Amid much debate and discussion, a motion by the Democratic Alliance (DA) calling for the improvement of the structural integrity of council-owned rental properties in Ekurhuleni was finally carried at the monthly Ekurhuleni council meeting on April 26.
According to DA councillor for Ward 29 Haseena Ismail, the motion comes after living conditions in council flats have become desperate, unbearable and dangerous for residents due to structural damage from years of decay and lack of maintenance by the metro.
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“Actonville, for example, currently has 11 council-owned blocks of flats with only two of them receiving refurbishment, while the other nine remain in shocking condition due to poor maintenance,” said Ismail.
“Each flat needs to be refurbished in totality, which includes the replacement of water pipes, sewerage pipes, geysers, leaking taps and damaged fixtures.”
She added that the motion also called for the reduction of unaccounted for water losses and ensuring health and safety during the refurbishment.
“The additional resolution stated that the Human Settlements Oversight Committee will monitor the refurbishments at all the council-owned flats throughout Ekurhuleni, as well as provide a comprehensive report to council at the next sitting.
“The motion is one of the measures taken by the DA to ensure that residents of Ekurhuleni get the services that they deserve.
“We will closely monitor the implementation of the refurbishments and continue to work to restore the dignity of the people living in these flats,” Ismail said.
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