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Tuesday 12 February 2013
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Upgrade: the downside TASMIN CUPIDO
THEIR homes have been revamped into modern, stylish units. New windows and cupboards have been installed, while walls in desperate need of a lick of paint have been refurbished. But residents of the Ottery City of Cape Town’s Community Residential Units’ R100m upgrade claim to be at their wits’ end as they struggle to restart their lives in the new flats. They say many of their goods, such as stoves and geysers, were damaged by subcontractors during the upgrade of phase one. The homes formed part of the first phase of the project, which will be completed once the exterior of the flats have been refurbished. The second phase of the project, meanwhile, commenced in October, despite threats of a possible cease due to gang violence in the area. Speaking on behalf of the community, Jenny Williams says they have exhausted all avenues in their bid to have their goods repaired or replaced. “While we are all very grateful for the upgrade, we are now not enjoying the beauty of our new homes,” she says. “We have contacted the contractors, the ward councillor and the City, but none of them have been of assistance. I recently received a letter from the contractor stating that they would not be held responsible for the repairs or replacement of the goods.” Williams says most residents do not have the money to fix or replace the goods themselves, adding residents have been flooding her with complaints. “They are all very upset and want answers. Everyone works really hard for their property, so they are angry that the goods they worked so hard for have been destroyed,” she says. “One woman has been forced to use water by dishing with a bowl from the geyser. It is ridiculous and no-one wants to take responsibility.” She approached local ward councillor Melanie Arendse and former Mayoral Committee (Mayco) member for Human Settlements, Ernest Sonnenberg.
BEFORE: Youths play on the tarmac in one of the courts, to be upgraded, in Ottery. While both officials promised to attend to the matter, Williams says, nothing has happened. “Sonnenberg no longer answers my phone calls,” Williams says. However, newly-appointed Mayco member for Housing Tandeka Gqada says the City’s Human Settlements Directorate has investigated the matter and found the claims to be unfounded. “Ms Williams has complained to
the City about a host of issues in the past – most of which were found to be spurious after time-consuming investigations,” she says. “Councillor Sonnenberg, as well as numerous officials, personally visited Ms Williams to address her concerns and the Directorate has accommodated her requests wherever possible. “In addition, the City and its contractors
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have engaged in a lengthy dialogue with Ms Williams about her concerns – both in writing and in person.” Gqada urged residents to direct any complaints to the local Community Liaison Officer. People’s Post contacted Arendse for comment, but she declined the opportunity to comment.
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