Geduld couple living in tent at Olympia Palms
“We’re also on a deadline because I have an operation on September 3, after which I will be bedridden for six weeks,” says Riana.
The Lecordeur couple is now living in a tent after the metro asked them to move out so renovations could be done on the flat.
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“We were given three days by the metro to move out.
“The contractor came on August 8 to do the renovations, which were to remove the mould on the ceiling and to repaint the walls.
“However, the contractor could not proceed with the work order because he found the mould was embedded into the ceiling and he would have to remove the ceiling.
“The contractor then decided to not carry on with the job because he could not repaint the walls if he has to remove the ceiling,” says Riana Lecordeur.
Riana and Johan Lecordeur are now stuck in limbo as they wait for a new work order to be reissued and the contractor to come back.
They have been given no indication by the metro when the new work order will be issued and renovations done.
“With the first work order, we were initially told it would take a week, and we were happy to stay in the tent as long as the flat was being fixed.
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“Now, we don’t know what is going to happen and we both have health issues that are becoming worse with us living in the tent.
“We’re also on a deadline because I have an operation on September 3, after which I will be bedridden for six weeks,” says Riana.
The couple is currently using water and electricity from their flat while living in the tent.
Councillor Lorna Beharie says, “It is not acceptable that this couple has to sleep in a tent indefinitely.
“Its winter, the nights are cold and Riana and Johan have barely slept the last few nights as the area is not safe and there have been several robberies, so they have to protect their belongings, especially at night.”
Beharie was approached by various other residents at Olympia Palms complaining of similar issues.
“They stated that there are discrepancies regarding the amounts residents have to pay for their homes.
“The mould and maintenance issue is a common complaint.
“Residents say they have breathing issues because of the mould.
“Something needs to be done and quickly.
“Our people have a fundamental right to safe living conditions.
“I urge the council to not let their cries fall on deaf ears,” says Beharie.
The metro failed to comment.
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