CHARLENE SOMDUTH
R ESIDENTS occupying complexes developed by a property development company claim they have been taken for a “ride” and given “empty promises”.
The company, Woodglaze Trading, is based at Industrial Park in Phoenix. It is owned by Shireen Annamalay, the wife of businessman Jay Singh, who has courted controversy previously when the Remant Alton group, of which he was director, ran foul with the municipality over the running of the city’s bus service.
Woodglaze builds complexes on various landfill sites which are rented to first-time home owners who earn between R3 500 and R7 000. After three years renters have the option to buy. However, by all accounts, this is a verbal agreement.
Protest
Residents living in Shireen Mews in Clayfield said they were shocked to find out that Woodglaze Trading sold the complex to another property company.
Speaking on behalf of residents, tenant Mervyn Govender said that they were concerned about where they stood in terms of the rent-to-buy option agreement they had with Woodglaze Trading.
He added that residents have been complaining about structural defects including the cracking of walls, tiles and roofs. They are still waiting for fire hydrants, post boxes and telephone facilities to be installed.
“We tried to contact the company (Woodglaze) on many occasions and we received no joy. We decided to take the law into our hands and we planned a protest march to the offices last Tuesday morning,” said Govender.
According to Govender approximately 150 residents drew up a memorandum stating their grievances and concerns with the company and marched to Woodglaze Trading. However, their plight fell on deaf ears and they were stopped by security guards and were ordered to turn around and leave.
Concerns
Resident Lolly Naicker said her concern was that the property was not safe for children.
“A wall could just collapse and someone could get injured very badly. We were promised so many things but nothing has materialised,” said Naicker. Another resident, Charmaine Naicker, said her ceiling was cracking and she was still waiting for assistance.
“It appears as though it could cave in at any moment and I fear for the safety of my children,” said Naicker.
Other residents described their living conditions as a “pigsty” and are hoping that their plight will be heard.
They claimed that cupboard handles and fittings in their bathrooms and kitchens were falling apart and they had to use “string” to keep them together.
Other residents from complexes in Eastbury and Foresthaven say they have similar issues with structural defects and are also seeking answers.
Way forward
Chairperson of the Organisation for Civic Rights (OCR), Sayed Iqbal Mohamed, advised that tenants needed to follow up with City Manager Sibusiso Sithole and Mayor James Nxumalo regarding their complaints.
“Residents can also lodge a complaint with the Rental Housing Tribunal that would conduct a mediation or a hearing,” said Mohamed.
He added that verbal agreements between landlord and tenants were not binding.