RESIDENTS of Silwerkroon old age home are still without the use of their lift, months after it breaking.
A local man, Paul Swanepoel, found out about the matter and kindly offered to assist with repairing the lift, but the City of Ekurhuleni had other plans.
RECORD accompanied Swanepoel to the old age home to inspect the lift, but we were unable to access the lift or engine room because they were locked.
One of the municipal workers who assisted us called the supervisor, who promised to get back to us.
The worker told us that they are planning to replace the lift in December and have no intention of fixing it.
“If regular maintenance was done, there would not be issues like this,” said Swanepoel. “I met with the people on site the next day and we were not able to gain access to the machine room again. The staff changed the lock and were told not to allow me access. I went to the council and they advised they don’t want to do double work and the lift will be repaired in December. I tried to contact the main guy, but he was not available by phone or at office.”
Alderman Bruna Haipel, ward councillor, has been on this case from the beginning, trying to get the problem seen to.
“I think it is totally unacceptable that the lifts at Silwerkroon could be non functional until December. This metro is failing its elderly residents.
“Surely everyone must be aware that these are old people, many disabled, and they have not been able to get down or up for months now because they are in no state to use the stairs. Other residents must assist them with shopping, etc.,” said Haipel.
Also Read: Ward councillor on problems at Silwerkroon
“What arrangements is the department making to assist the residents,” Haipel asked the metro.
Haipel has gone as far as to contact the municipal manager and the mayor himself to address the situation of these elderly residents, but she is still awaiting feedback.
She is now attempting to get them to grant Swanepoel permission to have a look at the lift and possibly fix it. She has explained to the metro that Swanepoel will be doing it free of charge and that it should therefore be considered. She has further stated that this will help the elderly residents.
RECORD has contacted the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for comment, but we are still awaiting a reply.
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