The institution in Sisimiut has been criticized by inmates for several months due to mold and asbestos.
Headaches, breathing difficulties and rashes — this is everyday life for those placed in the institution in Sisimiut since January.
According to a spokesperson for the inmates – who wishes to remain anonymous – both mold and asbestos in the building have affected their health since January.
– It’s rough. I came here on January 9th, and within a week I started getting a rash on my hands. When I breathed, I could feel it in my lungs, and I got headaches almost every day, he says, continuing:
– Several of us here are getting headaches, coughing and feeling unwell – it’s really uncomfortable, says the spokesperson for those in the facility.
During renovation of the toilet facilities in the institution, both mold and asbestos were found. Even though renovations have been made, it is still affecting the inmates:
– People still come in here – tradesmen, plumbers and bricklayers – and also staff who come to inspect without protective equipment, and then they drag the dust back out, he says.
In a very bad situation
After the discovery of mold and asbestos, the residents have begun filing complaints since January.
– On January 31st, we wrote a comprehensive complaint describing our health problems. We recently sent another complaint, says the spokesperson.
KNR has attempted to get an interview with the Prison and Probation Service in Greenland, but they respond in writing:
– In this context, it has been necessary to reduce the number of inmates by a third to ensure that the inmates have access to shower and toilet facilities, writes the Greenland Prison and Probation Service in a written response.
However, the fact that the remaining detainees have not been temporarily moved to other locations has been criticized by the chairman of the Greenland Defence Association, Tom Ostermann.
– I don’t think it’s acceptable. In other institutions like schools or workplaces, such buildings are closed if mold or asbestos is found. This is a serious matter, he says.
Renovation delayed
Tom Ostermann also criticizes the Danish Prison and Probation Service for not having acted more resolutely.
– It is highly objectionable that people who are already deprived of their liberty must stay in rooms with limited air circulation and unhealthy environments, he says.
Both inmates and employees have been offered health checks, but the inmates have not yet heard anything after filling out the necessary forms, the spokesman says.
Although the renovation began in January and was originally supposed to be completed by the end of June, the work has been delayed.
– The renovation work is expected to be completed in week 33, the Danish Prison and Probation Service states in a written response.