Is the number 999 even worth calling in an emergency? You'll be dead by the time the police answer the call!

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gices
A
Khush_Mendossa
ziya
Peaches

999 is an easy number to remember and that's very handy when there's an emergency. But have you ever tried calling that number? I recently called 999 because there was a fire spreading next to my house and the first time I called, the number was engaged. I was confused as this number must be available at all times because something unexpected can happen at any time and that's how people can get help. Anyway, I tried the number a second time. It rang but no one picked up the phone...so after waiting 2 mins, I hung up and ran to my computer to find the local number for the Fire Brigade.

If you search on Google, you will see that many other Mauritians have reported the same problem. That's a disgrace to the country. What if my life was in immediate danger? What's the point of having an emergency number when there's no one to answer it. In the UK, 999 calls must be answered within 2 seconds and if you hang up on them, they will call you back to make sure you're safe.

Would you trust this number if you needed help? I know I wouldn't...

1

8 Replies

Peaches
Peaches Level 3

Yeah I needed to call 999 once, I tried three times because it was constantly engaged. I gave up in the end but it was very upsetting, they are supposed to be emergency services yet when you have an emergency there is no-one there to help you.

I feel sorry for all the people who have been let down.

Khush_Mendossa
Khush_Mendossa Level 3

This is a joke. 999 is rarely useful just like 114. There was even a debate for this on Radio Plus where they found that the 114 remained engaged all the time.

gices
gices Level 6

So this problem has been going on for a long time then and nothing has been done about this. Such a shame!

My guess is the people who work there use the phones to call their friends/relatives...

A
aquarian Level 1

Is there any complain department in Mauritius that you can report this? Something needs to be done, this is a very serious matter, who is the minister who is in control of these things? He must be informed and take action immediately. Your opinion please!

gices
gices Level 6

They don't have a complaints department here. If you need to complain about something, you need to write a letter to whoever is in charge (the Police Headquarters in this instance I suppose) but it's mostly a waste of time. I made a complaint to the Municipality before about something else but they never looked into the matter and I'm still to get a reply from them.

So it's all about finding alternatives that work for you in this country...

A
aquarian Level 1

foof, I was thinking of coming to settle back in Mauritius, I don't think I will now. I won't be able to settle there, I will fight with evryone lol

ziya
ziya Level 2

Lucky I did not had any emergency situations to call that number.Now its good that I get to know its not trustworthy so if I would be in any emergency situations instead of wasting time with it I would be looking for help elsewhere.Anyways this shows how inefficient the system is.

gices
gices Level 6

My advice to you and everyone is to save the number for the nearest police station, fire brigade and your neighbours in your phone.

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