Tafta battles rising building costs

TAFTA's projects to build Langeler Towers and restore John Conradie House continues to grow in scope and costs.

According to Margie Smith, chief executive officer, at the beginning of March the engineers discovered that the brick facade and outward facing walls of John Conradie House were weather damaged to the point of being deemed unsafe. All but 70 of the 208 residents had to be moved to other TAFTA residences.

“I’m so grateful to our donors for bringing us this far along this incredible journey. As the pace of construction accelerates, I keep reminding myself of 'the miracle of TAFTA', words John Conradie often said to me when I doubted we could complete a task that seemed just too enormous. I have witnessed many miracles over the years. Although the shortfall at the end of June stands at R 50.37 million we remain undaunted and more determined than ever to raise the funds required,” she said.

She said she had no doubt they would put the roof on Langeler Towers and see John Conradie House restored to a modern building.

The renovation of John Conradie House, which houses needy aged at South Beach, was scheduled as part of the Langeler Towers project.

“No-one could have foreseen the building challenges which we have had to face and overcome since the project commenced. There are 208 rooms which need to be upgraded and refreshed to match the new building. We need new beds and mattresses, chairs, bedside tables and blinds for the bedrooms. Some of these older people never get out at all. That’s why the decor needs to be calm and pleasing, a haven of peace and tranquility,” said Smith.

She said the soft furnishings would cost almost R4000 per room and total funding required to furnish all 208 rooms would be R832 000.

If you can help with one or more of these items visit www.tafta.org.za/furnish.asp

The TAFTA Schools Programme is aimed at involving schools in helping to provide more sheltered accommodation and care for older people. TAFTA has produced booklets containing 20 symbolic paper bricks that cost R10 each and schools are encouraging pupils to sell the bricks. There’s a prize of R1 000 for the pupil who sells the most bricks and the school that sells the most bricks will win R1 000 and a Tablet PC.

“The TAFTA staff and residents have given the phrase 'Charity begins at home' a whole new meaning. They’ve also taken up the challenge to sell as many booklets as possible. Homes are competing against each other, and staff are competing against each other to win the title of most books sold,” said Smith.

If you want to join in the ‘Brick’ campaign contact the income development and PR department on 031 332 3721 or email info@tafta.org.za

The campaign runs until June 2015.