Ward 3 Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam, visited various homes in Fairleigh last week and met with residents to discuss the alleged dire conditions of their houses.
The sub division of properties, grass cutting, social problems, poor living conditions, routine maintenance by the municipality and funding for both the Suryaville and Fairleigh Flats were discussed. He also explained the correct processes the municipality needed to follow and that approval for construction by KZN Human Settlement Department was required.
Beryl Jacobs, a Fairleigh resident, said residents were happy with municipal feedback and because someone had finally heeded their cries of help.
“We are grateful Cllr Shunmugam came back to us and took the time to see how terrible our living conditions are. He agreed our houses needed proper attention,” she said.
Cllr Shunmugam also addressed the issue of Fairleigh “train” houses. He said about a year ago he had visited the area, following residents’ concerns about their poor living conditions and bad structural damage to their homes .
“Our department had given an undertaking, that due to the derelict state of the building, it would be better for us to relocate them to the new housing development. Residents stated their application was processed and they were waiting for the new housing project to commence. I also outlined some of the reasons for the delay in the project, with one of them being that as soon as installation of infra-structure is completed, we will commence with the top structure.”
Cllr Shunmugam explained the housing units in question would have to be inspected by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). Thereafter, depending on the condition of the buildings, Council and the KZN Human Settlements Department would propose appropriate and cost effective remedial measures.
“We will discuss the matter and address the plight of the residents in future Portfolio Committee meetings,” Cllr Shunmugam concluded.
