NIHE committed to Creggan work programme despite COVID-19

The housing body said it will continue to engage with residents and local political representatives around repairs in the estate.

It made the commitment after Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan met senior NIHE officials to press the issue.

The Foyle MLA said: “Repeated delays are having a devastating impact on the lives of Housing Executive tenants in the estate. Some of these homes have been up over seventy years and it is very clear the disruption to people’s everyday lives.

“It’s particularly worrying the reports we have received about how the damp conditions in some houses are affecting residents’ health across all age brackets.

“These cannot be standalone repairs. These homes need a wide range of home improvement schemes.

“The residents feel that they have been let down too often by the Housing Executive.”

Ms. Mullan said she has asked the Housing Executive to make the Creggan work programme a number one priority.

“Tenants have had enough promises over the years but now we want action and a time frame for the work,” she stated.

A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We had a very positive engagement around housing issues in the Creggan area.

“We intend on bringing a programme of work forward to address the issues raised.

“Due to the current restrictions around COVID-19 in the Derry and Strabane area, it is difficult to be precise around the timing of the delivery of this scheme

“However, we can re-assure the community that this is a priority for the Housing Executive and we will keep the community and its elected representatives informed as we move forward.”

Ms. Mullan said she was hopeful of works commencing in a short period of time.

“We received a positive response from the director who stated that Creggan will be a priority and he hopes that they can begin work within the next financial year. We intend to keep the pressure on the Housing Executive to ensure that they are doing all they can to have these repairs complete in the shortest possible time frame.

“If any resident has concerns about the likes of dampness in their home, they can contact me at our Ráth Mór office on 717377551,” said the Derry MLA.