Klein Helderkruin’s suffering ‘atrocious’, says Clarke

Getting a structure in place and facing issues head-on is the only way out for the controversial Klein Helderkruin Old Age Home, says Suzanne Clarke.

Clarke, who is councillor for Ward 83 (which includes the home) responded to an array of questions the Record posed based on information received from candidate councillor Sonja Meyer.

In summary, Meyer alleged that illegal tenants make the home ungovernable; the Roodepoort Care for the Aged (RCA) is doing a poor job of managing the place and is corrupt; up to 11 people live in one unit; businesses are being run illegally from within units and the parking lot; the residents are being threatened with violence, and the Department of Housing (DoH) has no vested interest in maintaining or saving the place.

According to Clarke, it is up to the DoH to answer to allegations against RCA and the process by which they were awarded a contract at various old age homes in Roodepoort, as councillors are not allowed to participate in any tender process.

“Yes, there are illegal residents living in the units, some people entirely skipped the growing waiting list and were unfairly allocated units,” she said.

“People are living in tents and have been waiting since 2008 to be allocated a unit. Illegal residents believe they have the right to harrass and threaten legal residents. [DoH] will have us believe eviction orders were issued, but illegal tenants are still occupying untis and getting braver by the day.”

Big problems at Klein Helderkruin

She’s queried it but is struggling to get feedback from the DoH, she said. The same goes for allegations about illegal businesses being run from the premises and questions about poor security. Clarke has also insisted on the installation of a solid-boom gate.

“Security is a problem – guards at the gates allow anyone to walk in, no questions asked – it’s a free-for-all.”

She called DoH services “atrocious” and made mention of poor lighting in corridors, on stoeps and outdoors.

“One resident waited nearly three months for someone to repair a burst geyser while others get preferential treatment.”

Clarke said she knows some residents get left out when things are donated to KH, and points out that donations are meant for all. Some monopolise goods donated to the facility.

“Without a residents’ committee, without the residents getting together and formalising this, it is near-impossible to be taken seriously,” Clarke concluded.

A structure will help formalise the concerns. The committee is to consist of a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, master of arms and a representative from each building on the premises to keep the committee democratic.

The following stakeholders have to date failed to respond to allegations regarding KH and poor control, despite being given fair time to do so:

• The Department of Social Development

• The Department of Housing in Region C

• The Department of Human Settlements

• Region C’s director, Mlamleli Belot

• The City of Johannesburg’s communications specialists

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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