The contract is a provision of repair services 24hrs a day 365 days a year, this involves  carrying out all emergency repairs and works for Change of Tenancy on demand from client involving repairs as minor as replacement locks right up to refitting dwellings depending on the needs of the NI Housing Executive and their tenants.  Close liasion and interaction with our client is also involved to ensure that all concerns and repairs are dealt with in an efficient manner and assuring tenants of our best attention at all times, and always completing the required repairs in a timely and professional manner.

The £860,000 scheme for 207 homes was welcomed by Housing Executive tenant Mrs Duffy, who invited Minister Attwood to view her newly-fitted kitchen. Rosemary Duffy was one of the first tenants to get a new kitchen as part of the scheme and said:

“The old kitchen has been in the house for ages so it’s lovely to have a nice, new modern kitchen — it’s like something out of a magazine. The extra sockets and cooker hood also make a big difference and the fact that I was able to choose my own cupboards and work tops was the icing on the cake! I would also like to say a big thank you to the Housing Executive and the workmen who were brilliant.”

Speaking over a cup of tea in Mrs Duffy’s new kitchen, Minister Attwood said: “This scheme is providing much-needed improvements to homes in New Barnsley, for people like Mrs Duffy. I enjoyed visiting her home and talking football with her husband.

“This scheme is an excellent way of demonstrating that much-needed work is continuing and resources are targeted as effectively as possible. I and residents in New Barnsley, acknowledge the Housing Executive for targeting their resources in areas of such high social need.”

The tenants were involved at all stages of the work and as part of the process they were able to select the type of units, worktops and tiles for their new kitchens from a variety of choices. One to one consultations were carried out before the work began. Customer Service Manager with PK Murphy added:

“PK Murphy is committed to achieving high quality and 100% satisfaction from all the tenants involved.  We have further developed our customer care strategies, quality and delivery of work to ensure that residents are provided with a kitchen they can be proud of. 

Minister Attwood added: “I hope that Mrs Duffy and her husband enjoy their modern bright kitchen and that all those who have availed of the scheme are pleased with the improvements to their homes.”

Sean McKenna the Housing Executive’s West Belfast District Manager said: “New Barnsley remains a popular place to live and this further investment underpins not only our commitment to the area but will go a long way in ensuring that tenants homes remain fit for modern day living and all its requirements.

“Tenant involvement remains an essential element of any improvement scheme and the appointment of a Customer Service Manager to work closely with tenants and Housing Executive staff ensured that work progressed with minimum disruption.”

St Matthews Housing Association is a community based association operating in the Short Strand area of East Belfast offering general family housing and some housing for older people.

The Response Maintenance project involves PK Murphy Construction Ltd carrying out general building maintenance on a 24/7 basis.

The work consists of the alterations of an existing building incorporating 37 apartments to provide 34 apartments by amalgamating 6 of the existing apartments and including for some other minor internal alterations. The works also consist of new mechanical and electrical installation, new windows and external door installation, new kitchen and bathroom installation and various renewal of internal fittings and finishes.

The scheme will last for 52 weeks approximately.

Remodeling of internal space to provide additional accommodation within existing building.

Amend electrical and mechanical installation to suit new works