Driehoek Old Age Home safe despite maintenance delays, says Ekurhuleni
While roof replacement and minor repairs at Driehoek Old Age Home are postponed due to budget cuts, the municipality confirms the facility meets health and safety standards.
The CoE has dismissed concerns that the Driehoek Old Age Home is in a state of crisis, following reports last month by the publication highlighting poor living conditions and delayed assistance due to budget constraints.
The city insists that while maintenance work is required, there is no immediate danger to residents.
According to the municipality, a conditional assessment in the 2023/2024 financial year found the building was structurally sound. However, the report highlighted several maintenance issues, including the need for a complete roof replacement, minor plumbing repairs, and replacing the vehicle gate motor.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the home’s electrical and plumbing infrastructure remains largely intact and functional.
“Due to city-wide budget cuts, the roof replacement could not be undertaken. We are finalising projects that were left incomplete because of budget limitations, and the Driehoek Flats will be addressed in the 2026/2027 financial year,” said Dlamini.
In the meantime, the municipality has committed to carrying out minor maintenance as needed, ensuring it responds promptly to any urgent issues reported.
Responding to questions about oversight and safety monitoring, the city confirmed that the Human Settlements Department is responsible for maintaining municipal old-age homes and periodically inspects them to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
“The Driehoek Old Age Home currently meets municipal and health and safety compliance standards,” Dlamini added.
The municipality also dismissed suggestions of relocating elderly residents, stating there was no need for evacuation or rehabilitation of the building.
“The facility remains safe and habitable. Once the budget allows, the roof replacement and related upgrades will be completed,” said Dlamini.
For now, residents will have to wait until at least the 2026/2027 financial year before the long-overdue roof repairs can happen, a delay the city attributes to ongoing financial pressures.
