The mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, wishes to build the future prison in place of the residential home. An announcement that worries many residents, some of whom have been living here for several decades.
The sun is already beating down on the buildings of the Nicéa residence. But the announcement of the construction of the new prison concerns elderly residents: “everything is unclear”, sums up the retiree worn down by work. Opposed to the project, he does not hide his worry. “The prison, elsewhere, not here”, he repeats. Like other residents, he says he has received no precise information about a possible departure.
In front of one of the entrances, next to the mailboxes, Mohamed Ben Hassen seems more divided. For him, the most important thing remains rehousing: “the main thing is that people don’t end up on the street.” He assures that he will accept leaving if a solution is offered to him.
The man criticizes living conditions in the residence. He mentions maintenance problems and a deteriorating building. “Here, it’s already a bit like a prison, he says with a desperate smile. Me, if I find housing elsewhere, I’ll leave right away”, the elderly retiree asserts.
In the building courtyard, some stop to listen and refuse the idea of leaving the premises. This is the case for Touraki, who has lived here for many years: “I refuse to leave because I’m used to it here.” His concern is mainly about what comes next. “We don’t know where they’re going to put us.”
Strong attachment to the home
For many, Nicéa represents a place to live where they meet and chat in the residential home’s inner courtyard.
Workshops, organized every two weeks, are put in place, a nurse from the departmental health authority tells us. Around her, four residents listen to advice on eating better and adopting a more balanced diet.
Touraki also mentions the residents’ feelings. He also believes that “the majority of people refuse to leave.“ He also mentions the gradual disappearance of shops in the area. “Before, there were grocery stores, butchers, cafés. Now, there’s nothing left.”
