Residents of Eland House in Butcher Place, Sydenham, are worried about the state of their council-owned building. They say it has been deteriorating for years, with problems like leaking pipes, sewage issues, damp and mould, damaged staircases and electrical safety concerns. Some residents have lived there for decades and have repeatedly complained to the eThekwini Municipality, but they say little has been done to address their concerns. This has left families with children and elderly people vulnerable to the deteriorating conditions.
The residents' concerns go beyond the poor state of the flats to the safety of the building's communal areas. They point to loose roofing sheets, damaged concrete, water seeping through walls and staircases that they fear could collapse. The residents described living with persistent leaks that have damaged bathrooms, kitchens and walls, with some reporting dampness and mould inside their homes. They also raised concerns about rodents and other pests in areas affected by water and waste.
Some residents said municipal workers had attended to plumbing problems, but they were unhappy that repairs often appeared to address the immediate fault without dealing with the damage caused inside their homes. The residents alleged that pipes had been repaired repeatedly without being properly replaced, while water continued to seep through walls and concrete structures. One resident said a geyser repair had been outstanding for approximately four years.
The condition of the communal staircases is another major concern for the residents. They pointed to sections they believe are deteriorating and warned that loose building materials and unsecured roofing sheets could fall and injure someone, particularly children playing around the property. They also questioned the safety of electrical installations in areas affected by water leaks, raising fears of a potential electrical accident.
Residents further expressed concern about the lack of adequate fire escape arrangements, particularly for elderly tenants who could struggle to evacuate the building in an emergency. The complaints come amid frustration over what residents say are repeated promises of renovations that have failed to materialise. According to residents, municipal representatives had previously indicated that renovation work would begin in May 2026.
Despite some plumbing work being undertaken around the time of the residents' latest complaints, they said much of the underlying deterioration remained unresolved. In an effort to improve communication with the authorities, residents recently met to elect a new committee to represent their concerns. However, they said they were still seeking formal recognition of the committee so that it could engage the relevant municipal departments.
The Rising Sun has sought a comment from the eThekwini Municipality on the residents' allegations, the status of the promised renovations, the reported maintenance delays and whether a structural and safety assessment has been conducted at Eland House. A response had not been received at the time of publication. Residents are still waiting for action to be taken to address their concerns and improve their living conditions.
Key points
- Residents of Eland House in Sydenham fear their council-owned building is deteriorating to a dangerous state.
- The residents have repeatedly complained to the eThekwini Municipality, but say little has been done to address their concerns.
- The residents are seeking formal recognition of their newly elected committee to engage with the municipal departments.
