WARD 33 Councillor Mmabatho Tembe said action needs to be taken by the Housing Department to address cleanliness at Kenneth Gardens municipal housing estate.
“These residents are the real ‘forgottens’. The cleanliness at both upper and lower Kenneth Gardens is atrocious, and I have had more clean-ups at Kenneth Gardens since I have become a councillor than anywhere else and the problem never seems to be resolved,” she said.
Tembe has taken the matter up with the Head of Housing But says there always seems to be the same excuse, that there isn’t enough budget to address the problem.
“For the people who are paying rent and rates, they deserve better service than they are receiving from the municipality. During the holidays weeks went by without the refuse being removed from the grounds. Residents then start dumping bags on the pavements outside the estate, which becomes an eyesore,” she said, adding that she would request a drive-around with DSW and would urge them to assist Housing with the refuse and dumping issues.
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“People have complained about the flies, rats and snakes and I believe they deserve better assistance. There are a few residents who try clean up the area by their flats, but the majority are left to live in their own filth,” she said.
Tembe commended resident Vijay Jivan who lives in Plumosa Court, for his effort to clean up around his building and see to the gardens outside. Mr Jivan said he had lived in his flat for 30 years and felt it was important to take pride in his home.
“I will request another clean-up with DSW and Parks, but I feel Housing needs to communicate more with other departments and take ownership of these buildings and surroundings,” she said.
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