A fire broke out in an air conditioning unit at an office in the National Assembly building, Ile du Port on Thursday night, causing the sprinklers to go off and subsequently, flooding in the building.

It was the security officer at the facility who alerted the authorities of the incident, upon noticing that the building was flooded with water.

According to Speaker Roger Mancienne, the fire was not necessarily a big one and was not directly the cause of major damage, although the sprinkler system in place did result in some damage to the building facility. 

“According to the explanation which I have been given from officers of the fire services on the scene yesterday (Thursday), is that probably a small fire started in an air conditioner, and this could have been because of an electrical short or overheating, and evidently caused a spark and small fire. But what happened is that the fire set off the sprinkler system, which in instances whereby there is a fire or smoke, this water pipe sprinkles water in the area. And this happened and functioned as it should have, which is why the fire was put out fairly quickly,” he said.

“But it was after, when the water had flowed for a long time, which is where the main problem stemmed from. Most of the effects which we are seeing, was caused by the water, flooding in the different areas of the Assembly. The damage from the fire is fairly important, but it is not major in the sense that it is localised in one office. But the problem with the water is that it has spread everywhere, it has flooded upstairs and flowed downstairs as well into the Chambers where the assembly is held. This morning, some time has been taken to conduct the necessary inspections with the various agencies, and we observed that there is some damage to the flooring, and furniture, especially tables in certain offices, as well as the Chambers,” Speaker Mancienne noted.

He went on to state that the Chambers, and where sittings are held have both seen some damage. However, the most worrying damage caused was to equipment, such as the microphones within the room have been soaked in water, and it remains unclear whether they are still in good condition. Other equipment such as photocopiers are completely damaged and therefore need to be changed, as well as others in the broadcast and recording system.

“We are still evaluating how much damage was caused to our computers, our servers, and the extent of the damage. Throughout the day, the electricians were redoing the electrical in the building in different phases, to verify if it works, if it is has had any impact on the electrical system which could potentially be a problem later. We are doing the same exercise with the water system. The damage caused is certainly important and serious, but to what extent it will stop the work of the assembly next week, I cannot say for this time,” Speaker Mancienne added.

More information is to be provided as to whether the assembly will resume duties as usual on Tuesday.

Laura Pillay