What rights do municipal flat residents have?

Madam – Local Councillor for Human Settlements.

Sir,

I really feel for the indigents who are living in the municipal flats Lennoxton.

Due to the downturn in the economy many are falling back in their municipal accounts which is continually building up. Many of these people are living below the bread line and are battling to put food on the table. I know of some inhabitants who have been living there for many years, up to 40 years.

For years there has been talk that the flats will be handed over to them. Until now, nothing is being said or done. These people cannot be evicted after 40 years. They need to be helped and some solution needs to be found.

Sir, come election time these same indigents will be voting for you. So it is now time to stop talking and more action needs to be taken.

Concerned constituent

Response from Councillor Matthew Shunmugam:

From my reading of the letter, it seems as though the writer does not live at the Suryaville Municipal Flats. In most instances, people comment on matters they are not familiar with or have their own motives. Let me bring the following facts to the writer’s attention:

There is a Body Corporate under the chairmanship of Jerry Tealo which liaises on behalf of the residents with various stakeholders. Meetings were held with members of the Body Corporate and a *circular was issued to all residents updating them on developments with regards to the repairs and renovations to the flats.

Over the past few months, there has been constant engagement with the KZN Department of Human Settlements with regards to the funding for both the Suryaville and Fairleigh flats.

Recently, the MEC for Human Settlement, Mr. Ravi Pillay approved an amount of R7,5-m and R5-m for both the Suryaville and Fairleigh flats*. Proper assessments of each flat had to be done including soil tests, bearing in mind that the construction of the Suryaville Flats has its own challenges especially the outer “walls” as compared to the Fairleigh Flats.

The main challenge being whether the second and third floor decking can withstand the weight of brick walling or should alternate material be used. We have responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the tenants.

The Implementing Agent is currently preparing tender documents and once the adjudication process has been completed, the service providers will be appointed and be on site to do the necessary refurbishment.

After completion of the necessary remedial work, the flats will be transferred into the name of the tenants. Both the KZN Department of Human Settlement and Council including myself as ward councillor and Portfolio Councillor, have worked tirelessly on this project, many meetings held with officials from the Province and the project will be rolled out soon.

We have not been sitting back; instead we have been hard at work, but unfortunately this work is not tangible but more technical and administrative in nature.

With reference to the account, indigent clients receive indigent support through our Indigent Policy. As of 1 July there was increase in tariff as per the approved budget.

Attached is a copy of an indigent client’s account which totals R1519 which includes rental and municipal charges (after tariff increases) so I do not know what else can be done as NERSA was granted an increase in tariff in electricity.

To the best of my knowledge, no tenant has been evicted for non-payment. In fact, tenants are even granted an extension of payment dates on reasonable grounds.

With regards to the action, all I can say watch this space in the next few months. On the subject of the election (not surprised with the local government elections coming up), I see you are very interested in the welfare of the tenants, so why not contest the election?

Cllr. M. Shunmugam, Ward Councillor : Ward 3

Response from Mayor, Afzul Rehman:

*Editor’s Note: Copies of the circular which was issued to all residents updating them on developments with regard to repairs and renovations to the flat, as well as minutes of the meeting of Portfolio Committee Meeting held on July 8, 2015 are available at the office of the Newcastle Advertiser. Should you require a copy, send an email to the Editor on reveshni@caxton.co.za