Arabic version: مستأجرو إقليم العاصمة الأسترالية يبلغون عن انتظار إصلاحات التدفئة لأسابيع

According to ABC News, some ACT public housing residents say they are waiting weeks for heaters to be repaired or replaced during Canberra’s winter, while the Canberra Liberals have called for faster action from the territory government.

Public housing tenant Barbara Belmonte said her split-system air-conditioning unit had not provided “adequate and sustainable heating” since June 9. Housing ACT sent several contractors to her inner-north home and lent her a small bar heater, but she was told a required part could take another three to five weeks to arrive.

Belmonte said the delay could extend to the end of August and leave her relying on small heaters that increase her electricity bills. After temperatures reached -4.9C on Monday and -5.8C on Sunday, she decided to temporarily stay with her son in Queensland. “Heating in Canberra is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” she said.

Canberra Liberals MLA Chiaka Barry said her office had received several calls from tenants and families seeking action over broken heating. She said a policy requiring two housing staff members to attend properties had reduced client visits and meant issues could be missed. Barry said public-housing maintenance needed urgent action.

An ACT government spokesperson said heating faults are classified as priority repairs, with a technician to attend before 6pm the following day. Where a repair cannot be completed quickly, portable heaters are offered within 24 hours, the spokesperson said. The government said it recognised tenants’ frustration, particularly over warranty-related delays, and was committed to interim solutions while repairs were arranged.