Earlier today, 7 September, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing in the City of Joburg, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso conducted an oversight visit at South Hills Housing Development following a memorandum of demands submitted by residents of Ward 57 relating to Housing Department.

Last week Friday, 3 September 2021, the department received a memorandum from disgruntled residents who had a list of complaints. They protested outside the department’s offices, demanding answers from the developers.

As the political principal directly responsible for the workmanship in housing developments in the City of Joburg, it was prudent for MMC Mabaso to go and inspect the defects that residents had raised on Friday.

Although Mayor Cllr Jolidee Matongo announced that he has appointed an independent investigation to investigate the quality of the workmanship of the development, MMC Mabaso has further requested a geo-tech report, quality assurance as well as a list of affected units so that we find an amicable solution.

“The last time we were in this area, we instructed the contractor to attend to those issues that were raised by the residents. Our view is that the contractor produced poor workmanship on most of the units,” said MMC Mabaso.

“There are defects in these buildings that require immediate attention and the sad part about these issues, is that they were previously raised when we conducted the oversight last year,” he said.

Some of the issues at the units at South Hills range from cracked and damp walls, the peeling off of paint, plumbing related issues as well as structural issues.

“I have therefore requested a report from the contractor with immediate effect and based on what is contained in the report, we will be able to indicate whether the issues can be fixed with immediate effect, or we will have to come up with an alternative accommodation whilst the defects are attended to.

“Before the end of this month, we will conduct another oversight to inspect the progress of the development at South Hills. It is our primary responsibility as the Government of Local Unity to ensure that our residents are provided with dignified housing,” said MMC Mabaso.

07/09/2021