24 April 2007
A random survey of buildings in parts of Durban's inner city and surrounding
suburbs shows that 67% have lifts that are defective or not functioning.
The findings of the study also show that a total of 33 buildings out of 49
have lifts that are not functioning or defective. Sixty seven percent of the
buildings' lifts have broken down completely, stalled frequently or are
defective.
Fifty three percent of the lifts were not functioning at all from less than
a year to 20 years. Approximately 20% have not worked for a period of between
four to five years, and 8% between 10 to 11 years with complaints by residents
disregarded by the owners or bodies corporate.
The joint survey by the Department of Labour and the Organisation of Civic
Rights further investigated complaints of tenants and some sectional title
owners regarding lifts malfunctioning, frequent break-downs, and hazardous
conditions and total non-functioning of lifts for many years.
In the inner city, the following blocks were chosen for the random survey;
Smith, West, Broad, and Russell Streets, Albert Park, Diakonia Avenue,
McArthur, St George's and Park Streets, Berea Road between Umbilo Road and
Keits Avenue, Point Road between West and Winder Streets, Cato Street,
Pickering Street, John Milne Street, Smith and West Streets east.
Analysis and observation by labour inspectors show that there is general
decay of the buildings, and in some instances, precarious state of disrepair
was evident that resulted in loss of lives, the survey shows.
An increasing number of lifts have stopped functioning or are seriously
defective, causing hardships to residents, especially the elderly and the
disabled.
The survey is part of the drive by authorities to clamp down on errant and
negligent property owners.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
24 April 2007
