An Adelaide mother and her family have been living in what they describe as unlivable conditions for years, with their housing trust home in Hackham so severely affected by black mould that they were forced to shower in their front yard, even through winter.
The distressing situation has been compounded by the department’s proposed solution: a portable shower.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Seven News that her home, which she has occupied for nearly a decade, has felt like “a prison” for the past three years.
“We couldn’t breathe...coughing all the time,” she recounted, adding that the house constantly smells “musky.”
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The property is reportedly riddled with black mould, termites, and extensive water damage. The severity of the issue was highlighted when a contractor, upon removing tiles in the bathroom, was reportedly overcome by the stench and vomited.
“It was that bad he vomited,” the tenant recounted.
An Adelaide family has been forced to shower in their front yard due to mould taking over their home, which has left one tradie vomiting. Source: 7NEWS
With bathroom renovations left incomplete, the family resorted to showering outdoors in cold water.
“In cold water...not hot water (and in winter),” one of her daughters confirmed.
The home’s bathroom has been mid renovation for weeks. Source: 7NEWS
To compound the issue, the mother’s health significantly deteriorated, leading to frequent hospitalisations and multiple bronchoscopies to clear her lungs.
Her doctor has expressed ongoing concerns regarding the inadequacy of mould eradication, warning that continued exposure is exacerbating her asthma.
The impact on her children has also been profound.
“I thought I was going to lose my mum because she gets sick all the time,” one daughter tearfully shared.
The kitchen cupboards are riddled with mould ... Source: 7NEWS
... so are the ceilings. Source: 7NEWS
Housing Minister Nick Champion acknowledged that the problem has persisted for too long, noting that mould is a recurring issue across housing trust properties.
“We have 30,000 properties and the average age is 44 years old, so we are seeing these problems occurring,” he explained to Seven News.
The family has since been relocated to crisis accommodation while maintenance crews address the extensive list of issues at their former home.
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