Residents of Hanover Park have voiced growing concerns over what they describe as deteriorating housing conditions and delayed responses to maintenance complaints, claiming some issues have remained unresolved for years.
Among those raising concerns is resident Nadiya Braaf, who said structural problems affecting homes and walkways have persisted despite repeated reports to authorities.
“I’ve been living in this house most of my life. I remember when my mom was alive, she used to do the reporting,” Braaf said.
“Once you go into the offices and report your problems, it can take up to three or four years. My current situation was reported when my mom was still alive, and up until now, nothing has been done.”
Residents have reported cracked staircases, rotting wooden railings, rusting metal structures, leaking roofs, and faulty windows that allow rainwater into homes during winter months.
Braaf said the condition of some walkways poses a serious safety risk.
“My landing is cracked, and the rails along the staircase are rotting and rusting away. It’s going to take an elderly person or a child to have a very serious accident before something is done,” she said.
She added that residents are often instructed not to carry out repairs themselves because the properties belong to the City, yet they struggle to get maintenance issues addressed.
“They tell you to report the problem and that it will be looked into, but then you don’t hear anything. The best thing for residents to do is to keep going back and following up,” she said.
According to residents, complaints have been lodged with relevant authorities over the past two years, with little visible progress. VOC News has approached the City of Cape Town for comment. The City says it will investigate the allegations and provide feedback once it has gathered the necessary information.
Photo: Supplied
