A total of 1 258 staircases located in 985 blocks of rental units across all areas of the city will be a part of this major upgrade project. The upgrade work will cost over R147 million including VAT, a contingency amount and contract price adjustments over a two-year period.

This major upgrade forms part of the City’s Asset Management Improvement Plan which has been guided by the housing estates’ Visual Condition Assessment that was conducted in 2015/16.

‘The extensive upgrade project forms part of the City’s asset management plan to improve the condition of the City’s rental stock units. The Council rental units are a vital part of the affordable residential accommodation continuum that provides homes to the poorest of the poor residents. The City owns approximately 50 000 rental units that are located across various areas of the metro. Some of the units were built as early as the 1940s and have since then been a home to thousands of residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Assets and Facilities Management, Councillor Stuart Diamond.

The upgrade of CRU staircases has been prioritised under the structural integrity element.

The City will focus on the upgrading of its pre-cast staircases that have pre-cast treads, stringers and landings. Work is set to commence in the new financial year (2018/19) and will continue over a two-year period.

The staircases selected for the upgrade project were based on a condition score on a scale of 3-4 points that was assessed as part of the Visual Condition Assessment.

The recent upgrades to the CRUs in Atlantis and in Hout Bay were carried out at a total cost of R9 million in this financial year.

The 128 blocks of rental units in Clarke’s Estate, Adriaanse, Nooitgedacht and Trinity Place received a major upgrade to the external facades. The new paint used also serves as a sealing agent for the cracks in the walls. In addition, it prevents mould from forming on the interior walls.  This in turn contributes to a healthier living environment for our residents. The cost of the major upgrade project was in the region of R15 million.

Additionally, just over R13 million was spent in Heideveld, Duinefontein, Manenberg and Hanover Park where double storey blocks of rental units also had a facelift. Roof sheets, external walls, doors, doorframes and window frames were repainted.

Rental units in Parkwood, Lotus River, Lavender Hill, Cafda, Plumstead and Ocean View also had a facelift. Asbestos roof sheets were removed and replaced with Nutec and Colour Bond IBR roof sheets and external walls were repainted in a number of blocks within this area.

‘While the City does all it can to maintain the external areas of the units, we ask tenants to alert us to elements that may pose a safety risk. We call upon residents to work with us by being our eyes on the ground and logging a service request should an element need attention,’ added Councillor Diamond.

Residents can log a service request using one of the following channels:
•         The City’s Call Centre on the number 0860 103 089
•         Logging a service request at their local housing office
•         eServices portal on the City of Cape Town’s website: www.capetown.gov.za  
•         WhatsApp via 063 407 3699 for water-related queries
•         Email: water@capetown.gov.za for water-related queries
•         SMS 31373 for water-related queries
•         SMS 31220 for electricity-related queries
•         Email: accounts@capetown.gov.za for account-related queries

 
End