Young and old. Politicians, trade unionists and residents of the neighborhood. Drinks, food and live bands. There was a little party air on Friday evening in the Berthe district.
However, this is not exactly a time for fun for the defense collective of the House of Public Services. It is still fighting fiercely against its planned closure.
Young and old. Politicians, trade unionists and residents of the neighborhood. Drinks, food and live bands. There was a little party air on Friday evening in the Berthe district.
However, this is not exactly a time for fun for the defense collective of the House of Public Services. It is still fighting fiercely against its planned closure.
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What is the story?
For those who missed the previous episodes, the Public Services House has existed since 1999 at the foot of the Ger tower. It brings together social workers, a justice and law office, professional integration and access to housing associations, a family allowance fund service, etc. And welcomes some 44,000 visitors per year.
Until then, it was managed by a public interest group (GIP) bringing together the City, the Department, the State and the Caf. However, for several months, the partners have been withdrawing one by one. Last spring, the dissolution of the GIP was even announced. As a result, the survival of the House of Public Services is threatened. Its closure is announced for the end of June 2023. An unacceptable prospect for some who form a collective (1). The latter organizes demonstrations, rallies and even makes a petition. Small victory: he obtains a reprieve until December 31.
The town hall project
At the start of 2024, in fact, according to the municipality’s plan, the various services brought together will be relocated to several buildings around Place Émile-Adjedj. “Our priority is the continuity of public service, assures Mayor Nathalie Bicais. Work to fit out the premises is in progress.. The City intends to create a “new centrality”. “Certainly, all the structures will not be in the same building but they are nearby. All the services have already given their agreement. All that remains is the PMI (maternal and child protection, Editor’s note) for which there is still some doubt”.
Closing the House of Public Services in its current form is not a choice for the elected official. “We couldn’t afford the rent alone.”she justifies.
Why does the collective doubt?
This version is questioned by the defense collective. Who himself concocted a counter-plan. “We propose that the House of Public Services be taken over by municipal management. This only represents 0.2% of the community’s budget. And that, secondly, it is the Metropolis which takes control since the services are used by residents of other municipalities”, unfolds Nasser Halhal. If the collective denounces “a dismantling of public service”he is also concerned about the future of employees and the quality of reception “in premises that are much too small”. “The fight is not over. The words of the town hall are just speeches” assures, in unison, the collective.
1. The collective defense of the House of Public Services brings together 14 structures.
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