Residents of council flats fed up with ‘neglect’

Residents of Jeppe Julius Park are not happy with the state of the council flats, which they say is deteriorating.

“The flats are rotten and look like they are about to fall apart. We are now living in fear and concerned about our health.

“The water damage is everywhere, to the point of tiles coming off,” said one resident, who wished to be known only as Esther.

“I had to fix the tiles myself because when you report the matter to the office, you receive no assistance,” said Esther.

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“Many of the residents have been living in the block of flats for more than 10 years and have never seen any maintenance being undertaken. The council flats have a number of challenges and no action is being taken to address them. This has been an ongoing battle for residents to get the council to attend to these issues.”

In March and October 2016 the EXPRESS reported on the same issues, which are safety, maintenance and title deeds.

Resident Moira Nel said they are tired of living in these conditions.

“What is happening is not fair because we pay rent, but what are we paying for?

“Some residents have even stopped paying because it does not make a difference whether you pay or not. We have been requesting for the flats to be refurbished, but nothing has been done. We have asked for the place to be fenced off and we are still waiting,” said Nel.

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According to Nel, three petitions have been signed by residents, but to no effect.

“The mayor, Herman Mashaba, is aware of the condition of these council flats. He came to visit late 2016 and was taken on a tour. We request Mashaba to come and fulfil his promise he made during campaigning season.

“At the time he promised that when he becomes mayor he will secure the flats and fix the street lights and the ‘bridge of death’. He came that day, but ever since he became mayor, he has never come back,” said Nel.

The ‘bridge of death’ connects Jules Street to John Page.

Nel said the bridge promotes crime, adding that people have been robbed and killed on the bridge when crossing.

“There are no lights, so you cannot see who is standing at the end of the bridge. Another petition requested that the bridge be closed,” said Nel.

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Ward 61 Clr Vusi Zondo said he has been raising Jeppe Julius Park issues with management with no luck.

“The response is always the same: ‘We are going to send the contractor to fix,’” said Zondo.

He said he has even asked for simple things, such as cutting of grass, without success.

“The grounds need maintenance. A simple issue of cutting trees is a challenge. As a councillor, I can only go so far,” said Zondo.

The EXPRESS sent a message to the mayor’s office on October 31 with a request for comment by November 1 at 12 noon.

At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.