Unsanitary Conditions Worsening in Gendarmerie's Quarters
In a concerning development, it has come to light that the living conditions of gendarmes in France are far from ideal. One of the most affected areas is the Satory barracks in Versailles, Yvelines, where an elevator is currently out of order and common areas lack essential safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
The situation is not limited to the Satory barracks alone. Reports of unsanitary conditions, including mold and dampness, have been reported in gendarmerie accommodations across the country, with the east of France and the Landes region being particularly affected.
The Ministry of the Interior is aware of these issues, and the French government has allocated nearly 300 million euros this year for renovating the real estate portfolio of the gendarmerie. However, the specific condition of the gendarmes' accommodation at the Satory barracks is far from an isolated case.
A female gendarme, choosing to remain anonymous, demonstrated her residence within the Satory barracks, revealing visible signs of dilapidation such as holes, damp ceilings, and mold. Hundreds of gendarmes are publicly sharing images of their dilapidated official accommodations on social media, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
One such voice is David Ramos, a lieutenant in the gendarmerie, who has received hundreds of testimonies about unsanitary conditions in gendarmerie accommodations. A doctor had to intervene to request the relocation of a family due to health risks from mold in a gendarmerie accommodation.
According to a report by the Senate, out of the 649 gendarmerie barracks owned by the state, 430 should be renovated. The renovation project for the Satory barracks alone is estimated at nearly 600 million euros.
Despite these efforts, it appears that more needs to be done to address the unsanitary conditions in gendarmerie accommodations across France. The access to these accommodations often lacks a functioning door and badge system, posing additional safety concerns for the gendarmes living there.
The ongoing issues with the living conditions of gendarmes serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports those who protect our country. It is hoped that the ongoing renovation efforts will address these concerns and ensure that our gendarmes have safe and healthy living conditions.
