CPF calls for assistance as taps dry up at retirement centre
Florida CPF has called for assistance from the community to provide water for elderly residents at Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre.
Residents of Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre have been without water since yesterday, October 3.
According to Florida CPF chairperson, Farhaad Sardiwalla, it would appear that the centre’s water has been disconnected due to a dispute over the payment of the account.
This isn’t the first time the centre, run by the Department of Human Settlements, have faced this situation.
According to Florida South Residents Association chairperson, Rodney Churchyard, the same thing occurred eight months ago.
“We don’t know for sure what the problem is at this stage, but if it’s about the account, were hoping that the dispute would have been cleared up by now.”
• Also read: Security increased at Donovan McDonald
A water tank has been delivered to the centre, but with nearly 200 units, it’s feared that it won’t be nearly enough.
The Florida CPF have been hard at work rallying local businesses and community members to donate water to the elderly residents, and assist in getting water to them in their units.
How you can assist:
- Bottled water donations – any size, as many as possible
- Empty bottles/containers – to help collect and distribute water
- Volunteers – to carry water up to the flats for frail residents
Collection times:
- Tonight (4 October) : 21:00
- Tomorrow Morning (5 October): 10:30
- Tomorrow Afternoon (5 October): 14:30
“Many of the residents are old and quite frail,” says Sardiwalla. “Carrying heavy water containers from the parking area to their units is simply not something they can do.”
“We are calling on anyone that is willing to come and volunteer to help us give assistance to our elderly residents.”
“They are caught up in a fight that isn’t theirs. They need water.”
The Record has reached out to Johannesburg Water spokesperson, Nombuso Shabalala for clarity on the matter, and will add her response when received.
For more information, or to make a donation, call Farhaad Sardiwalla on 084 963 1786.
