A multi-million rand project to upgrade council flats in Elsies River came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday following the president’s announcement of a nationwide shutdown this week.
Leonsdale ward councillor Franchesca Walker says just a day after the much-anticipated project started, it was stopped following the call for a stay-at-home to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
She says planning for the project, which will see various council flats in the area spruced up with new paint, removal of asbestos roofs and the roll-out of aluminium windows, has been on the cards since July 2019.
HALT: Franchesca Walker
“The project was much anticipated as unemployed mothers and fathers in Leonsdale were being given work,” she says.
“The way it was set up is that the parents living in a specific court were assigned to carry out the work under the supervision of a contractor appointed by the City.”
She says on Monday the excited parents arrived at Leo Mews in 12th Avenue and work got under way.
“They were really excited and it showed as they got to work. But on Tuesday, following the announcement, the project had to be temporarily suspended,” adds Walker.
SUSPENDED: Leo Mews project in 12th Avenue in Elsies River needs to be upgraded
“They were disappointed, but very understanding as this work is not considered essential services and so needed to be called off for now.
“This is a major project worth millions and the upgrades are much-needed. We will reassess after the shutdown.”