Policewomen complain about unsanitary conditions at Couva station

She had returned to the station from a patrol and needed to “freshen up” to continue her shift but had to run from the toilet because it was dirty and smelly.

The post read, “Can someone please help us... why for the past month and probably longer the female dorm at Couva Police Station is without water.

Complaints are falling on deaf ears...someone please help.

The one toilet and bathroom available for female is inaccessible for such lengthy period.

The station majority is women and we don’t have proper facilities...wow. It is 2.51am...

came off patrol... went up to dorm to freshen up and had to literally run out from the scent emanating from the unflushed toilet...with sour flies around too....MY GOSH!” The post was removed a few hours later but not before the officer got the thumbs up from her “sisters” at the station who praised her for her courage to take to Facebook.

Newsday was told inside the dormitory has become unbearable and no one in authority is listening to their cries for help. Each daily shift has as many as four to five women who must share one double- decker bed and one toilet and bathroom.

They said they have spoken to WASA with no results.

“We have no water to flush the toilets and you could think what that is like for us women especially during our monthly cycles,” said one officer speaking on the condition of anonymity. “But if you think the water situation is bad, the station is overrun with fleas and mosquitoes and the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation is doing nothing about it. No one in authority listening to us although letters have been sent out to the relevant agencies and even our own Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA).” The women said their hands are tied as they cannot protest.

When contacted, PSWA president Michael Seales told Newsday he only became aware of the problem yesterday morning when he was contacted by a female officer.

“That matter is now engaging our full and urgent attention at this time,” Seales said.