The emergency lifts are placed because the ‘normal’ lifts are and must be replaced over their expiry date. One of the two is just before the kitchen window of resident Marianne Kuijpers. She feels and hears the vibrations going through her house. “If you sit quietly on the couch in the evening, the cups are sometimes vibrating,” she tells NH.
Residents who live further away from the lifts have less problems with it. Anneloes Mulder, for example: “They are good, safe lifts,” she believes. “Unfortunately they are a bit slow and make noise, but otherwise I am happy that they are there.”
Yet she also starts to be fed up with it, because it is not clear how long the situation will take. Administrator Eigen Haard announced the residents in August that the emergency lifts would be gone again at the end of the year, but they are still there.
‘Emergency lifts are safe’
Spokesperson Wim de Waard of Eigen Haard admits that replacing the lifts is not according to plan. “Because of unforeseen constructive things that emerged during the elevator replacement and extra permit applications, we are considerably delayed. We are very disappointed because residents still have to use the two emergency lifts for the time being.”
According to De Waard, the noise pollution that causes the emergency lifts cannot be limited. He does emphasize that they are safe. “The emergency lifts meet all legal requirements and are regularly checked. The permit for this has been issued.” Marianne and Anneloes have indeed seen inspectors a number of times.
Bad communication
The women are particularly annoyed by the lack of information from Eigen Haard. At the beginning of October, the emergency lifts were suddenly stopped. Eigen Haard turned out not to have the right permits, but the residents had to call the police to find out what was going on. “Then you are suddenly stuck in your home,” says Marianne.
The landlord says he cannot predict when the new lifts will be placed. The residents understand that, but still want to be better informed.
“Since the permit has been requested, we have been six weeks later and we do not hear how that works and why it takes so long,” says Anneloes. Marianne adds: “We also hear nothing about compensations that we have promised.”