VIDEO: Wentworth flat refurbishment project to progress to new block
Following the completion of flat 105 on Austerville Drive in Wentworth, the project will tend to the next block.
FLAT 105 on Austerville Drive in Wentworth is the latest to have its refurbishment completed. Residents have moved back into their homes.
The project steering committee’s (PSC) chairperson, Dr Desmond D’Sa said the onus is on the residents to inspect and report issues.
“There is a period of seven days after they’ve moved in to complain about snags. Then that will get fixed, be it a leaking tap or anything not functioning properly in the house. I’m here to make sure people get their homes done. During my inspection of the flat, I found the workmanship neat and tidy. Everything used and installed is brand new,” he said.
Explaining the complaint process, member of the PSC Melanie Stoffels, even when a newly built house will have an issue or two. She said she encourages residents to speak out on snags.
“In that seven-day period to inspect their homes, we come in on the eighth day to listen to the residents’ grievances, if any. The contractor is also present for these meetings. The contractor gets working on the snags immediately on the same day,” she said.
D’Sa said that once a full inspection has been done and is happy with the outcome of the work, only then does the work get finalised.
“We don’t just sign off for the sake of it. In the past, people come from nowhere and want to take responsibility, without understanding where the project comes from nor the paperwork and the work we’re doing. To date, we’ve done over 100 flats, how come just one person is moaning about the work?”
“They lied when they said that the flats were not done properly. They said the geysers were not working either. We cannot stop the project because of them, there no way. When the government does something, appreciate it.”
“People are always knocking government but we know when to fight and when not to. I am saying it bluntly, without shying away from it, I am in support of the government,” he said.
Ward 68 councillor, Aubrey Snyman, said he has also inspected block 105 on Austerville Drive.
“There were a few snags which the contractor assured us that they will sort out which was the window catches. Otherwise, all seemed to be in order.”
“Unless there is something that we have missed, the tenants residing in that block have seven days to identify any other snags that we might have missed,” he said.
