Hundreds of residents are still without heating and hot water more than one week on from a flood.
People living in the 142 flats in the Chips building, Ancoats, have faced sub-zero temperatures since New Year’s Day, when the building management company, RMG, said basement flooding “overwhelmed the infrastructure”.
Residents are now relying on heaters in the icy conditions, with one pensioner having to boil the kettle to wash. “It’s archaic. It’s ridiculous. It’s five or six below. It’s freezing outside and like an ice box without heating,” said 77-year-old Eric Stone.
RMG said the firm had been working with contracted specialists to complete a repair, with work due to be completed on Saturday.
Other residents have decided to leave their homes, with one staying with family 50 miles away on Merseyside.
“I’m having to shower at work or go to the gym to shower,” the 26-year-old, who shares a £1,900-per-month flat with two friends, said.
“In terms of temperature, last night was the worst it has been. I have woken up really ill.”
Another renter, who pays £1,700 monthly, said they would have to get a hotel for the weekend.
“It’s getting to -7C and that’s miserable. It’s a practical solution I have access to but many don’t,” the 39-year-old said.
One landlord who owns a property in the building has called for more support from RMG, which runs the block.
“They said they would provide a heater. What about the hot water? People cannot shower or have a hot wash,” he said.
It is understood Manchester council is aware and monitoring the situation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
An RMG spokesperson said it had sourced individual heaters for residents but any out-of-pocket expenses residents incurred would need to be decided by the management company.
“RMG totally sympathises with the terrible position the Chips’ residents face following the plant room’s flooding,” they said.
“RMG appointed two independent specialist companies to assess the contractor’s solution. Both agreed the project plan was correct and no short-term solutions were possible.”