The residents of the Cora Erasmus retirement flats on Roos Street, Primrose, have raised alarms about the worsening state of the facility.
Faulty plumbing, leaking roofs, broken infrastructure and a lack of security have left them struggling to maintain basic living standards.
The lack of municipal maintenance has forced residents, many of whom rely on government grants, to shoulder the financial burden of repairs.
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“The cost of living is already high, and now we must use the little we have for maintenance. It’s unfair because the municipality is supposed to handle those issues,” said resident Sbongile Khumalo.
Unsafe and deteriorating conditions
Residents report several unresolved issues, including leaking roofs, broken windows and malfunctioning toilets.
“When we report these problems, we’re told there’s no budget,” said Maria Jacobs, another resident.
Security is another concern. Residents claim the facility’s boundary fence offers little protection, and intruders frequently access the premises.
“Our wheelie bins were stolen, and the gate barely works. We had to fix it ourselves twice because management said there was no budget,” Jacobs added.
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Struggling to cover costs
Many residents, particularly the elderly, rely on grants to cover living expenses. Yet, now they are forced to fund repairs out of pocket.
“Every time we pay for repairs, we sacrifice essentials like medication or proper meals,” said one resident.
Others shared frustration over having to fix their units upon moving in despite paying rent on time.
“It’s painful because other facilities like ours don’t face these problems,” said another resident.
The Germiston City News contacted Clr Wendy Morgan, who acknowledged the residents’ plight.
“I’m aware of the challenges they face, but budget constraints often result in issues not being attended to,” she said.
The residents seek help to return the facility to a safe and livable condition and need donations of materials, skilled labour and financial support.
Any help would be appreciated to alleviate the burden on this struggling community.
