician, the department has no choice but to keep the lift non operational, the intention of which is to ensure the safety of tenants and to avoid unnecessary damages that may amount to a loss of life. Please note that all lifts will remain off until major service has been undertaken or new lifts installed.
This is anticipated to take place during or before the end of August. The Department would like to express its sincere apology for any inconvenience that will be experienced during the non-operation of the lift. Hope that you find the notice in order and understandable.
According to a resident who wishes to stay anonymous, this is a big problem as they are all old people and they struggle to walk. “What if something happens to a person on the third floor? How will an ambulance reach her quickly?” he said.
During the RECORD’S visit, we saw a lady with a walking frame climbing up the stairs to get to her flat.
Some of them haven’t been to shops, doctors or health clinics for medication. Another resident, who also wishes to stay anonymous, had the following to say: “We are all pensioners living in these flats which are three floors. Most of us are not very mobile. We only walk with assistance, such as walking sticks and more,” the woman said.
According to Annetjie Cornelius, who also spoke to one of the residents, she said they are very concerned about the living conditions here. “The most worrying problem for them is the lift that is out of order for over a week now. It is more out of service than working,” Annetjie said.
A comment was asked from EMM on July 26 at 9.51am and will publish the comment as soon as it is received.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
