Andorra Border Police Endure Freezing Conditions at Runer Post

Police officers at Andorra's Runer border customs post with Spain report ongoing "precarious and degrading" working conditions, including indoor temperatures of around 10°C, despite public assurances from police leadership of imminent fixes.

The unit, with about 25 officers working shifts of two or three, highlights persistent heating breakdowns worsened by humidity from the nearby Valira and Runer rivers, particularly at night. Government standards require 21°C in public buildings during winter. A recent inspection by air conditioning specialists revealed extensive damage: the two primary units are broken, filters are blackened, multiple pipes need replacing, and two devices in the flag tower require major repairs. Officers claim meaningful work only started after these checks, about a month and a half after their formal complaints, and describe the full system as needing replacement.

Other issues persist, including rats in the ceiling of the border control booth, structural problems in a seven-year-old cabin, a "very deficient" electrical setup, and inadequate rest areas for 12-hour shifts—with 30 minutes for lunch and 20 for breakfast. The break room has only old chairs, no suitable furniture or television, and a malfunctioning microwave. "We demand minimum respect for the people," the officers say, frustrated that action followed the police director's public promises. They view the delays as part of long-term structural neglect, projecting an unworthy image for a key state service.

Police officials insist issues have been addressed "immediately." For rats—linked to the river's proximity—a specialist firm was called urgently, identified access points, sealed them, applied safe treatments, and now performs regular inspections. Only a damaged ceiling insulator remains pending. One source describes the rodent problem as fully resolved.

Heating repairs continue after a new machine's delivery exposed a second faulty compressor. The installer advised relocation with a crane to shield it from weather, complicating the process. Temporary 1,500-watt heaters were installed, though they damaged an electrical line that has been fixed. The firm has committed to full functionality in coming days, with workers visible on site.

The standoff underscores repeated maintenance shortfalls at Runer: two years ago, the heat pump failed in severe cold, leading to non-compliant electric radiators; in 2024, a clogged detainee toilet spread odors; and in October 2021, a month-long water outage—due to budget constraints—prevented use of customs facilities for police tasks like expulsions and fines. Similar problems have affected the Baladrà post, where minor fixes like locks often escalate.