The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has been accused of not maintaining a historic building that has been turned into elderly accommodation in Driehoek.

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Several concerns have been raised by elders residing at the facility situated at 33 Rose Innes Road, Driehoek.

The concerns accused CoE of poor management of the facility when it comes to maintenance of infrastructure.

Resident Pamela Mileham shared her experiences of hardship and that of other elders who reside at the municipal facility.

“There are overgrown weeds that are dangerous to the residents because as elders we can trip and get injured,” said Mileham.

“We had to do the cleaning ourselves this time around. I had to borrow cleaning equipment and get the other elders to help clean up. This is a municipal facility, they have to clean it and maintain it but they do not,” Mileham said.

Other troubles the residents are faced with include the state of security and safety and a stove that does not accommodate all the residents.

“In my two years staying there, we have had almost six burglaries and at first there was nothing done about it. The back gate was upgraded later on.

“No security guards are present and there are no electric fences. We previously received a stove that was, which is still not connected,” she said.

“The kitchen doesn’t have hot water and the elders have to carry buckets in and out of the kitchen. If they are not strong on their feet, they will trip and fall or get injured.”

Though they are faced with municipal failures to upgrade or maintain the building, she mentioned that some residents were excited to help her clean up the facility.

“There is one woman who helped me plant some chillies, and I gave her her own space where she planted her own things. Every day she has something to look forward to because she goes and checks on her plants,” explained Mileham.

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan said the building is indeed a municipal facility that needs to be maintained by CoE, but they have not done so.

“The matter was brought to my attention and I have since escalated it to the relevant departments, which include the housing department,” said Morgan.

“The residents have to be 60 and older to be eligible to stay at the facility. The municipality has not been taking care of the facility.

“The stove given by Lotto has to be connected by an electrician provided by Lotto. In terms of security, that is something I will still have to confirm with the departments.”

The GCN sent a request for comment to CoE on November 25, requesting comment by November 26 at 12:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.