Police Chief Blames Heating Failure at Runer Border Post on Delivery Delays

Police chief Bruno Lasne has attributed the lack of heating at the Runer River border police facilities to delays in delivering a replacement machine ordered in November.

Lasne and Interior and Justice Minister Ester Molné addressed the issue on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony for the 58th promotion of police officers. Their comments followed public complaints from officers stationed at the site amid freezing winter conditions.

Lasne confirmed the police leadership was aware of the problem. He explained that a provisional fix was implemented in early November while awaiting a new heating unit to replace the faulty rooftop machine, which powers the entire central heating system. The original equipment burned out, but the ordered replacement—placed with the supplier that same month—has yet to arrive.

The director dismissed the supplier's explanations, linked to Christmas holidays, as unacceptable. He stressed the unit should already be installed, noting officers are enduring the cold now, not in summer. Temporary measures have included replacing burned electrical lines, electrician interventions, and installing portable radiators. Lasne acknowledged that the officers "have reason to complain" and that working without heat in mid-winter is unacceptable.

Molné assured that the government is in constant contact with police leadership and prioritising the replacement. She confirmed the machine has been ordered but is delayed, prompting efforts to expedite delivery and explanations from the supplier.

Once resolved, the minister said other issues highlighted in a recent report—such as worn chairs—will be reviewed. Budget allocations exist to improve equipment and facilities progressively, though not for specific incidents as they arise. Molné emphasised the goal of ensuring Runer border police have proper working conditions, admitting the delay is a concern the government is addressing directly.