Residents at a social housing complex in Perth’s south-west claim they’re so desperate for water, some have resorted to drinking from bird baths.
They’re accusing the WA government of leaving them in a growing health crisis after weeks of water problems.
Residents at a social housing complex in Perth’s south-west claim they’re so desperate for water, some have resorted to drinking from bird baths. 9News
The Beaconsfield residents can’t shower, flush the toilet, wash dishes or clothes because they have no running water.
They’re left to fill up buckets and kettles from an outside tap after a pipe burst in their latest water saga.
These social housing residents on Lefroy Road are at breaking point, saying they’re living among a health hazard.
These social housing residents on Lefroy Road are at breaking point, saying they’re living among a health hazard. 9News
“Living like hell,” Ian Fegan told 9News.
“I mean everyone’s starting to smell and all that.”
Taps carry barely trickling water for the 13 residents, some who have complex health problems.
They told 9News they couldn’t carry out basic human needs.
“My toilet is starting to fill up now because I can’t flush the toilet,” Laurence Mather told 9News.
“I can’t have a shower, there’s absolutely no water supply now.”
For a month, there’s been little water pressure at their complex.
Taps carry barely trickling water for the 13 residents, some who have complex health problems. 9News
On Friday night a pipe burst, cutting off water to their flats entirely.
“So I came out at 5am and there was a resident drinking from the bird bucket over here,” Mather said.
“There’s a family with kids here with kids as well,” Fegan said.
“I mean I feel sorry for the kids.”
The state government said department staff resolved a water pressure issue earlier this week with contractors called out again on Saturday afternoon to investigate why the problem wasn’t resolved.
On Friday night a pipe burst, cutting off water to their flats entirely, leaving residents to use the outside tap to fill up kettles and buckets. 9News
The housing is slated to be demolished within the next year as part of a re-development plan for the Beaconsfield area.
Residents are now asking for emergency accommodation.
“If they can’t make things happen, and they’re leaving their tenants in animal like conditions right, third world conditions, then they must have some legal obligation to relocate people,” Mather said.