Mould and mildew-infested building on Cottageweg.
ST. EUSTATIUS–Efforts are underway to make the mould- and mildew-infested building on Cottageweg safer for the employees of the Immigration and Naturalization Department (IND), the Health Insurance and Social Affairs Departments.
The attempts at a remedy follows a preliminary investigation that revealed the high level of mould and mildew, which employees say may be contributing to their myriad of health issues.
The Caribbean Netherlands building agency RVB and Shared Service Organization Caribbean Netherlands SSOCN acknowledged there is a ventilation issue in the building. Both have received complaints about the building’s state and sought advice on immediate- medium- and long-term measures need to be taken to correct this situation.
The first steps have already been taken. The office units now have a constant flow of fresh air for better ventilation. This will also lessen mould and mildew, making the building safe for employees, the two agencies said.
Last weekend, a few additional steps were taken for further improvement of the situation such as the removal of mildew and repair work on the roof and walls. Extra measure air purifiers were installed in the building.
Structural mechanical ventilation will be installed in the next couple of weeks after they have been delivered on Statia.
The building reportedly has several other issues including uneven floors, leaking doors, windows and roof, mildew and mould on the walls and a “mildew stench.”
This situation was still somewhat acute earlier this week with some clients complaining that a stench inside the building was overwhelming. Some claimed they had experienced a burning sensation in their throats and noses which targeted watery eyes.
That occurrence and others prompted employees to petition authorities to take action by fixing the building or finding new premises. This was slow coming, leading employees to say they felt as though their plight was not taken seriously.
Those with health issues said they were chastised for not consulting the assigned doctor about the health issues – asthma, allergies, headaches and weak immune systems – they claim were triggered by the unhealthy condition of the building. By not contacting the doctor, there are now no records of them being sick.
Over the years, employees and clients alike have complained about the mouldy/mildew scent in the building that dates to the 1930s.
New locations are sought to house the three departments. In the interim, IND is located at the Police Station on Van Tonningenweg and can be reached via +599-318-2477.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75379-efforts-made-to-remedy-mould-mildew-in-cottageweg-building
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