Residents of the Suryaville and Fairleigh municipal flats have received the promised long-awaited refurbishment.
Both sets of flats, 72 in Suryaville and 48 in Fairleigh, are owned by the KZN Department of Human Settlements. As such, the Newcastle Municipality could not allocate a budget for this project, and had to apply for provincial funding.
After a lengthy process, the municipality was finally able to achieve its goal, when the MEC for Human Settlements, Mr. Ravi Pillay, approved an amount of R 12.5-million for both the Suryaville and Fairleigh flats.
The process began in 2011, and having secured the funding, the municipality focused solely on commissioning a contractor and getting down to work.
The project started in September this year, confirmed by project manager, Sizwe Vilakazi,
“We are ahead with the Fairleigh flats renovations, as there are 48 units. It is taking a bit more time to complete the 72 Suryaville flats. However, we are 80 per cent complete,” he said.
From the tiling of floors to a new coat of paint on the walls, the Suryaville flats received a much deserved facelift after four decades.
Mr Vilakazi explained: “There has also been plumbing and electrical work done on all the flats. Hand basins have been installed and we are awaiting the outstanding pedestals.”
Pest control, he added, was an unforeseen challenge that delayed contractors.
“We had to fumigate all the flats.”
A body corporate was formed, and representatives from each block of flats was appointed.
“These representatives served as a link between the municipality and the community,” said Matthew Shunmugam, Chairperson of the Portfolio Standing Committee of Development Planning and Human Settlements.
“The structural decisions that still need to be addressed are the outer ‘walls’ at the Suryaville flats. We are looking at the best technology, and the most cost effective material, as safety is our main concern,” said he elaborated.
The project, he continued, also gave way to creating employment, as 88 people were employed in the renovations of the Suryaville flats.
Title deeds is another matter which is eagerly anticipated.
“The title deeds can’t be issued to the property owners until the renovations are complete and deemed habitable. Once the title deeds are handed over to the owners, it is no longer property of the municipality or provincial governance,” said Mr Shunmugam.
“I would like to thank the body corporate for their assistance, and the constant engagement with the municipality to discuss issues that we have faced during the renovations.”
Jerry Tealo, chairperson of the body corporate, concluded by thanking Cllr Shunmugam for his efforts.
“We also want to thank the project manager for his cooperation and making sure the workmanship was satisfactory.”
