No maintenance at municipal flats for 30 years!

Non-functioning geysers, security concerns and hunger are just some of the issues the mostly elderly tenants of the municipal flats on Wagen Street have to face on a daily basis.

But now, under the coordinating efforts of Ward 38 committee member and pastor, Mike van Rooyen, the community is slowly but surely taking a stand and trying to turn the situation around for these vulnerable residents of Krugersdorp West. On June 27 the humble Mike, DA Ward 38 councillor Trudie Naude and some good Samaritans took the News on a tour of the Jack Cotton, President, Pioneer, and Van Riebeeck Flats to shine the spotlight on the many problems that beset these residents and what the community is doing to solve the problems.

One good Samaritan, Phillip Schutte, a plumber and electrician, will be bringing his expertise to the table to alleviate the problem. Schutte’s company will be installing the three new geysers that were donated by community members, among them Jake Bernardus. At least two more geysers are needed.

But Phillip has other concerns pertaining to the flats as well. During the tour, he pointed out stolen and broken plumbing that could cause possible health problems due to leaking sewage, as well as faulty and aging electrical wiring.

“Some of the geysers I checked date back to 1962 and some of the wiring is still the old fabric-insulated type,” said a worried Phillip and added that most of the roofs were leaking. He explained that MCLM does not have the funds to fix the problem because they “inherited a bankrupt municipality” and the new budget will only become effective in August.

It is alleged that no major maintenance has been done at the flats for almost 30 years. Other allegations include that some tenants, such as Poppie Kriegel, 75, had been without hot water for eight years and either had to boil water or get hot water from neighbours. Some tenants even have to take baths at neighbours’ dwellings due to the hot water problem. Another issue that has been raised is that the two security guards on duty cannot patrol the whole property effectively, and that the walls can be scaled too easily.

But, said Trudie, the community is rising to the occasion. “I dearly love my community. They are joining hands with each other and with me to solve the problems. They are helping to make the community livable.” She did not want to comment further and referred the News to Executive Mayor Tyron Gray.

Mike said over and above tending to the community’s spiritual needs, he coordinates efforts by kind-hearted community members to bring together donations and expertise in order to make a difference. One of the many drives he is involved in is assisting tenants with food and clothing.

Anyone who would like to find out how they could assist can contact Mike on 074 926 1773.

The News is in the process of obtaining comment from different role players including Mayor Gray.