A terminally ill man from Greystanes, Sydney, has not been able to shower for months due to severe plumbing issues in his public housing unit, which has repeatedly flooded with sewage. Karl Perez expressed his frustration, stating that the situation has stripped him of his dignity, forcing him and his partner Monica to rely on sponge baths and wipes for hygiene.
The property has suffered three flood incidents, leading to a foul living environment, with Karl lamenting that the treatment they have received is akin to how one should not treat animals. Multiple plumber visits from Homes NSW have occurred, revealing that tree roots have caused the blockage in the pipes. Karl described the distressing scenario where using the toilet results in raw sewage pouring into the hallway and bedrooms.
Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, acknowledged the unacceptable living conditions and stated that they fall far short of the standards expected in public housing. She confirmed that Homes NSW has been engaged in efforts to remedy the issue but acknowledged that more substantial repairs were needed to fully address the ongoing plumbing concerns. Jackson assured that work is anticipated to be completed by June 17.
In spite of Homes NSW’s offer of temporary accommodation during repairs, Karl feels unheard and has even initiated legal proceedings against the housing authority. He expressed a desperate desire for something as basic as a functional shower, reiterating that they aren’t asking for luxury but merely a sanitary living environment.
Homes NSW addressed the situation by apologising for the disruptions and highlighting their commitment to tackling aging infrastructure issues in social housing. They noted their plans to invest significantly in maintenance and upgrades to ensure safe living conditions.
Minister Jackson reinforced the government’s commitment to improving public housing, stating that every resident deserves access to safe and dignified accommodation. Given the past neglect of the housing system, the government is focused on restoring its integrity through substantial investment and strategic planning to enhance the quality of life for tenants across New South Wales.