Tweedy Park woes continue

The occupants of the 112 flats were desperate last year, when the only working lift became non-operational.

The elderly and sick had to struggle down the stairs and many became prisoners in their own homes.

“We are very grateful the lift has been repaired, but now we are faced with dry taps every day,” said a 73-year-old resident who asked not to be named.

“We have to buy water or fetch water from nearby taps in the complex. Fortunately, we can use the lift now to do this.”

Although the service elevator, which has been non-operational since 2011 has not yet been repaired, a second elevator is bringing huge relief to the residents.

It has been reported that this elevator has broken down twice since it was repaired in December, but in both cases the problem was attended to swiftly.

The Herald has been reporting on the predicament of the pensioners since last year.

Some of them did not leave their flats for weeks and missed out on doctors and clinic visits.

“We are grateful because it was very difficult without the lifts,” said Marie Vorster (69) who has been living on the eighth floor for many years.

The joy of having an elevator is, however, being overshadowed by the current water crisis.

The Herald has requested comment from the metro about the water issue.

In the meantime, the organisation Solidariteit Helpende Hand has come to the rescue of many of the residents.

Hannes Labuschagne has been placed at the flats on a permanent basis to assist the residents.

When the elevator was still out of order he assisted those who battled to climb the stairs.

At the time of the Herald’s visit to the complex, on Monday, Hannes was carrying containers filled with water to the residents who were unable to fetch their own.

He also assists residents with shopping and visits to hospitals and clinics.

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