Dear Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation,

I am Fowzia Veerasamy Community worker of Gatesville Flats in Athlone Cape Town.

Gatesville Flats owned by Human Settlement Department, we are 18 block of flats portion into 3 phases.It is 80% Seniors as rental owners , 40% Disable .
The reason I'm writing to the Committee, which I follow with every meeting as to assist or advise us as the Gatesville Tenants Committee and our Community regarding upgrades that was promised .The flats almost 50yrs old so it come with wear and tear .Roofs broken, broken window frames, staircases thats falling off,each flat is infested with mould which is why Gatesville Flats have 75% chest illnesses. All flats got asbestos roofs.

Human Settlement Department spend huge amount of money for consultants to do assessments which the money could've been spend for upgrading our flats .After assessment completed we contacted HSD requesting what is the way forward as we were promised ownership and upgrade.Minister Simmers visited our Community numerous times making promises of upgrade and titledeeds.
We requested that the upgrades include our Community part of the upgrade as labourers.

We request the Portfolio Committee to come and visit Gatesville flats and hear from the frustrated Community also see how bad state our flats look with crack walls and now with winter rain penetrating inside our flats.

Also if rental owner passed away there is no inheritance and families living in fear .We have lost alot of Seniors due to Cancer,Asthma,Covid.We beg for assistance PLEASE as no comment from HSD regarding the promising upgrade and title deeds.

Awaiting Feedback

Regards
Spokesperson of Gatesville Tenants Committee
Ms Fowzia Veerasamy
0617746547