Maxwell Court residents in Claremont, Johannesburg, are forced to live in inhumane conditions because the City of Johannesburg (COJ) constantly fails to properly maintain their rental stock.
This block of 60 units is so badly managed that the well-being and health of the tenants are at risk. Johannesburg Housing should be reported to the Human Rights Commission for their lack of care and mismanagement.
The block has not had water for some time, while Johannesburg Water and the Housing Department point fingers at each other. Residents indicate that the water pumps in the building no longer operate and that the valves to the water tank were stolen because of a lack of security.
The structure is unsafe and deteriorating. Staircases are falling apart, mould grows on the walls and water seeps from unit to unit. Poor-quality maintenance is done on collapsing walls and non-functioning electric plugs. Most units have geysers that do not work, and the Housing Department refuses to fix or replace them. In addition, the lifts do not work.
See photos here, here, here and here.
According to residents, there have been many fatalities, including the death of a 4-year-old boy. This incompetent and heartless government is killing our people and getting away with it.
The Democratic Alliance will be filing a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Public Protector to ensure that no more lives are lost and the dignity of citizens is upheld.