As winter approaches, residents of Presidentia Old Age Home expressed their grievances about not having hot water, as 14 broken geysers in the residency have allegedly not been repaired despite repeated complaints.

The elderly residents claim the ongoing issue has left them frustrated and concerned about their health and living conditions during the cold season, with some residents having no hot water for more than 12 months.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, one of the home’s longest residents, Petra Verwey (90), said that her geyser has been broken for nine months.

She explained that she called the City of Ekurhuleni and spoke to an employee who deals with the home’s matters. The employee referred her to another employee, who handles the maintenance.

“I have been told that they will come and fix it, but it has been a long time, and the cold season is approaching.”

“A few months ago, I got burned on my feet because I used a kettle to warm the water for a bath. It slipped out of my hands because I am old and frail and now my children suggested that I use a small kettle, but now I take more time to prepare bathing water,” shared Verwey.

Verwey, who has lived in the home for 28 years and serves as a caretaker, said it should not be a hassle for the metro to fix the residents’ geysers because they pay their rent.

Another resident, Shirley Sewpaul (69), said she grew tired of waiting for the city and decided to fix it herself, paying out of pocket.

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She shared that her geyser broke on February 8, but due to family obligations, she had to leave and returned in April, when she reported the matter to the maintenance employee, who, in a message seen by the publication, said the metro does not have a geyser contractor.

“I was able to get in contact with a company that used to work for the city, repairing the geyser. They fixed my geyser and for another resident as well.”

“Not every resident can afford to fix their geyser because the majority survive on SASSA grants, so to have them pay for their geyser too is a financial burden,” highlighted Sewpaul.

She said that the city must do its job in maintaining the homes and make it easier for elderly residents to enquire about repairs.

Renette Kirsten from Serenity Senior Services told the publication that they have reported several issues on behalf of the residents to the city, but they have not received a response to their concerns.

“A geyser is not a luxury; it is a necessity, especially for the elderly. To deny residents hot water while they continue to pay rent is a violation of their dignity and well-being.

“We therefore demand clarity on when the council will repair these geysers. Winter has already begun, and it is shameful that our elderly residents are still without hot water. We urge immediate action to resolve this matter,” concluded Kirsten.

The publication sent an inquiry to the city on May 5 regarding the home’s maintenance and has not received a response.