Home, ‘not so sweet’ home for Merlewood residents

It's has been a trying time for many residents who have occupied their new two bedroom homes.

March 21, 2019

Sugan Naidoo 2 minutes read

Judy Ryan dodges mud around her home, a problem caused by poor drainage, she says.

Life has been harder than expected for Merlewood residents who moved in to RDP homes at the Merlewood Mixed Income Housing development in August last year.

Some say it has been something of a nightmare, with numerous houses ‘falling apart’ and the municipality allegedly refusing to help.

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According to a number of residents, the shoddy workmanship and construction of the houses is to blame.

Merllisa Robertson said residents had been forced to move in early as the houses were being vandalised.

“Doors and windows were being removed and as a safety precaution we were told to occupy the houses,” she said.

Other concerns raised included the lack of electricity, street lights and storm water drainage.

Heavy rain flooded some homes, with retaining walls collapsing, leaving people to walk in muddy conditions.

One woman, who asked not to be named, felt conditions constituted a health hazard. “We have to dig trenches to divert the water,” she said.

Theo Goldstone said that while residents were grateful for a roof over their, they were shocked that they had been given homes with such poor workmanship.

Andrew Jodden said his new home was given to him without a ceiling and electricity.

“There are many senior citizens battling to cope. Government undermines us while the shacks nearby us have electricity and we don’t. We need help urgently,” he said.

Kiru Naidoo, spokesman for the Ministry of Human Settlements and Public Works, said it was keenly aware of the challenges faced in one section of the Merlewood developments.

One of many houses that was flooded recently due to heavy rains.

“This is far from an ideal situation and the department has been briefed by both the residents and the municipality. Among the issues are budgets to complete the work but it is hoped that a solution can be found as early as possible so that our citizens in Merlewood, who have been very patient, are not inconvenienced any further,” he said.

Ajith Rajaram, the ward 17 councillor, said he has addressed the concerns of the residents and awaited comment from the municipality.

“It is sad that in this day and age people have to live in these conditions. Hopefully, through the ministry of Human Settlements and Public Works, residents from Merlewood can be helped soon.”

A response from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality is still awaited.