Rebuilding Our Lives After Sewage Damage

Good Evening Everyone,

My name is Decoda, I am a mother to two amazing girls aged 7 years and 7 months. In 2019, my eldest daughter and I were placed in a one bedroom flat, private accommodation by Lambeth council . Since residing there, I have experienced a considerable amount of issues with the property ( see below), which has exacerbated preexisting physical health conditions such as asthma.

1. Rat Infestation (2019- present) to the point where rats were eating with my daughter and I .

2. No hot water or heating ( 2019 then on and off and permanently in 2022 to present)

3. Mould ( 2019-2021) I payed someone to get rid of it

-4. Faulty Extractor Fan when escalated to Landlord I was told to open windows.

5. Faulty Pipes and Blocked Drain

6.Faulty Sockets/Faulty Electric

7. Condensation ( 2019-weeks ago when I checked)

My now 7-year-old daughter and I, since moving to the flat and with the ongoing environment concerns, began experiencing mental and emotional health concerns.

I have contacted Lambeth since moving in and updated them each time I had concerns about our safety. However, on each occasion, they have been very unhelpful. During this period, we had many episodes where we took refuge and were sofas surfing with friends and family (paid for). We had no choice as the situation was not conducive for my daughter and I to live in.

I found myself in a desperate situation, became pregnant, and gave birth in 2023 to my beautiful baby girl, whom I love and adore. Our living conditions were so bad that I needed to make a very difficult decision to ensure my family safety. Here I was once again sofa surfing ( paid for again) with a 7 years old and a newborn. I reached out to Lambeth, and once again, I was faced with unhelpful comments and no support.

I continued to sofa surf but would occasionally visit the property, which remained unsafe. On 2nd of April 2024, I visited. Prior to entering, I was met with water running from the flat at the front so I went through the back. I whispered a prayer and built my courage up, and opened the door. I was shocked to see that the property was flooded with faeces and sewage water in every room. We have lost everything. We lost furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, pictures of my late mother, and items from my mother I have kept for my children. I am sad as my personal sentimental items can not be replaced.

With the incident being posted all over social media by Kwajo and with him reaching out to the MP, Lambeth has taken steps and placed us in a hotel for 10 days. My situation remains dire, and I would appreciate any support (financial, legal, etc) to help us rebuild our lives. I will keep everyone updated with each step.

Thank you all.