Metro responds to poor service complaints at its housing units in Zwartkop

The tenants at the Tshwane metro-owned flats that have complained about poor maintenance have been told to bring details of their complaints to the metro.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the owner’s main responsibility was outside the flat.

“We sometimes assist with the inside to keep it in good condition,” he said.

“Should the tenant, on taking occupation of the premises and upon inspection, discover that any of the appurtenances thereof, including but not restricted to keys, locks, windows, sewerage pipes and pans, electricity, etc [are defective], it is their responsibility to reach out to us.

“It is their responsibility, within three days of the date of occupation, to notify the lessor in writing of the details of any such defect.”

Mashigo added that maintenance is being done, but on a limited scale due to financial and other reasons [constraints].

“The metro has insufficient financial resources and cannot afford to provide major repairs and maintenance to these flats.

“In addition, the amount of rental paid to lease these properties is far below the market rental for that area hence the City is unable to receive sufficient revenues which will be allocated to the repairs and maintenance budget,” Mashigo said.

“Lastly, the metro is currently conducting building condition assessments on these properties with a view to determine the financial resources required to do a complete renovation of these properties.

“Once renovations are done, the City is also looking at charging market rental.”

Rekord previously reported that many residents felt they were being denied the basic services the metro is supposed to provide.

The semi-attached houses look run-down and neglected.

“We are being denied basic services,” said resident Lufono Mudau.

“These places are being completely neglected and we get no answers from the metro.”

Some of the houses have loose bricks and many walls have crumbled and fallen over the years.

Residents claim this is unacceptable and feel unsafe in their own homes.

“It feels like these houses are falling apart.

“Our window panes are broken and cracked so the dust and wind come in. We even have dust falling through our ceiling onto our furniture,” said resident Marietjie Henning.

Overgrown grass and a dilapidated playing area make it unsafe for children to play outside.

“I can’t let my child play outside without me looking out for her,” said Mudau.

A burst water pipe has left a massive hole in the ground, and residents allege this has not been fixed in months.

The hole poses a safety hazard and makes it difficult for many to drive out of the complex.

In addition, the water has also caused part of the parking area to sink.

However the biggest and most pressing issue is safety.

Due to the long grass both inside and outside the complex, on the roadside, residents feel vulnerable.

“It is very easy for criminals to hide in the grass, then jump over the fence.

“We have had a couple of break-ins here and we feel very exposed and unsafe,” said Mudau.

Mudau said someone tried to break into her unit while she was at work and her daughter was home alone.

The palisade fence surrounding the complex has been broken on numerous occasions by criminals and residents had to repair it out from their own pocket.

They have also had to pay for garden services and electricians to render basic services.

According to Henning, many people are planning on moving out due to the poor quality of life.

“People are packing their bags and leaving.

“It looks awful here and the metro simply doesn’t care.”

• ALSO READ: Crumbling walls and uncut grass have residents up in arms

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