It may take weeks or even months before the residents of Rijnstraat in Den Bosch are out of the cold. This is evident from a letter from BrabantWonen. The residents of at least eight apartments have been out in the cold for three years: first the boilers failed and now there is air in the pipes. BrabantWonen can only solve the problems after the winter.
Three weeks ago, the apartment residents told their story at Omroep Brabant. “We ask for patience for a definitive solution,” the housing association now responds.
Health complaints
BrabantWonen previously reported that the residents are not left out in the cold at all. This angered the victims.
When it freezes, the temperature does not rise above fifteen degrees. In addition to being just annoying, the problems cause health problems. “I suffer from rheumatism,” said an 82-year-old resident three weeks ago. “The cold gives me stiff fingers and extra pain.”
Not ideal
Only now have the residents of sixteen apartments received a response from the housing association. No one at the door, no personal phone call, just a letter with no apologies. “It is a cold letter,” responds a resident.
According to BrabantWonen, they are working hard on a solution together with Kemkens. “Unfortunately, the problem is not easily solved. However, we want to do everything we can to not leave you as a resident out in the cold,” the letter states. Therefore, the residents can request an electric heater. “Not the ideal solution, but probably necessary with these temperatures.”
Been patient for three years
Because the energy bill will rise considerably when the electric heating is switched on, BrabantWonen will offer a compensation. It is not known how much this compensation is and for what period. “They have to compensate for at least two years. Several residents have already bought electric heating or incurred other costs,” says the flat resident.
The letter also states that parts must be ordered. “We therefore ask for your patience on the final solution.” With this letter, the cold is not out of the air yet. “We have been patient for three years now. We’ve given them three years. And then they only start ordering parts now? That’s for a laugh. This will not be resolved this winter.”
Response BrabantWonen
And that’s right. BrabantWonen informs Omroep Brabant that the heating problem is more complex than expected. “Research shows that we have to install completely new boilers. We will only do that after the winter, otherwise the residents will be without heating and hot water for a few days.”
A spokesperson also says that they will look at the extra costs incurred by the residents per apartment. “We will then look at the costs and the period together.”
As a temporary solution, the pressure on the pipes has been increased since Friday. That provides a little bit of extra heat. “But it’s not enough to get warm,” says the resident. “We can only hope that it won’t freeze again this winter.”
READ ALSO: Three years in the cold with health problems: ‘Stiff fingers and extra pain’