Driehoek residents speak out on poor state of their environment

The residents of 33 Rose Innes Road, Driehoek, have voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of their living environment.

The building, once a sanctuary for elderly people, has become a health hazard, with structural issues and unsanitary conditions posing significant risks.

A recent visit to the home by the Gender, Children, Youth, and People with Disabilities (GCYPD) and the DA highlighted its issues.

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The Germiston City News also visited the home to assess the living conditions and speak to residents.

This is not the first time the publication has reported on the matter.

Trouble at this home has been a long-standing problem.

Its condition is evident from the outside, with rotting wood, an unkempt garden and peeling paint.

The interior is worse, with peeling paint, a leaking roof, a kitchen lacking essential equipment and pigeons living in the ceiling.

The bathroom is infested with mould, and spider webs have become permanent fixtures.

“We have lived with leaking roofs, broken windows and mould-infested walls for years.

“Living in such conditions is disheartening, and when we report these issues, they don’t get attended to,” said a tenant.

The residents have repeatedly appealed to the municipality for intervention, urging refurbishments to restore the facility to a livable standard.

However, officials cite budget constraints as the primary obstacle to initiating substantial repairs.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city routinely addresses the home’s issues.

“The city attends to problems at the home as and when they arise and are brought to our attention.

“Concerning infrastructural issues, these are dealt with depending on budget availability,” said Dlamini.

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“There have been no delays in attending to maintenance issues. However, all maintenance depends on the availability of funds and contractors.”

Dlamini indicated that the maintenance of these homes relies on the payment of services.

“Funds are allocated by the council every financial year. Likewise, maintenance is limited to available funds and contractors. Our budgets depend on the city’s finances, which depend on the payment of services,” he added.

While the residents are grateful for a roof over their heads, they cannot keep silent when their health is at risk.

“The poor living conditions can exacerbate health problems among the elderly, leading to increased hospital admissions and additional strain on healthcare services.

“Moreover, the financial constraints faced by many seniors make it difficult for them to seek alternative housing options,” said a resident.

The residents said they are desperate because this is their home, and they have nowhere else to go.

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“We depend on our pension. We try to fix things where we can to keep our home safe, but the issue is why are we the ones fixing it? We are now confused about what to do because we are desperate,” said another tenant.

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan said the city had failed to intervene. “Despite escalating the issue to the relevant departments, the city has failed to intervene and resolve this crisis.

“Sadly, the conditions at the Driehoek old age home are not isolated incidents. This issue is widespread across the city’s elderly care facilities.”

She added that the DA is committed to advocating for public-private partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding to better address these issues, given the city’s evident inability to maintain its municipal facilities.

“We will continue to visit all the elderly accommodations in Ekurhuleni and assess the residents’ living conditions.

“We will fight to ensure elderly facilities are adequately maintained and that residents have access to all basic services,” said Morgan.