THE refurbishment of flats in Austerville resumed despite ongoing public concerns after residents alleged mismanagement and safety lapses at the site.

Some community members in Wentworth raised concerns about workers who were allegedly operating without proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

However, the KZN Department of Human Settlements maintains that all required safety gear was issued at the start of construction.

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The MEC for Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said site personnel receive appropriate PPE upon commencement of work and replacements are supplied when necessary.

“Employees sign acknowledgement forms confirming receipt, which are kept on record for occupational health and safety compliance,” he said.

While Duma acknowledged that occasional lapses in PPE usage may occur, he said supervisors intervene immediately when such instances are observed.

“The project is governed by national health and safety legislation and that scaffolding is used only for specific tasks such as exterior refurbishment,” said Duma. 

According to the department, RESS OHS Consultants oversee daily on-site safety, while Afrishe Management Consulting conducts monthly audits and monitors compliance.

The principal contractor is Tauris Garden Trading 500 (Pty) Ltd. Duma said no time has been lost due to safety breaches.

The R11.5m project aims to renovate ageing flats in Wentworth, where residents have long complained about leaks, cracked tiling and deteriorating living conditions.

Work is currently underway in the flats at Major Calvert. 

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