TENTANTS of Silverkroon Old Age Home in Raceview are still stuck in their rooms as the lift, which has not been working for months now, will only be repaired by December.
The RECORD visited the home a while back and found a notice from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) from 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 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.”
Still not operational
A new letter has been sent out where it states that the lift will only be repaired in December.
Also Read: Old age home tenants have to use stairs
Alderman Bruna Haipel said that she is extremely upset that these poor elderly people have been without a lift for months now and they have not even been kept informed of the progress EMM is making and why there is such a delay.
“The elderly residents have had to walk up and down the stairs for months now. Some residents who are disabled have not been able to leave the building. This is not acceptable,” said Haipel.
“Albertonians have been helping the seniors out where they can, but it is still about three months before the lift will be repaired. What if there is an emergency? How are the ambulances or paramedics going to get to the people in time?” said a source who wishes to stay anonymous.
According to Haipel, councillors have gone out of their way to get answers and a solution for this problem
The RECORD requested comment from EMM but no comment was received by the time of going to press.
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! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
