Electrical wiring in the ceiling of every unit in the Tiwi Gardens villa section of the Masonic Homes retirement village is to be checked . It is understood particular attention will be given to the large number of downlights in each unit , close to 20, which give off considerable heat , and are not considered ideal for tropical areas , electrical storms likely to cause them to blow. Near the end of last year , a resident hired an electrician to do some extension work on his villa and was allegedly told that the wiring was sloppy and "very dangerous, " insulation batts had not been installed correctly and were on top of electrical fittings. As houses had been gutted by fire down south because of this situation, the matter was reported to the Masonic Homes management and has been discussed at several residents’ meetings .
Residents were concerned because a supposed insulation check had been made several months previously. On that occasion two “ French boys,” described by some as backpackers, climbed into ceilings and did something with the batts . In some instances, the batts had not been spread out and were still in wrapping.
Recently there was an incident when part of the wiring in a unit burnt out. An electrician was called and when the power was turned on after repair work , another section burnt out. A handyman ,believed not an electrician, has told residents he got up into the ceiling of a unit and made certain observations which prompted the call for an inspection .
The nearby nursing home had a long period of many night safety lights , costing about $60 each , blowing for no apparent reason. Back in February, Masonic Homes management infrormed residents it had been “ advised that all reports from the builders and contractors used in the complex show that all electrical installations were undertaken to the standard required”. The villas were built by McCracken Homes , of Adelaide.
Considerable Commonwealth and NT Government money was put into the Masonic Home building project . The NT Minister for the Aged , Rob Knight, recently made the Attorney–General as well , is believed not to be aware of this situation, but he is now, and should call for a report about this and other matters concerning residents . Meanwhile , the “ electrical inspection” of villa ceilings will be carried out by Combined Electrical , beginning Monday.
Residents were concerned because a supposed insulation check had been made several months previously. On that occasion two “ French boys,” described by some as backpackers, climbed into ceilings and did something with the batts . In some instances, the batts had not been spread out and were still in wrapping.
Recently there was an incident when part of the wiring in a unit burnt out. An electrician was called and when the power was turned on after repair work , another section burnt out. A handyman ,believed not an electrician, has told residents he got up into the ceiling of a unit and made certain observations which prompted the call for an inspection .
The nearby nursing home had a long period of many night safety lights , costing about $60 each , blowing for no apparent reason. Back in February, Masonic Homes management infrormed residents it had been “ advised that all reports from the builders and contractors used in the complex show that all electrical installations were undertaken to the standard required”. The villas were built by McCracken Homes , of Adelaide.
Considerable Commonwealth and NT Government money was put into the Masonic Home building project . The NT Minister for the Aged , Rob Knight, recently made the Attorney–General as well , is believed not to be aware of this situation, but he is now, and should call for a report about this and other matters concerning residents . Meanwhile , the “ electrical inspection” of villa ceilings will be carried out by Combined Electrical , beginning Monday.
