KNYSNA NEWS - Frustration is mounting among tenants at Curlew Court in Lower Old Place as ongoing maintenance failures, safety concerns and poor communication continue to plague the municipal housing complex.
Residents say they are living in increasingly difficult conditions, citing broken infrastructure, inadequate security and a lack of response from the Knysna Municipality.
Among the most serious concerns is security, with tenants claiming that damaged fencing allows unrestricted access to the property at all hours. "Anyone can walk in and out, day or night. We don't feel safe," one resident said.
Maintenance issues are equally pressing. Tenants report leaking taps and toilets, faulty geysers, broken windows, structural cracks and severe damp in several units. The damp conditions, they say, are not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous, with some residents linking prolonged exposure to respiratory illnesses.
In one alarming case, an elderly resident has allegedly been without running water since August last year, despite repeated reports to municipal officials and the ward councillor.
Communication breakdowns have further compounded frustrations, with residents claiming their complaints are routinely ignored. "We report problems, but nothing happens," another tenant said.
Questions have also been raised about funding. Residents allege that while R1.6m was earmarked for maintenance, they have been told only R200 000 is available, prompting calls for transparency on how the funds have been allocated.
Municipality responds
In response to Knysna-Plett Herald's enquiries, a municipal spokesperson said the municipality is in the process of addressing maintenance concerns, with priority given to the replacement of faulty geysers, taps and toilets.
The spokesperson confirmed that on 8 April, the acting municipal manager, a Human Settlements official and the Ward 9 councillor met with tenants to discuss the issues and budget constraints. A priority list was compiled to guide phased repairs, including fixing roof leaks, replacing toilets and addressing overflowing geysers.
The municipality added that the Human Settlements Department is currently inviting bids through its supply chain management process to resolve infrastructure-related problems.
However, for many residents, the response offers little immediate relief.
With safety concerns unresolved and basic services still lacking, tenants say urgent action - not plans - is needed to restore dignity and acceptable living conditions at Curlew Court.
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