Settler’s Close, a retirement home for people living mostly on government pensions, is in need of repair, according to members of the Grahamstown and Districts War Memorial Association.
Settler’s Close, a retirement home for people living mostly on government pensions, is in need of repair, according to members of the Grahamstown and Districts War Memorial Association.
The association, which oversees the block of flats, is a non-profit organisation that relies entirely on donations, street collections and raffles for the upkeep of the retirement home. They do not receive government or municipal funding or support.
Started in 1952, largely thanks to the efforts of Dorothy Bayes and first chairperson and one of the founders of the association, Dean J.M Beaufort, Settler’s Close was originally built as a place for returning World War 2 soldiers to live.
The small complex celebrated its 60th birthday last year. All the flats built on the premises have been funded by the donations and efforts of various societies over the years, such as the Red Cross in 1955, and the Grahamstown branch of the Women’s Auxiliary South African legion in 1957.
While the association says that they have replaced two whole roofs in the complex, there is still much work to be done, as it is an expensive process that costs over R20 000 per block of roofing.
The tin sheeting for the roofs is rusted and pitted, leading to leaks and floods. “It drips everywhere when it rains, and sometimes my flat will flood,” said Elaine Rielly, seven-year resident of Settler’s Close.
Quick fixes, like temporary sheets of tin and iron to stop the leaks, have been implemented, but these measures are a matter of concern for residents.
“I’m worried that it’ll never be properly fixed,” she said.
Anyone looking to donate to the association can contact Kathy Waters at 046 636 7816.
