Residents in Cambridge face severe living conditions with sewage leaks, mould, and no heating during the cold snap, raising urgent concerns for their safety.
Some residents have disabilities, and others have young kids. One woman said she had to “camp” in her house for weeks without heat. Can you imagine that?
She’s been living there since 2013 and had to buy a kettle shower because the regular one didn’t work. That’s just wild!
Another tenant, Vincenza, moved in with her newborn son. Now he’s 11, and they still face heating issues every winter. She’s frustrated because the boiler problems never get fixed.
Every time she reports an issue, it’s a hassle. They either take too long to respond or show up without the right tools. It’s like a never-ending cycle of problems.
Encore manages the building, but they don’t handle maintenance directly. They just hire contractors, which seems to complicate things even more.
BPHA, the housing association, claims they’re aware of the heating issues in a few flats. They say they’re working on it, but residents are skeptical.
One tenant faced a sewage flood recently. It’s a nightmare when blockages from above cause leaks in her flat. Her son said the repairs were poorly handled, leading to more leaks.
Vincenza’s son called BPHA’s responses “farcical.” It’s frustrating for everyone involved. They feel like they’re living in squalor, and it’s taking a toll on their lives.
BPHA said they’ve had reports of sewage issues caused by improper disposal of items. They’re trying to educate residents on what can go down the drain.
Rodents have also been a problem. One tenant said there was a massive infestation because the bins hadn’t been cleaned in years. That’s just gross!
BPHA is trying to address the pest issue, but it’s been a struggle. They’ve set up monitoring stations and are cleaning the bin area regularly.
Mould is another big concern. Tenants are finding mould in their flats due to leaks. BPHA admitted they dropped the ball on follow-up repairs.
They’re working to fix these issues, but residents are understandably frustrated. It’s a tough situation, and they just want a safe, clean place to live.
