Residents in the 964 municipality-owned flats in Isipingo are rejoicing over their newly-renovated residences.
“The flats are being cleaned and repaired where necessary, re-painted and the electricity and plumbing upgraded,” said Isipingo PR councillor, Jaco Pienaar.
“Most blocks didn’t have any gutters left and some flats are even getting a new front door if required.”
The cost of the project is about R95-million. “It is a three-year project, but already 20 of the 28 blocks have been completed,” said Cllr Pienaar.
“eThekwini Municipality contractors, as well as local contractors are doing the work. We are trying to employ as many locals as possible. At each block we try and employ residents from that block to do the work.”
Each block’s refuse area has been upgraded and new bins allocated. Refuse is now collected twice a week, instead of only once.
“The flats are coming out lovely,” said Molly Harriesunrer, a resident of Kingfisher flats since they were built 32 years ago. “This is the first time the flats have been renovated. There are no major problems, but they need renovation. The window frames are wooden and they’ve never been changed, so many have disintegrated over time.”
Molly’s block of flats, which are next on the list to be renovated, will soon boast new aluminum window frames.
“I’m looking forward to them tackling my block next. The people living here have been looking forward to these renovations.
The residents even got to choose their block’s colours and the municipality has promised to hand over the title deeds to their flats, which they current rent, once all the renovations are completed.
