Transnet taken to task over neglected properties in Umbilo

CONCERNED community members in the Umbilo area are appealing to Transnet to take into account the health and safety of residents living in Transnet houses in Jameson Crescent, Congella.

According to one resident, who asked not to be named, Transnet appears to be neglecting its responsibility as owner and lessor of the properties.

“Transnet is failing to maintain the houses in a safe state for the people who live in and around them. Many tenants have complained for years about outstanding maintenance on electricity, roofs, plumbing, and more, all of which pose possible risks to residents who fear foofs collapsing, geysers falling through ceilings and possible electrocution. They have also not upgraded security appropriately for the ever increasing crime in the area,” she said.

The property at number 59 Jameson Crescent was vacated three years ago after tenants left, leaving a hefty outstanding electricity bill.

Residents at neighbouring properties have complained of the unsightly, overgrown property, as well as an influx of snakes and rats in their properties.

They also fear the back garden has become a convenient hideout for criminals and noted an increase in petty theft in and around their properties.

“The property is just standing there with no access to running water or electricity and being hugely neglected. A further concern is the unacceptable working conditions for the security women expected to sit in that house daily with no access to water or toilets, so I can only assume they are using the garden as a toilet. That is unethical and inhumane. Previous security companies have pulled their people from that house due to the unacceptable working conditions, just to be replaced by employees from another company. That property is a huge health risk to the whole community,” said the resident.

She said the houses were clearly a burden to Transnet and they seem to have no interest in maintaining them nor ensuring the safety and well-being of their tenants.

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“Twenty years ago those houses were promised to the tenants as permanent properties which the tenants were supposed to purchase and pay off while working for Transnet. I believe due to the high price and time required to do land subdivision to allow the sale of the individual properties Transnet has delayed in keeping their side of the agreement. This has resulted in people in their senior phase of life now sitting with no fixed asset which they should have owned by now and burdened with a monthly rental,” said the resident.

She said the tenants in the houses were of low income and with very limited to no opportunity of alternative accommodation.

“They have been loyal employees and as tenants for many years, paying their rent diligently and reported issues as they rose. Transnet has on occasion come to take photos of required work but have not returned to execute the work in the past two years, and of late don’t answer their phones at all nor return calls when messages are left. We hope the right people or departments will be called to action immediately on overdue maintenance before someone gets seriously or fatally injured,” she said.

Responding to queries by Berea Mail on the matter, Molatwane Likhethe, spokesperson for Transnet SOC Ltd, said: “Transnet is aware of the maintenance issues in Jameson Crescent, Congella, and is currently looking into the matter.”

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