Vehicle woes put brakes on pensioner outings
A pensioner is appealing to the community for any help in fixing her car's engine.
FOR Natal Settlers resident, Stella Southam, a looming repair bill for her old, trustworthy vehicle has put the brakes on trips to the shopping centre for her and other pensioners at the home.
Stella Southam said her old car had done a lot of mileage and she had recently been told she would have to have the engine re-conditioned at a cost of about R15 000.
“The oil has started leaking onto the spark plugs and I have been told by my mechanic that the engine will have to be re-conditioned. I had the spark plugs changed for now, but cannot afford to fix the engine,” she said.
Stella said she obviously uses her car for personal reasons, but her greatest concern is she will no longer be able to take the pensioners at Natal Settlers to the shops.
“I moved to Natal Settlers in 2007 and since then have transported the ladies to the shopping centre to do their shopping. They are too old to walk down to the centre, and enjoy getting out. It’s their own little bit of independence to be able to do their own grocery shopping and it’s an enjoyable outing,” she said.
Stella said she was not in the position to pay for the repairs to her vehicle as she only receives enough funds to cover her month to month expenses, and has nothing left at the end of the month.
“I am using my car at the moment, but I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be able to drive my car,” she said.
If you can help Stella in any way, contact her on 083 466 8280 or 073 492 3754.
