Retirement residence in Dinwiddie needs maintenance

Ward 37 Clr Ivan Naidoo has voiced his dissatisfaction with the City of Ekurhuleni over its incapacity to maintain retirement flats in Dinwiddie.

Naidoo spoke with residents while on a visit to the Corrie Oberholzer retirement flats.

He said although the CoE owns the facility, they have not conducted sufficient maintenance work.

“The grass is grown over. Weeds have begun to deteriorate the pavement in the parking lot. Residents are losing belongings to rats because of the infestation of rodents,” said Naidoo.

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“Rooms with electricity problems have been abandoned. CoE needs to fix these rooms so that people can use them. Revenue is lost as those rooms cannot be occupied.

“CoE’s excuse is that there is no budget. Why isn’t there a contractor to fix the problems in this building so that residents can continue to live their lives in peace and enjoy their retirement?

“Four rooms have water leaking from the roof, which has an impact on the wardrobes as they are built-in cupboards.

“Rain causes the ceiling to cave in which gradually deteriorates the structure. The city takes no action to make the life of the elderly better,” said Naidoo.

He has raised questions in the council about the ownership of the land in front of the senior living facility.

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“Criminals are gradually using the trees, which have grown taller than humans, as hiding places. The neighbouring substation is frequently vandalised, and criminals take refuge in the bushes.

“The elderly lack security, thus the city must hire security for them as well,” said Naidoo.

The GCN has sent a request for comment to the CoE, requesting comment by February 2 at 13:00.

By the time of going to print no comment was received.