1/3 Jordy Capello in the charred hallway of his parental home (photo: Omroep Brabant).
Suddenly it is cold in our country and that is exactly what Jordy Capello, his parents and sister from St Willebrord do not want. The family has been literally and figuratively left in the cold since a house fire at the end of November last year. “My mother regularly calls Enexis, but I no longer have confidence in them.”
The trouble started on November 22 with the smart electricity meter. It caught fire for unknown reasons and a short time later the Capello family house on Kaaistraat was ablaze. “The fire spread quickly,” says 17-year-old Jordy.
“The entire hallway was affected and then the second floor.”
The entire corridor was heavily affected by fire and smoke. The smoke also found its way to the second floor. “And we haven’t even mentioned water damage yet. And the stench that still lingers in the building. If we want to clean something, we really have to wear face masks,” says Jordy.
“We would like to clean and repair everything, but you also need electricity for that. A replacement meter box that we have installed may only be connected by certified people or organizations. This means that we cannot drill or saw,” Jordy explains. Calling Enexis seems like a logical step. But in practice this turns out to be disappointing, because according to Jordy the network manager hardly cares.
“We are constantly being sent from pillar to post.”
“We really call Enexis every three days. We keep hoping to finally hear a date when they can come, but we are constantly sent from pillar to post. We keep hearing that things are being rushed, but we don’t believe it anymore. I don’t like being confronted with this ruin every day.”
Meanwhile, the Capello family is almost two months further along. The family camps in a caravan next to the house. It can be cozy with the four of us on the couch and some chairs around a heater, but fun is different. Especially now that it is getting colder every day and especially the perceived temperature is dropping like a stone.
Fortunately, they can occasionally visit the neighbors. Jordy: “We are allowed to draw some power there every now and then, but we don’t want to do that too often to prevent the fuses from blowing. If we turn on the TV, vacuum cleaner or microwave, we run the risk of the power going out and then we have to hope that the neighbors are home to turn it back on.”
“It’s more survival than living.”
Jordy: “It’s more about surviving than living. You’re just trying to see how we keep each other warm.” During the day they sit in the living area of the caravan with double clothing and gloves on. In the evening they put about three hot water bottles in bed. With the freezing weather coming, Jordy has a clear wish. “Enexis, put power back on for us.” .This is no longer possible.”