DA pressures City to commit to repairs at Pauline Davies Flats
By Cllr. Mike da Silva: DA City of Ekurhuleni GCYPD Oversight Committee Member & Cllr. Nina McFarlane, DA City of Ekurhuleni Ward 73 PR Councillor
Date: 20 November 2024
Persistent pressure by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni, has led to the municipality finally committing to maintenance at the Pauline Davies Court in Benoni.
This follows a complaint lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) relating to non-functioning lifts and serious water challenges on the upper floors of the building.
The DA turned to the SAHRC as all internal resolution mechanisms of council failed.
It is extremely concerning that internal processes — which included an official oversight committee visit and resolutions made by council, bore no fruit.
The City has now committed to repairing the water pressure by the end of the financial quarter starting in October 2024 and committed to repairing the lifts by allocating budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.
While this is a positive step forward, several issues at the facility remain.
An oversight inspection by the DA revealed that in some units, geysers had been removed from flats without being replaced — with some tenants living for up to 9 months without hot water.
Residents have also highlighted safety concerns, as well as potential corruption.
All these issues need to be investigated and addressed as a matter of urgency.
The DA demands that the MMC for Human Settlements in Ekurhuleni, Cllr Kgopelo Hollo ensure the department attend to the repair of the lifts and water pressure within the timelines given.
The DA will closely monitor the roll-out of this much needed maintenance to ensure dignity is restored to the residents of Pauline Davies.
Media Enquiries:
Cllr. Mike da Silva
DA City of Ekurhuleni GCYPD Oversight Committee Member
072 963 2654
Cllr. Nina McFarlane
DA City of Ekurhuleni Ward 73 PR Councillor
068 567 4939
