De Wetshof elderly have just about had it

The residents of De Wetshof Old Age Home in Kensington are upset over what they term the level of “neglect and corruption” from those instituted to oversee the running of the retirement village.

Residents of the city-owned retirement village believe they have been left to their own devices, despite furnishing rent payments ranging between R180 and R380 per month.

Crumbling roof structures, dysfunctional street lights and ongoing plumbing concerns are just the tip of the iceberg.

Residents alleged that officials at the village, who they say are never on hand to attend to any queries, are misappropriating funds that are meant for the financing of such maintenance.

According to one longstanding resident, who has been at the home for the past six years, a number of the concerns she’s directed have continued to fall on the deaf ears of management.

Also read: Elderly De Wetshof residents say they are being left in the lurch

“I’ve gone to the office to report problems but they are not coming to help me,” said the resident, who requested to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.

“I’ve got a blocked toilet, but I also can’t use the bath or the kitchen sink. When I use the toilet, the water runs out from the drain outside and all the faeces along with it.”

The resident said she’s had to finance all of these endeavours out of her own pocket.

Several other residents, also wishing to remain anonymous, agreed that issues at the home remain unresolved.

“For the two and a half years that I’ve been living here, my outside lights haven’t been working,” said one other resident.

“I’ve complained a number of times but nothing gets done. You’ve got to literally go on your knees before anything gets done.”

Also read: De Wetshof elderly have just about had it

Another resident said, “There was a recent break-in at the village and electricity cables were stolen. I had to help fix the problem myself otherwise we wouldn’t have electricity, and that could persist for months.”

Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen said the allegations by the elderly of De Wetshof are a constant issue.

He, however, said that they remain allegations until such time as substantial evidence to prove them is provided.

When asked whether he makes visits to the home to identify some of the problems, Pietersen said he does so on a consistent basis.

“It’s not to say that I don’t believe the residents, as I do believe that there are issues there,” said Pietersen.

“I understand that there are plans by the Department of Housing [Johannesburg] to turn things around at the village. In addition, I believe that there have been some developments on the management side, but those are just rumours at this stage.”

“It looks like there may be underlying corruption at the Department of Housing, but I don’t have any evidence,” said Pietersen.

Also read: Woman allegedly assaulted at retirement home

“I do not understand why we employ plumbers and contractors that don’t use undercoats that don’t put traps under the geyser trays. We are spending money but are not getting the kind of service that any self-respecting contractor knows that they are supposed to provide.”

While at the village, the EXPRESS was unable to find the manager or any official in the office for comment.

Responding to an inquiry from the EXPRESS, the Department of Housing said it is aware of the allegations regarding alleged misappropriation of funds and poor maintenance, citing, however, that residents have been engaged about their concerns.

“There are allegations and these have been responded to via a report that was done after the residents signed a petition,” said Willington Simelane, the department’s spokesperson.

“In their petition, the residents make claims based on a certain employee of whom they are aware, manages that particular village. Whilst it may feel inadequate as they are not based at the village 24/7, there is a manager who receives their grievances.”

Commenting on residents’ complaints about maintenance, Simelane said maintenance is an ongoing function.

He said residents’ concerns will be attended to by the area manager and the regional head of housing.

“The area manager will keep the residents informed about the plan to address the concerns including timelines,” he said.

Simelane noted that the housing department is responsible for all maintenance work and that residents should approach the department’s area manager over any concerns.

Commenting on whether he could say for certain the elderly are receiving the best possible care, he said, “As in any line of work, there is always room for improvement.”