In recent years, high-end residential properties in Shanghai have been highly sought after. The owner of unit 92 in the Royal Garden of No. 2000 Lane on Gudai Road in Qibao Town, Minhang District, purchased a high-end house in a multi-million dollar residential complex. However, reality has left the wealthy residents sorely disappointed.
Through the “News Fang Tongxin Service Platform,” residents of the complex have reported that the property was delivered in August 2020. Starting from April this year, a foul odor began to permeate the building. Some residents even said that the stench was so strong that they had to use air fresheners to mask it.
According to a news report on November 24, after extensive investigation by the residents, the source of the odor was finally identified: seepage of sewage causing stagnant water in the intermediate enclosed space between B1 and the 1st floor.
Mr. Tian, one of the residents, shared that in April this year, a foul smell was detected inside the building, and the explanation given was that there might have been a leak in the enclosed space of the intermediate layer. The issue persisted until July. As the temperature increased during the summer, the unbearable stench required constant use of air fresheners.
He mentioned that residents reported the problem to the relevant authorities, and it was redirected to the Property Hotline of the Minhang District Housing Management Bureau, who advised that the issue should be handled by the property developer.
Each floor of unit 92 has 3 units, with unit 01 and 03 on the ground floor having a basement, while the basement of unit 02 is a storage room and an electrical room, allowing access to the intermediate layer through a ladder from the storage room.
The report stated that when staff entered the enclosed space of the intermediate layer, they were shocked by the scene they witnessed: the temporary drainage channel in the intermediate layer was filled with black water to a height of about 1.5 meters, with sewer pipes concealed within, and both sides of the temporary drainage channel were filled with black water. Upon closer inspection with a flashlight, they found tens of thousands of maggots wriggling inside the drainage channel, emitting a strong stench of feces.
Why would there be exposed drainage channels in the intermediate layer?
In April this year, there was a leakage in the drainage pipes enclosed within the load-bearing wall. Initially, the developer sent repair personnel to open holes in the walls of the intermediate layer and dig temporary water channels to divert the leaked water.
Mr. Tian mentioned that the construction plan suggested that holes needed to be made in the load-bearing wall of the intermediate layer, stating that there was a certain risk involved that could affect the structure and potentially lead to the collapse of the ground floor. However, this issue was left unresolved.
Despite two repair proposals being introduced during the months of waiting, as of now, the residents are still left with empty promises.
Mr. Tian disclosed that in October, residents provided feedback once again, and under pressure from various parties, the construction team proposed to break the floor from directly above the intermediate layer in the resident’s unit on the ground floor, requiring a construction period of twenty to thirty days. However, the resident’s home has an elderly person and two young children, making it unsuitable for construction activities. Additionally, residents are concerned about the safety of their structure. Moreover, no arrangements were made for the relocation of residents.
Over seven months have passed without any progress in repairs. Could the long-term presence of the “foul water channel” in the building pose a safety risk? Residents are hopeful that the developer can promptly implement the necessary repairs.
Why has there been a delay of over seven months in finalizing the repair plan? Where exactly is the issue stalled?
According to the report, the real estate developer Youfu (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. did not appear on-site and declined to be interviewed.
The local neighborhood committee confirmed the residents’ statements that the repair plan has yet to be implemented.