Hundreds can't return to Amsterdam student housing damaged in Christmas fire

The 219 residents of a student housing complex on Slotermeerlaan in Amsterdam Nieuw-West will not be able to return home for up to two months. The electricity installation was severely damaged by a fire in the utility cupboard the day before Christmas.

Housing corporation Woonzorg, the owner of the apartments, confirmed that it would likely be a minimum of six weeks before students can return. The story was initially reported by Parool on Wednesday.

"The damage to the electricity installation is extensive and very complex. Partly due to the holidays, companies that we have to deploy are not as well staffed. Unfortunately, this makes it impossible to quickly draw up a plan of action for the recovery of the A.H. Gerhardhuis, and also to to carry it out," said Woonzorg.

Most of the residents have now arranged accommodation themselves, the housing corporation said. For the residents who did not succeed, Woonzorg has arranged a hotel until January 6th.

Residents have been informed that they will then have to provide accommodation themselves for a longer period of time, according to a spokesperson.