Mascot Towers: owners share story of misfortune

Mascot Towers home owner Fabiano Santos looked at the boarded entry to his home. “I spent almost a million dollars three months ago. Now I’m homeless,” he said.

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Evacuated residents of the cracked Mascot Towers unit building have returned to collect belongings, but do not know when they might be allowed back permanently.

Residents were allowed 15 minutes’ access to their homes at the 10-storey Bourke Rd block, which has had its main entry boarded and access guarded by security.

Residents of Mascot Towers wait for access. Picture: David Swift.

One owner, who only gave his name as William, waited outside for access he had arranged with building management online.

He and his partner have had to book a hotel room nearby and were keen to get hold of their belongings.

“Clothes mainly. Passport. Banking stuff. The essentials,” William said of the items he would take.

Residents were evacuated on Friday night after cracks that had appeared in some units in recent weeks grew larger.

Firefighters and police helped evacuate people.

A building manager was on site on Monday, but did not speak to media.

Engineers are inspecting the foundations and damage. This is expected to take about five days.

Unlike the cracked Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park, Mascot Towers was built more than 10 years ago.

Mascot Towers has 132 homes. Picture: Damian Shaw

Excavation for a neighbouring unit block has been raised as a possible cause.

A spokesman for the building manager said a website had been set up to communicate with residents.

A residents’ meeting will be held this week and engineers’ reports discussed.

Another owner, Fabiano Santos, was outside the building for a third consecutive day looking for someone to talk to.

Mascot Towers resident Fabiano Santos. Picture: Steven Deare

He said calls to management were going to an answering service.

Mr Santos bought a home at Mascot Towers three months ago, and is staying at a friends unit with his partner and pets.

“I spent almost a million dollars three months ago. Now I’m homeless,” he said.

“My main concern is us owners should be given repsect and someone to talk to. Help us through this process. We’re in total limbo.”