Public works neglect homes
A resident of Denneoord where government houses are being neglected, says the houses were last painted more than two decades ago.
The exteriors of the six homes, located in the block between Witels and Porter streets, are in an appalling condition. Members of the police live here. "Everyone else is looking after their properties. This is a neat area and these houses detract from the neighbourhood and affect property values. We have to face the unsightly buildings and maintenance work is long overdue, but we just get sent from pillar to post when we try to find the right department to complain to," said the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie referred the George Herald to the Department of Public Works. Lunga Mahlangu from the department's media relations section replied to an enquiry on Tuesday 7 August, saying he was still awaiting a response from the relevant section responsible for maintenance.
No comment was received at the time of going to press.
Pojie confirmed that the houses are let to employees of the police, but that public works is responsible for the maintenance. "The police is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance such as burst pipes and geyser leakages.
“As such, our supply chain conducts regular inspections at these premises and reports defects for repairs. If it falls within the mandate of the police, such repairs will be taken care of immediately. This is to ensure compliance from the side of the members in terms of the neatness of the yard and interior of the house, etcetera."