Hime Street housing project resumes after safety concerns
Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman said a meeting was held at Hime Street on October 2 after the contractor stopped work.
THE housing refurbishment project resumed on Monday (October 5) in Hime Street in Wentworth after a contractor downed tools, citing safety concerns linked to shootings and crime in the area.
The development of the flats in Wentworth has raised concerns among residents who have been waiting for improvements to the flats, many of which have experienced maintenance problems over the years.
Contractor of the project asked for police involvement
Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman said a meeting was held at Hime Street on October 2, after the contractor stopped work.
Also read: Wentworth shooting leaves one man dead
According to Snyman, the contractor requested police involvement before returning to the site. Snyman said there was hope that work would resume on October 5, provided the safety concerns could be addressed.
The Hime Street flats form part of a multi-million rand refurbishment project in Wentworth, which also includes the neighbouring Major Calvert flats.
The project is intended to upgrade 477 residential units and address longstanding problems affecting the decades-old buildings.
Planned upgrades include replacing outdated plumbing, repairing outdoor sewage systems, installing new geysers and improving security at the flats through the installation of gates.
Residents raised concerns about the quality of work
However, residents have previously raised concerns about the condition of their homes and the length of time it has taken for refurbishment work to address the problems.
Also read: Hime Street drug den patrol nets heroin straws
Reported issues include cracks in walls, leaking roofs, damaged cupboards, as well as faulty plumbing and electrical connections.
One resident also recently claimed that part of his ceiling had collapsed following heavy rains, highlighting concerns about the condition of some of the units.
For residents, the latest stoppage adds another obstacle to a refurbishment project that is intended to improve their living conditions.
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