Deneys Conradie residents fear impending disaster
The MMC stated that work will commence at the end of October, last year, yet the CoE spokesperson says inspections will need to be conducted.
Gingerly walking across the floor that supports the elevator motors at Deneys Conradie Residentia, caretaker Siva Pillay points to elongated cracks in the floor and wall.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” he said.
“I have been reporting this to the Ekurhuleni metro’s Department of Human Settlements for nearly five years. Inspectors come out yet nothing is being done. The damage is getting worse.”
According to Ward 73 and 96 Clr Mike Waters, R1m had been allocated for the refurbishment of the motor room.
“In response to questions asked in council in October, the MMC for the department, Alco Ngobese, confirmed that consultants had inspected the site and that a report on the scope of work would have been completed by the end of the same month,” said Waters.
“He confirmed that contractors had been identified and that work was set to begin at the same time. To date, nothing further has been done.”
Responding to the Benoni City Times’ questions regarding the structural damage and subsequent repairs, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that an inspection of the site will have to be done, which contradicts what Ngobese said.
“Following the installation of new lifts at the facility, it should be noted that it is much lighter than its predecessors thus issues of load impacting the brickwork is a non-factor,” said Dlamini.
“With that said, the city will take necessary steps to inspect the alleged damage and report accordingly.”
Easily slipping his fingers between the gaping holes between the wall and a support pillar, Pillay shakes his head.
“If this wall starts collapsing we are in a lot of trouble,” he said.
“Anyone walking or living in its proximity will be seriously injured. I do not like coming up here, it is just not safe.”
He further pointed out that the corrugated roof on top of the room is disintegrating from the corners and the sheets are loose.
During the MMC’s response in council, he said that the repair and replacement of the roof were not included in the initial assessment.
“This matter can, however, be investigated and a report will be requested from the consultants,” he said at the time.
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