Asbestos roof removal at council flats sparks health fears and flooding chaos
Some of the residents on the upper floors were moved to empty flats which also leak heavily, while others remain under the roofless structure.
The council-owned Weltevreden Flats in Brakpan Central have been drowning in water leaks for about three months after a section of the old asbestos roof panels were removed.
The roof was removed to replace the asbestos health hazard with corrugated roofing, but according to residents nothing was done to protect the building below.
Several residents have severe leaks in their flats, or in the flats they were moved to while the section of roof is being replaced, with one resident having to catch the dripping water in a large plastic tub which they empty out twice daily using a bucket.
Additionally, residents claim that the asbestos roofing was not removed and disposed of safely, or according to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations of 2020.
These regulations require that all asbestos waste is placed in containers that will prevent exposure during handling (21a), and that the premises, structure or area are thoroughly checked to ensure that all asbestos waste intended for disposal has been removed (21b).
As such, it is required to remove asbestos-containing materials in such a manner that no asbestos dust is spread, is immediately placed into an airtight container to limit exposure, and to decontaminate the building, transport equipment and personal protection equipment of anyone who handled the asbestos.
These procedures were reportedly not followed, and since asbestos is a severe carcinogen (substance that can cause cancer), not following these guidelines puts the residents of the apartments, as well as the contractors removing the roofing at severe health risk.
Other damages were also reported, including cracking and crumbling walls, broken windows and satellite dishes, and even damage to residents’ gardens. Allegedly all these damages were caused by the contractors during removal of the roofing.
Some residents now have to contend with mold and mildew, which is another risk factor for lung diseases on top of the asbestos, and other safety risks such as building rubble left on the premises by the contractors and stripped and broken electrical boxes are also of major concern.
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City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained the asbestos roof at Weltevreden has for years had challenges of cracking and some parts falling off, hence some units at the top floor were vacant.
“The residents were moved to other units due to the leaking roof challenges. The city removed the asbestos roof mid-February, and the roof was covered with a PVC sheeting to keep rain out in wait for new designs. The asbestos sheeting removed from the building has been dumped at a hazardous dumping area,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the designs for the roof had to be amended again after exposure of the roof and due to specialised roofing. Manufacturing of both the trusses and Chromadek was delayed.
“However, trusses are on site and installation of the roofing will resume immediately. The damaged units will receive total refurbishment.
“The moisture and cracks in slab will be removed and sealed to ensure that there is no more water seepage to below units. The city aims to complete the project by the end of June.”
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