State of Disrepair at Fontvieille Shopping Centre Raises Alarm in Monaco
Council Members Highlight Safety Hazards and Urgent Need for Repairs
Officials from Monaco's National Council have issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating conditions of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, describing the situation as "unacceptable" and "dangerous" for both merchants and the public.
In a public statement and video released on May 26, Council President Thomas Brezzo and member Corinne Bertani exposed what they labeled as a "catastrophic" state of neglect within the commercial facility.
During their visit to the shopping centre, Brezzo and Bertani documented numerous maintenance failures, including out-of-service elevators without signage, buckets placed on the floor to collect rainwater leaks, non-functional escalators, and closed restrooms that have been inoperable for months.
Additionally, there were unsecured electrical cabinets containing high-voltage wires, and fire doors that were no longer functional due to missing hinges.
Worsening the situation, visible signs of neglect such as mold, rust, and fungi were reported in various areas.
"The condition we witnessed is far worse than we expected," stated Thomas Brezzo.
He emphasized that the aesthetic shortcomings reflect poorly on the image of the Principality of Monaco.
Furthermore, he noted that the challenging environment significantly affects the merchants and employees who work daily under such disrepair.
Corinne Bertani echoed these concerns, mentioning that merchants feel abandoned and are frustrated by the inaction of authorities, particularly as they continue to pay user fees intended for maintaining these facilities, which are evidently not being utilized effectively.
In response to these findings, the Council has called for immediate action and investment to rectify the issues and allow businesses to operate under safe and satisfactory conditions.
"This is not merely a commercial issue but a matter of public safety," Brezzo added.
He indicated a history of neglect regarding responsibilities for maintenance and safety standards.
Following their site visit, the National Council communicated their findings in a letter to the government, urging for a certified organization to assess the security problems present at the shopping centre.
They have called for necessary measures to ensure compliance with safety regulations, reflecting their determination to address the hazards that have surfaced in recent evaluations.
In a public statement and video released on May 26, Council President Thomas Brezzo and member Corinne Bertani exposed what they labeled as a "catastrophic" state of neglect within the commercial facility.
During their visit to the shopping centre, Brezzo and Bertani documented numerous maintenance failures, including out-of-service elevators without signage, buckets placed on the floor to collect rainwater leaks, non-functional escalators, and closed restrooms that have been inoperable for months.
Additionally, there were unsecured electrical cabinets containing high-voltage wires, and fire doors that were no longer functional due to missing hinges.
Worsening the situation, visible signs of neglect such as mold, rust, and fungi were reported in various areas.
"The condition we witnessed is far worse than we expected," stated Thomas Brezzo.
He emphasized that the aesthetic shortcomings reflect poorly on the image of the Principality of Monaco.
Furthermore, he noted that the challenging environment significantly affects the merchants and employees who work daily under such disrepair.
Corinne Bertani echoed these concerns, mentioning that merchants feel abandoned and are frustrated by the inaction of authorities, particularly as they continue to pay user fees intended for maintaining these facilities, which are evidently not being utilized effectively.
In response to these findings, the Council has called for immediate action and investment to rectify the issues and allow businesses to operate under safe and satisfactory conditions.
"This is not merely a commercial issue but a matter of public safety," Brezzo added.
He indicated a history of neglect regarding responsibilities for maintenance and safety standards.
Following their site visit, the National Council communicated their findings in a letter to the government, urging for a certified organization to assess the security problems present at the shopping centre.
They have called for necessary measures to ensure compliance with safety regulations, reflecting their determination to address the hazards that have surfaced in recent evaluations.
