Max Goodman Park resident fed-up
My husband made a homemade geyser with a drum. It’s still an effort but it's better than having to boil water on the stove
Flats at Max Goodman Park in Bez Valley have been left to deteriorate and residents have to come up with the means to keep their houses in shape.
“I have been living here for 32 years and when we moved in here we had maintenace offices based here to report any problems in flats. Things just changed five years ago and now the flats are falling apart because no maintenance is being done,” said Mrs Theresa Cheary.
According to Mrs Cheary ever since the offices were moved the flats have been facing challenges and no one is attending to them.
Mrs Cheary said a number of residents do not have working geysers and the problems are never attended to.
“I have been waiting for my geyser to be fixed for nine years. We are four people living in the flat and we have to boil water every day. My husband opted to make a homemade geyser with a drum. It’s still an effort but it’s better because you turn it on before bathing and switch it off,” she said.
“I reported my geyser a number of times and have been told there is no money,” said Mrs Cheary.
She said another challenge is the lights in the yard that do not work, making the level of crime a problem.
“You cannot park your car here. You need to monitor it and the gate is also not locked. Criminals can walk in as they like. Some break into the cars. We have security guards but they do nothing. Their presence makes no difference,” said Mrs Cheary.
Mrs Cheary said they were promised title deeds.
“We had a meeting a few years back and we were promised title deeds. After that people came to evaluate the flats but we did not receive our title deeds. Some residents when to the office to enquire about the title deeds but they were told R80 must be paid in order to receive a copy of the title deed,” said Mrs Cheary.
Mrs Cheary said when she first moved into the flat she signed a lease and she paid according to her earnings.
“A majority of the residents here are pensioners and others are unemployed. We pay rent but others cannot even afford rent. We are sitting here not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow. We pay rates and taxes but we don’t even own the flats,” said Mrs Cheary.
The EXPRESS sent an enquiry to Johannesburg Property Company on Monday, May 16.
“After consulting with our project managers, I was informed that the property in question falls under City Parks and have forwarded the enquiry to them,” said Bliss Yeni from JPC.
City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, Ms Jenny Moddley said the complex is managed by Sport and Recreation.
“Will refer to Sport and Recreation as it is not managed as a park but as a community development facility,” said Ms Moddley.
The EXPRESS sent a second inquiry, highlighting its request for comment was in reference to the flats at Max Goodman Park.
“I will get back to you as soon as possible,” Mr Yeni replied to the EXPRESS.
