The process to instal new lifts at the City of Ekurhuleni’s rental properties started last week.
Among the nine properties in the region to receive new lifts are Tweedy Park and Roxanna Mansions in Brakpan.
Residents have had to use the stairs while the lifts have been out of order.
The lift components are ordered outside of South Africa and then shipped in, which is a lengthy process.
Two contractors have already been appointed and during their recent introduction to ward councillors.
MMC for Human Settlements Lesiba Mpya explained the contract for the installation of the lifts comes with one year’s free maintenance.
He said this will give the city sufficient time to go out on tender or use contractors already on the city’s supplier database to maintain the lifts thereafter.
Mpya added that due to the age of some of these properties, it may be necessary to re-strengthen the shafts to make sure they are able to carry the weight of the lifts.
Read: Ekurhuleni amends load-shedding schedule
Re-wiring will also be done to make sure the power supplied is in line with the technology fitted to the lifts.
In addition, according to Mpya, the lift purchase agreement comes with a back-up generator that will kick in when there is an interruption in the power supply.
“We want our residents, especially the elders, to be able to use the lifts anytime, even during load-shedding,” he said.
“We are trying to bring back dignity to our people.”
The work will be completed by June 30 next year.
Brandon Pretorius, DA councillor for Ward 97 in Brakpan, told the Herald persistence was key in ensuring this “major victory” to improve the lives of Brakpan’s most vulnerable.
“Since elected in 2016, one of my main long-term priorities was to ensure the lifts at Tweedy Park are repaired or replaced as it has been a long-outstanding matter causing fear and frustration to residents on a daily basis,” he said.
“Over the past few years there has rarely been a time that both lifts have been working simultaneously or consistently.
“Residents will soon no longer need to fear using the lifts at Tweedy Park and Roxana Mansions.
“Site establishment is already happening and new back-up generators have also been installed to ensure no elderly resident of our community gets stuck in a lift again.
“As a member of the community, this is personally a huge victory.
“As the DA in Ekurhuleni, we welcome and celebrate this victory and will continue to fight for our residents on all fronts.”
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