Asylum seekers who were due to be relocated to a new reception centre in Uccle have been forced to return to a building in Koekelberg that has been declared uninhabitable, according to Bruzz.
Their move to Uccle was suspended following a court ruling in response to legal action brought by local residents opposing the opening of the Fedasil reception centre, which is to be operated by Samusocial. As a result, 10 families who had already been transferred to Uccle were sent back to Koekelberg on Tuesday.
During a visit to the building by Bruzz on Wednesday, asylum seekers were living in what residents described as "dangerous conditions". They reported widespread mould, leaking ceilings and broken windows throughout the premises.
Unfit for habitation
"We, and our children, are in danger because of the condition of this building," one asylum seeker told Bruzz. Another resident said their children were struggling to understand why they had been sent back. "My children ask what they did wrong that they had to return to such a terrible place".
Samusocial had previously deemed the Koekelberg building unfit for habitation. The organisation is now awaiting judicial approval before the residents can once again be relocated to the reception centre in Uccle.
The legal dispute over the Uccle centre stems from opposition by local residents, who have been protesting against the planned opening of the asylum facility for several months.
Until a final decision is reached, the affected families remain housed in the Koekelberg building despite concerns over its condition.
