Broken lift blamed as disabled councillor falls down stairs at Rand West municipal building

Charles Brough, a Freedom Front Plus (FF+) councillor, was injured last month after he fell down a flight of stairs at the Rand West City Local Municipality building.

“The councillor is disabled and wheelchair-bound. While he was attending a meeting, he sustained injuries to his back when he fell down a flight of stairs. The helper and a worker from the municipality who assisted him also fell down the stairs,” said FF+ member of parliament and provincial leader, Jaco Mulder, in a statement.

Mulder added that the meeting was held on the first floor in the council chambers and Brough had to be carried up the stairs as the elevator was out of order.

“Brough was carried upstairs for the scheduled council meeting, but during the descent, one of his helpers slipped and lost their balance and all three sustained injuries. The elevator was out of service for three months at the beginning of the year, and the party asked for immediate intervention. The lift was repaired in March, but broke down again after a month.”

He noted this isn’t the second time the elevator has been a concern. Two years ago, it was out of order for five months, which also encouraged a request for intervention.

“The party understands that the elevator’s parts may be difficult to obtain, but not having a working elevator for months on end is unacceptable. Several other individuals with health issues also require support to navigate the stairs to the first floor. It cannot go on like this. Rand West must ensure safe access to the council chambers for councillors with disabilities. Councillors are expected to attend meetings, yet councillors and community members with disabilities are not accommodated through safe wheelchair access,” stated Mulder.

Rand West has been approached for comment; however, none has been received at the time of publication. Their feedback will be published once received.