Senior citizens well nestled in council-owned old age homes
“In these complexes, the elders are guaranteed maximum security with the provision of functional lifts, secure gates, fencing around the complexes and an adequate external lighting system,” says Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.
For just a minimal fee of R75.05 plus standard monthly levies ranging from R233 to R389, senior citizens get to be housed comfortably at safe old age homes owned by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
The metro owns 25 old age homes facilities, some in a form of flats and complexes with 50 units per complex.
These homes are situated in different areas across the city to cater to the housing needs of senior citizens.
For senior citizens to qualify as residents of the council-owned old age homes, they must be 60 years or older, be South African citizens and residents of Ekurhuleni. However, an exception can be made in different circumstances based on merit.
A fundamental criterion for the aged to be accommodated at these council facilities include the elders’ ability to attend to themselves and earn a monthly income (individually or jointly) within the bracket of R1 501 and R4 000 so as to be able to pay the monthly 5 per cent rental fee, starting at R75.05.
At the council-owned old age homes, elders are charged monthly levies to cover fees for assessment rates, service charges, administration, maintenance costs and water consumption.
The levy amounts that are charged in addition to the 5 per cent of income are as follows:
- Double unit levy is R292.31
- Single unit levy is R233.85
- One bedroom unit levy is R292.30
- Two bedroom unit levy is R389.74
Meanwhile, electricity consumption is billed separately.
Should the tenant’s joint monthly income be lower than R1 501 the elders will only pay the stipulated monthly levy.
“Over the years, the metro has been battling technical faults with lifts inside the old age flats, affecting the mobility of the aged.
“However, the metro is currently on course to ensure the safety of the elders by setting aside a budget of R12-million for the complete refurbishment of the lifts in nine of its complexes.
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“In these complexes, the elders are guaranteed maximum security with the provision of functional lifts, secure gates, fencing around the complexes and an adequate external lighting system,” says Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.
Furthermore, prior to occupation, elders are expected to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Accommodation at council-owned old age homes/flats is reserved for the aged only and children are not allowed to reside permanently with tenants.
