“Collapsed ceiling, mold, excrement” – Serious complaints from Equality for a building housing public services – What it says in a statement
The Pancyprian Union Equality denounces the “unacceptable and dangerous” working conditions in the building that houses the Nicosia/Strovolou City Center Office (Kaimakli) and the Nicosia District Welfare Office. With problems that include collapsed ceiling, mold, risks of infections and serious safety deficiencies, the Syntechnia demands immediate measures from the competent bodies. Otherwise, it warns with dynamic mobilizations to protect the health and safety of workers and citizens.
As stated in a relevant announcement, the workers and citizens who are served in the building in question, on a daily basis, are exposed to “serious risks to their health and safety, due to the unacceptable conditions that prevail”.
Indicatively, the collapse of parts of the roof and the fall of dirt on the workers are mentioned, putting their physical integrity at immediate risk. It is also added that hotspots of infection due to the accumulation of useless material in offices and warehouses, creating an unhealthy environment.
The risk of disease transmission is also mentionedfrom bird and rodent carcasses, as well as bird droppings on verandas and windows, making it impossible to properly ventilate the spaces and worsening, according to the union's announcement, the already problematic air quality in the interiors.
There is also talk of intense mold on the staircases, further degrading hygiene conditions and a serious safety problem, due to the existence of a single entrance-exit, posing enormous risks in the event of an emergency.
It is also reported that there is a “lack of” support in cases of emergencies, with only one trained First Aid officer, who completed his training only last month, while due to the nature of his work he is not constantly in the building.
A problem with inadequate lighting in all areas is also reported, creating health problems for staff, as well as a lack of information about the stability of the building, “raising serious questions about everyone's safety.”
“Despite the patience and good faith that the staff has shown, as well as the assurances of the Administration for improvements, the situation remains unchanged, with the relocation process moving at an unacceptably slow pace, intensifying concerns and risks,” it is reported.
“Equality” demands that the competent bodies take immediate action and take all necessary measures to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in the building.
