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KNYSNA NEWS - According to Daniel Zenzile of Flenters location in Knysna he is living in a "death trap" as his dilapidated house can fall in on him anytime.
Zenzile and his spouse Nomhle were happy when they were given keys to their house (a show house at the time) in Flenters more than fifteen years ago.
According to Zenzile, he was told that house F134 in Flenters was temporary and a new house would be built for him.
"They said the house was to show residents what the houses will be like. Since then I have been complaining of cracks, falling roof and water getting inside the house when it is raining," he said.
Zenzile said in 2011, he was told to come and sign the title deed.
"After years of reporting the problems in the house, I signed the title deed. When I reported to the municipality after signing the title deed they said signing the title deed means I was happy with the house and every problem that is in the house is my problem."
Zenzile said the situation in his house is bad and all his furniture is ruined.
According to his niece, Queen Booi, her uncle's house is a death trap.
"My uncle is living in water when it rains, the house has cracks, some parts of the roof fell in and all his furniture is damaged," she said.
The leaking roof of Daniel Zenzile's house.
She said her uncle and aunt's health has been affected by their living conditions.
"They have swollen feet and when we want to take them away from the house they don't want to leave their house. It is difficult for us to sleep when it rains knowing that they are staying in a leaking house," she said.
Responding to KPH's questions, Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis said in terms of the housing system, once the beneficiary receives a unit, he has at least seven days to report the matter for the contractor to fix defects.
The ruined ceiling of Daniel Zenzile's house.
"In the case where the matter is not reported within seven days, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) steps in where the house is covered for five years for any defects. In an event where the matter was not reported to any of the above and a title deed is issued, the responsibility for any defects falls with the owner of the property which in this case is Mr Zenzile," he said.
Zenzile said they were never told to report to the NHBRC.
"Every time we went to the municipality we were promised that my house will be built. This is new to us," he said.
The toilet is broken too. Photos: Tembile Sgqolana
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