The City of Ekurhuleni is aware of the vacant units at Presidentia, a municipal-owned housing complex that caters exclusively to pensioners.
The Advertiser questioned why there were so many unoccupied units in last week’s edition, Units empty while need grows, and highlighted the frustrations of would-be tenants.
Ward councillor Dean Stone shared the frustration and said he did not understand why the metro had not placed worthy tenants in the empty units. There are 23 vacant units, with some having been empty since 2019.
According to City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the units have not been filled because they are awaiting renovations and the appointment of service providers.
Also read: Gate fixed at Presidentia
“The units are filled as and when the renovations are completed.
“As and when the tenants move out, an outgoing inspection report is done with the tenant and the outcomes of this inspection determine the type of maintenance that is needed,” he said.
In terms of the waiting list for housing, Dlamini stated the City has approximately 181 applicants on the single pensioner’s waiting list.
Asked if there is an oversight committee to ensure allocation of housing is done strictly according to the waiting list, Dlamini explained there was none.
“The City utilises the rental policy guidelines to ensure the process of allocation is done according to the waiting list,” he said.
Also read: Metro still hasn’t addressed sewage problems
• Online readers react
The story was published on the Advertiser’s website at www.springsadvertiser.co.za. Readers took to our Facebook page to share their thoughts.
Nina Anthoney Pretorius
“My mother-in-law applied there seven years ago. Went to the council a few times and the last time, which was about six years ago, she was second on the list. Up until today, nothing. She has been second for six years now. Sorry, but you can’t trust anyone at the council.
Ivan Jacobs
“‘Comment requested from the City of Ekurhuleni will be published once it has been received.’ The City never responds to anything.”
Belinda Tinika Lee Korner
“It’s sad how one’s parents have been on a waiting list for more than a year and are told they have to wait for a home in the retirement village because they don’t have people to fix the houses. Even when your parents offer to fix it themselves, they still get told to wait.”
Meredith Rose
“Sadly, the council can’t be trusted for anything. I would avoid any council-owned complex like the plague. They will never do what they promise. Sadly, that is the reality when it comes to anything council-owned.”
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