CHAIRPERSON of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor, Thanduxolo Sabelo visited the community of Wentworth on Thursday, October 21 following complaints of issues with refurbished flats.
Dissatisfied residents were given a platform to voice their complaints about the renovations done by contractors assigned to refurbish the Major Calvert flats.
Issues include cracks in the walls, leaking roofs, damaged cupboards and faulty plumbing and electrical connections. Another resident claimed that part of his ceiling had caved in after recent heavy rains.
The Wentworth flats refurbishment project started in 2010 and is still ongoing. According to the project’s steering committee chairperson, Dr Desmond D’Sa, a budget of R140 million was set out to renew the over four decades strong flats.
“The residents are tired and are fearful for their safety within their own homes. We requested Sabelo to come and see the issues and faults for himself in hopes that he would assist us and try solving this issue,” said community activist and ward 68 candidate, Celeste King.
King added that she felt it was wrong that external contractors be hired to do the job when there were many skilled and unemployed youth in the community. An emotional resident, Jerusha Williams said everything was wrong with her family’s flat. “Our windows, cupboards, ceiling and electricity – everything wasn’t done right. We are a family of six and are very unhappy about the conditions we’re expected to live in.”
After hearing the residents’ grievances and assessing most of the damage, Sabelo confirmed that he did the condition of the flats was not up to par.
“King made a call to me and requested that I do a site inspection of the flats. I can confirm that I’ve seen shoddy workmanship. I have seen that in some of the flats, some things could have been done differently and properly. Our department will be working closely with King. We will schedule a meeting with the contractor who did the work on the flats as well as the officials from the department to try and sort out all these problems,” he said.
