Charleroi, Belgium – A crisis manager has been appointed to oversee the Sambrienne, a public housing company facing significant issues related to safety, financial mismanagement, and disrepair. The move comes after a report revealed serious deficiencies, including missing evacuation plans in some buildings – following a fatal fire – and over 45 million euros in unrequested Walloon subsidies that could have been used for renovations.
Walloon Housing Minister Cécile Neven announced the appointment on Thursday, February 19, 2026, stating the manager’s role is to “impulse a strategic and organizational reorientation” for the renovation of properties and the re-letting of vacant homes. The priority remains the safety, sanitation, and continued service to tenants, according to a statement from the minister’s office.
The appointment follows a report commissioned by Neven from the Walloon Land Company (SWL) regarding the Sambrienne. The SWL report highlighted the need for “immediate measures of support, and stabilization.” The minister emphasized that the goal is not to replace existing management, but to facilitate a reorganization to maximize the number of habitable units.
Financial management, particularly the company’s cash flow, will also be a key focus. The Sambrienne is currently seeking 138 million euros, a request the minister has criticized as an admission of dysfunction.
An investigation by the RTBF magazine, #Investigation, previously brought to light issues of unsanitary conditions and questions surrounding the management of public funds. The city of Charleroi has already convened the company’s management committee to request explanations and a concrete action plan.
In addition to the SWL report, two further analyses are underway. One, commissioned by the minister, focuses on the functioning of the Walloon Land Company, and the other, requested by the City of Charleroi, examines the Sambrienne itself. Those reports are expected on February 26 and April 6, respectively. The findings of the Charleroi city report will also be considered.
The Charleroi prosecutor’s office has also opened a judicial investigation into allegations of exploitation of tenants. The Sambrienne has stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation.
Neven stated that the situation illustrates “the excesses of a system where, for too long, public money has been injected without demanding sufficient efficiency and quality governance.”
