Silwerkroon is still without a lift and this time it could have cost someone their life.
First, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality was considering a new lift, then they changed their mind after they were put under pressure.
The company that got the job were not paid so they removed a component from the lift. Now they are using underhanded tactics, approaching smaller companies to do the maintenance.
Read: Silwerkroon tired of bad service delivery
I was told that according to legislation, a building with two stories does not require a lift, but a building with three or more does. The EMM is therefore in contravention of the law, especially the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Comment has also been made regarding the lift register that has been inadequately utilised and the last service carried out in November 2016. Also, a government inspector is supposed to carry out an inspection every two years.
It seems as if there is enough cause to involve the Department of Manpower.
Years ago they used to be pretty ruthless, but I don’t know if they will react to our situation.
In closing, I have a story for you:
Late this afternoon, after hearing singing coming from the lift, I approached and coming from it was the well known Josh Groban song, You lift me up.
Foei tog.
Don Jansen
Ward councillor, Alderman Bruna Haipel had this to say.“At the last Council meeting, on January 25, I was going to raise the issue publicly, by replying to the mayor’s speech, unfortunately, he did not speak. I, therefore, wrote a letter and handed it to him personally at the meeting. He promised that he would read it immediately and let me have a reply within a day or so, but I’m still waiting, more than a week later.
Read: Lift at Silwerkroon has been fixed, but not signed off
“Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the mayor have let the elderly down once more.
“My ward committee will be writing to the mayor, holding him personally responsible for any negative consequences to the residents.
“I am now at my wit’s end as to how to get EMM to sort out the problem,” said Haipel.
The RECORD has contacted the EMM for comment, they simply referred to their previous comment which read:
The Human Settlements Department would like to respond as follows:
The lift was repaired before the close of council offices in December.
“The service provider refused to switch on the lift prior to the service contract signed as they indicated that it is a requirement in terms of lifts regulations.
Also Read: Elderly unable to use working lift
“The City of Ekurhuleni cannot sign the service contract without following the supply chain process.
“The necessary procurement process is currently put in place for the procurement of the outstanding services.
“The lift is expected to be functional as soon as the service contract is signed and approved by the stores.” – Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
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