Eldorado Park’s extension 2’s almost 53-year-old flats are getting some upgrades in an effort to improve many of the residents’ living conditions. Many of the town’s residents are unemployed and live in unhealthy and dangerous conditions.
Over the last three years, there have been discussions over the structural redesign of the flats at Eldorado Park extension 2, nicknamed “Klein 2” by many.
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Junaid Birkenstock of Birkenstock Trading is a Ward 18 resident and one of the project’s subcontractors. Because the sewage lines were deteriorating when they arrived, Birkenstock explained, contractors trenched and core drilled them out and rebuilt them with PVC pipes so residents wouldn’t have to deal with a sewer or gassy odours.
They were also able to restore the pavement, as well as the balustrades and roofs, which a separate subcontractor completed.
The initiative aided in the employment of thirteen residents from the flats, six women and seven men.
The main contractor, Thabiso Kgamedi, is the founder and CEO of 4T Group, a civil and construction business. He said that the project was given to them by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), which is part of the City of Johannesburg Housing Department.
According to Kgamedi, the flats are fairly old, and there are a lot of families living there. He voiced his displeasure with his living situation and inquired if there was anything further they could do.
The plumbing and structure of the flats are being upgraded. Contractors have also provided an electrical work plan that needs to be updated.
Ensley Britoe, the Gail Britoe Foundation’s resident and community engagement officer, also disclosed that 4T Group opted to cooperate with the foundation and provide a weekly lunch for the kids as part of their social responsibility. Britoe conveyed his appreciation to the company.
The project’s original deadline was November 25, however, due to additional labour, it has been extended to the end of January 2022.
