After nearly four decades Suryaville and Fairleigh municipal flat dwellers received a much needed refurbishment to their flats. They now live in hope and look forward to one day calling their homes their own.
During a lengthy process, of procuring provincial funds to renovate both Suryaville and Fairleigh municipal flats, the MEC for Human Settlements, Mr. Ravi Pillay, approved an amount of R 12.5-million.
Commissioning a contractor in September last year, was the first step in undertaking this mammoth task by Project manager, Sizwe Vilakazi,
Residents received a fresh coat of paint on their walls and a floor full of shiny new tiles.
Each block of flats appointed an individual to represent them and concurrently a body corporate was formed.
“These representatives served as a link between the municipality and the residents, meetings were held and information was cascaded accordingly” said Matthew Shunmugam, Chairperson of the Portfolio Standing Committee of Development Planning and Human Settlements.
“There still are structural decisions that need to be addressed such as the outer ‘walls’ and windows at the Suryaville flats. We are looking at alternate technology, and the most cost effective methods, before we hand over the title deeds,” said Cllr Shunmugam.
Speaking to residents of Suryaville flats, they were eager to share their thoughts and also reservations behind the handing over of the title deeds.
“I appreciate the maintenance that was done to our flat, but in the same breath once we have the title deeds all the maintenance and other issues will be solely our problem,” said a concerned resident.
“Once the title deeds are handed over to the owners, it is no longer property of council,” said Mr Shunmugam.
“I’m living her for over 20 years and I never had a hand basin until they started with renovations. At the end of the day, at least we will have something to call our own,” rejoiced one resident.
“I am thankful to all that assisted in bettering our lives, and it will be a dream come true for me to have the title deeds, I can now relax,” said grateful Mrs Seetha Singh.
