The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has been accused of failing to maintain a historic building that has been turned into elderly accommodation in Driehoek.

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It has been brought to the GCN’s attention for the second time in the last three months.

Pamela Mileham, an elderly resident at the facility, previously said the CoE is not maintaining the infrastructure and gardens nor installing security around the facility.

Zweli Dlamini, CoE spokesperson, said that they are in the process of procuring a contractor to carry out the refurbishment scope at Driehoek.

He said the CoE appointed an engineering consultant to conduct a site inspection.

When asked about security measures, Dlamini said the gate works manually and the pedestrian gate does not require a remote.

“The gate will be attended to when contractors are made available. There are no CCTV cameras.”

On the accusations of the CoE failing to repair the doors, Dlamini reminded the occupants of a clause on the lease agreement which reads as follows:

“Keep in proper working order and good repair all locks, latches, door-handles, other fittings, all electric and other installations in and outside the unit (provided that any major breakdown of any electrical, water or sewerage installation, with the express exception of defective cooking appliances where such appliances were supplied by the LESSOR, shall be remedied by the LESSOR) unless such breakdown was caused by the negligence of the LESSEE or any other occupant of the unit, in which case the provisions of this sub-clause other than this proviso shall apply.

“The lease agreement does not allow tenants to carry out maintenance work on CoE properties. Only repairs at the tenant’s room can be undertaken,” Dlamini said.

“The CoE is in the process of procuring a contractor to carry out refurbishment,” said Dlamini.