LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. — The Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) will conduct another round of inspections at Himbola Manor on Thursday to assess whether the property’s owners have made the necessary repairs to address over 100 violations identified during an October hearing.
Despite a deadline of January 31 for the owners to rectify the issues, sources have indicated that several problems remain unresolved. City-Parish Attorney Patrick Ottinger confirmed that the inspection team from the Community Development and Planning Department will return to the property on Thursday to evaluate what, if any, progress has been made.
“The focus of the inspection will be on addressing the serious issues, particularly those related to moisture, mold, and paint,” Ottinger stated. “These concerns were noted during the previous inspection, and it is crucial they be dealt with promptly.”
While construction and plumbing crews were seen working at Himbola Manor on Monday, tenants have reported that they continue to live in substandard conditions, despite previous court intervention. Some residents, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, expressed frustration over the ongoing issues, including mold, plumbing problems, roof damage, and rodent infestations.
In 2024, multiple tenants spoke out about the property’s deteriorating living conditions, which led to the identification of 132 violations. As a result, Himbola Manor was fined more than $32,000 in September 2024 for its failure to make necessary repairs. The owners were given 30 days to pay the fines, but Ottinger noted that those payments have yet to be made.
Should Thursday’s inspection reveal that the issues remain unresolved, the property owners could face additional fines of $10.45 per day, per violation, in accordance with current regulations. These fines could compound the financial burden on the owners if corrective actions are not taken soon.
Himbola Manor, which is a Section 8-approved housing complex, houses many low-income residents. Federal housing officials have already instructed the owners to either address the unsafe living conditions or make arrangements to relocate the residents.
The outcome of Thursday’s inspection will play a pivotal role in determining the next steps for Himbola Manor, with both local and federal authorities closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the property’s residents are living in safe and habitable conditions.