FOR years the residents of Kenneth Gardens municipal rental flats have expressed their anguish over service delivery issues. The challenges include water leaks, peeling wall paint, crumbling walls, geyser issues, and lack of electricity meter readings.

One resident, Sharldene Lisa Moore, shared, “Our buildings look terrible. We have terrible water leaks, and they don’t come and read our meters. People have readings that are estimates for the last year.”
She added that there was no maintenance of buildings, and “bricks are falling off the walls”.

Residents also complained about illegal water and electricity connections, which they are forced to pay for. One long-time tenant shared, “I have sewage water leaking from my ceiling, that’s coming from upstairs in my passage and lounge. I complained and complained; nothing has been done. They say that they have no contractors to come out as they have not been paid for jobs that have been done by them.

“Our monthly rent is up to date, and others benefit from that, which is totally unfair. Also, it’s not safe to live in this complex anymore. Drugs, fighting, and theft are out of control. Our building is collapsing and has not been maintained in 20 years.”

Also Read: Kenneth Gardens residents deserve better, says Durban councillor

Another resident added, “Ever since I moved here seven years ago, the flats have never been painted. The floors have never been fixed, windows and window seals are broken and won’t close, and they are old and constantly leaking.”

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher said when the ward held a Masakhane Programme in May to address community concerns, most of the issues raised were from Kenneth Gardens.
“Residents were afforded the opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with various municipal officials, which they duly did.

“I have formatted a Service Delivery Link whereby Kenneth Gardens residents are encouraged to complete, so that I can raise long outstanding faults with the Rental Department. The challenges I had picked up on these forms is that no references had been logged, and outstanding rental amounts were due.”

Also Read: Maintenance issues plague Kenneth Gardens residents

Kristopher indicated that the department had raised concerns with her regarding their operational budget, which was below 21%. “Their stance is, how repairs can be done when no monies are coming in. I have, however, raised that some diligently paying tenants should not suffer for those that are not paying.

“To date, around 12 geysers have been replaced, lighting in corridors and grounds has been repaired and restored, as well as regular DSW and Parks services and grass cutting continues on a regular basis. I have also motivated for the fire extinguishers to be replaced and serviced timeously. Pre-paid water meters and electricity meter projects are also in the pipeline to also try and reduce costs.”

Kristopher encouraged the residents to contact her at cllr.frankay@gmail.com or WhatsApp 062 126 8731 to follow up with the Rental Department on outstanding issues or concerns they wish to raise.
The City of eThekwini has not responded to the Berea Mail enquiry.

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