The R16.6m upgrade of the Zibambeleni Old Age Home in Gamalakhe recently came to an abrupt halt.
The construction was undertaken by the KZN Department of Human Settlement and Public Works in 2021, but there has not been any movement on the construction site since the beginning of the year.
Former Human Settlements MEC Jomo Sibiya had said the facility would be a double-storey centre with 120 beds, a gym area and a garden for residents to use.
However, residents living around the facility allege that drug users ‘amaphara’ have bent the fence to gain access and smoke inside.
They claimed that the lack of security personnel at the facility is the root of the issue.
Speaking to Fever, Ray Nkonyeni municipal spokesperson Simon April, through the information they received from the Zibambeleni Old Age Home’s Board, can indicate that the relevant department said it had only a quarter of the required funds for the whole project to be completed even before it kicked-off.
“According to the Board, they have since been requested by the department to submit a written report on what had been done with the initial funding, but also to submit what is still to be done, including the estimated costs. The Board made the submissions and is awaiting a response,” he said.
He added that the Board was unaware that drug users were in the facility.
After the recent general elections, the KZN Department of Human Settlement and Public Works was split into two departments.
Siboniso Duma is the new KZN MEC for the Department of Transport and Human Settlements, while Martin Meyer was named the KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure.
The spokesperson for the Department of Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said the department was aware of the challenges associated with the project.
“Last week, Duma met with the National Council of Provinces to present projects that the Department of Human Settlements is rolling out throughout the province. He assured parliament and communities that where there are challenges, the department will intervene. Like the Zibambeleni Old Age, a comprehensive report will have to be presented pointing out areas of weakness and strength so that challenges can be addressed,” said Sibiya.
Meanwhile, Matthew Gumede, who lives across the facility, said he is willing to guard it against drug users until construction resumes, saying that he is able to talk to whoever is in charge.
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