By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter
A FAMILY’S kitchen ceiling collapsed after they reported a leak months earlier. Farrukh Imtiaz says his wife could have been seriously hurt.
She watched in horror as the ceiling cracked and fell at their Hyde Home last July. Farrukh says his family have been left living without a kitchen ceiling ever since, in damp and humid conditions.
The father-of-four, 42, says he reported a leak – from the bathroom upstairs to the kitchen – housing provider Onward Homes two months earlier.
He says nothing was done and action wasn’t taken until last week, adding: “My wife was working in the kitchen and then, all of a sudden, the ceiling just collapsed/ Fortunately she was not hurt.
“I had to call and tell them [Onward Homes] what was happening and they said they would come around to take a look.”
The Pudding Lane resident said he has called customer services numerous times in the past year.
Eventually, an out of court settlement was agreed after Farrukh took legal action.
Onward Homes confirmed the legal settlement. Seven months on, Farrukh says he is still waiting for repairs to be carried out.
“You can’t imagine what we’ve been through,” he added. “Me and my son were really badly affected by the damp in our chests.
“We both got chest infections. My asthma means I haven’t been able to work. Two months ago, Onward Homes sent someone to inspect our house. He informed us that we should avoid taking showers as the leak would worsen, yet no follow-up repairs have been made.
“Living with four children under these conditions has been extremely challenging. My children have been frequently falling ill.”
Farrukh moved to the UK from Pakistan in 2011 and lived in Home Office accommodation in Gorton area before settling in Hyde.
The family has now been told they will be put up for up to 15 days from June 24 so contractors can carry out the work.
A spokesperson for Onward Homes said: “We are very sorry for the distress caused to Mr Farrukh and his family and the time it has taken to resolve this issue.
“We visited Mr Farrukh today [Wednesday, June 12] to apologise in person, to offer our support until all works are complete, and to arrange a thorough inspection of all outstanding property issues which will take place this week.
“Following this inspection, we will carry out the repairs at times that are convenient for Mr Farrukh and will ensure that he is entirely satisfied with the standard of works once all outstanding repairs have been completed.”