Mayotte's Unité union demands a new police station, rejecting temporary modular buildings as an ongoing solution for overcrowded facilities.
Expansion with modular buildings
The police station in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, is being expanded using modular buildings due to the current facilities being too small and outdated. These temporary structures are meant to provide more space but are not a permanent solution.Union demands a new construction project
The Unité union, representing police officers, is dissatisfied with the use of modular buildings and is demanding the government to start a proper construction project for a new police station. A letter was sent to the local prefect on October 30, with Mayotte’s parliamentarians copied.Criticism of repeated use of containers
Djamalidine Djabiri, the departmental secretary of Unité in Mayotte, criticized the repeated use of modular buildings, saying officers are tired of seeing containers being added constantly. New modular units were installed last week to address the lack of space.Outdated facilities no longer fit current needs
The existing police station was built for staffing levels and missions that have since changed significantly. Djabiri said the current facilities are outdated and cramped, and the temporary extensions do not offer a sustainable solution for long-term needs.Past construction plans abandoned
The union noted that a plan for a new police station had been considered in the past but was later abandoned. Since then, no new plans have been presented, and the old one has been forgotten, according to Djabiri.Security concerns with modular buildings
Beyond the comfort of the staff, the union is concerned about the security needs of a police station, such as holding detainees and storing weapons. Djabiri fears that modular buildings, currently used only for offices, might be used for other purposes without meeting proper standards.Letter highlights lack of state investment
In the letter sent to Prefect Frédéric Poisot, Unité pointed out the lack of state investment in a new police station, contrasting it with recent investments in other public services like fire stations and prisons.Union seeks discussions and a long-term plan
The union is not expecting immediate construction but wants the government to start discussions and create a long-term plan. Djabiri emphasized that having a project, even if it takes years to complete, is what the union is seeking.Prefecture has not responded yet
The prefecture has not yet responded to the requests made by the editorial team, leaving the future of the police station’s expansion uncertain.