Spirits were high at Markville Flats as residents celebrated the installation of a new lift on Monday afternoon.
Residents have been waiting for a new lift since early 2016.
Residents of the municipal-owned flats are mostly elderly, and navigating the many flights of stairs on a daily basis puts unnecessary physical strain on them.
Installation on the lift began mid-September and construction went smoothly.
The installation also features a generator, which means residents won’t have to worry about being trapped in the lift during a power cut.
Also read: Markville lifts to be installed by the end of the year
“On behalf of the mayor, Mzwandile Masina, we are proud and happy to hand over this lift to the people of Markville.
“We have had great help from the people of Markville, and they have worked very hard in helping us get this lift for them.
“We are also here to convey a message of love and show the people that Human Settlement cares about its elderly people and they are not forgotten,” said MMC for Human Settlement Lesiba Mpya.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official unveiling before the lift took its maiden voyage upward.
Also read: Water going to waste at Markville flats
“This year has been difficult for everyone, but on behalf of the residents of Markville, I thank the City of Ekurhuleni from the bottom of my heart.
“I also want to thank the many companies that were involved with the construction of the lift.
“For the first time in a long time, I can actually say I am proud to be a resident of Markville Flats as this lift will restore the place to its former glory,” said resident Daya Reddy.
“Now, it is easier for those on the bottom floors to visit their friends on the top floors,” he said.
Resident Johan Enslin was glad to see the lift finally arrive.
“Our quality of life will be so much better without having to climb all of those stairs,” he said.
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