Elevator in Menen Defective for Weeks: 'Elderly Resident Trapped in Apartment for Almost a Month'

Residents of the Belfort residence in Menen, Belgium, are experiencing prolonged hardship due to a malfunctioning elevator that has been out of service since June 24. The breakdown has created a significant problem for the building's elderly inhabitants, with some finding themselves effectively confined to their apartments for weeks. The repair work is currently scheduled for July 22, leaving many to cope with the daily challenges posed by the inaccessibility.

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It's difficult, really not possible anymore. It's been weeks. I'm really upset about it and nobody is doing anything.

The building houses eight apartments, and three elderly residents, aged 73, 87, and 94, have voiced their distress. Geneviève Degeyter, 87, who lives on the fourth floor, struggles with the 68 stairs. "It's difficult, really not possible anymore. It's been weeks. I'm really upset about it and nobody is doing anything," she stated. Her neighbor, Marleen Top, 73, has adapted by carrying groceries up the stairs one bottle of water at a time, resting halfway up. "I can go down the stairs, but halfway I have to rest," she explained.

The situation is most severe for a 94-year-old resident on the third floor who cannot use the stairs at all. Her granddaughter and her partner manage her weekly grocery shopping. "She has been confined between four walls for almost a month. Her visits to church, her coffee at Violetta's, a quick trip to the post office – she hasn't been able to do any of that for over three weeks," the granddaughter reported. The prolonged lack of elevator access has led to other serious consequences: one resident is hospitalized, and two others have temporarily relocated. Notably, one of these relocated residents was trapped in the elevator for 45 minutes when it initially failed.

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I can go down the stairs, but halfway I have to rest.

The building's administrator, Dewaele in Kortrijk, acknowledged the problem but deferred responsibility to the elevator company, describing themselves as an intermediary. Although the administrator signed an offer for repairs the day after the defect, the necessary parts are still awaited. According to the latest information, these parts are expected next week, with repairs planned for July 22. This timeline means residents will endure nearly a month without elevator service.

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She has been confined between four walls for almost a month. Her visits to her church, her coffee at Violetta's, a quick trip to the post office – she hasn't been able to do any of that for over three weeks.