- Residents at the DCI Goodwood Station complex have raised concerns over restrictive policies, including limits on guests and high utility fees.
- They argue that the policies make social housing unaffordable and restrictive, especially for pensioners.
- Despite the management’s explanations, tenants hope for more understanding and flexibility.
Several residents of the DCI Goodwood Station complex have expressed their frustration through a formal grievance letter directed at DCI management. The letter outlines various concerns, from restrictive policies to high utility charges, which residents feel are unreasonable for a social housing institution.
Key issues highlighted were the limited guest policy, tenants are restricted to only five sleepovers per month. This policy has sparked dissatisfaction among residents who feel that it is overly restrictive. One resident explains that she has a daughter overseas who comes and visits every year and when she visits she comes for two weeks. “I would want her to have a place to come to like she always had in the past, but here at DCI they would not allow that to happen, which is very sad and disappointing. DCI is like a prison,” says the resident.
Another issues is that once lease agreements are signed, tenants are not permitted to add another occupant to their lease, even if it is a spouse or sibling. This rule has drawn criticism for its lack of flexibility and consideration for changing family circumstances.
Significant costs
Residents have raised concerns about the significant costs associated with utilities. The current refuse and sewerage charge stands at R250 per tenant, while electricity and water bills range from R387,50 to R400 monthly, on top of the rent. The grievance letter states: “As tenants, this is uncalled for, expecting us to pay almost the same amount as a private property resident. Sassa pensioners are unable to afford this social housing institution due to the sudden and substantial rental payments expected.”
Tenants have complained about the lack of available parking. Only staff members are allowed to park within the complex yard, leaving residents to park on the street, where break-ins are common. “Despite promises of parking spaces, management has yet to address this issue, and residents who park on the street have reportedly received fines,” residents say.
Residents claim that the complex, which comprises 1 055 units and houses approximately 3 000 tenants, has been plagued by maintenance issues, including recurring drain blockages, cracked walls, and leaks in various units. Residents claim that maintenance responses are slow, and sometimes issues remain unresolved.
Management’s response
DCI Goodwood complex management has defended the policies, emphasising that the rules are in place to maintain security and harmony among the large community. “The house rules for the complex have been drawn up to protect the interests of all tenants. What may seem restrictive to some are, in fact, important rules to protect the security and harmoniousness of the majority,” stated the management.
Addressing the utility charges, management acknowledged that utility costs are a growing concern nationwide. “Please be assured that the current tariffs are in line with the City of Cape Town’s tariff structure for social housing. All tenants were informed about the additional surcharges during the leasing workshop and completed a tenant quiz which explained these charges,” they explained.
The management also noted that they are in communication with the City of Cape Town to confirm the sewerage fee, which will be divided fairly among the units and communicated to the tenants once finalised. They clarified that the refuse rate is calculated by dividing the total cost of refuse collection by the number of units, with no additional third-party fees.
While management has provided explanations and justifications for the current policies and fees, residents are hoping for more tangible solutions and adjustments to address their concerns. The dialogue between the tenants and DCI management continues as both sides work toward an understanding.
