In our ongoing exploration of the capital city, we recently stumbled upon an unexpected and unsightly location while investigating food prices. Our investigation led us to a “hidden” spot in front of the Billa supermarket at Florenc, where we discovered a scene of filth and neglect.

Upon speaking with a cashier at the supermarket, we were shocked by her response to our inquiries. She attributed the state of the area to “pigs, Romanians, and Ukrainians,” rather than drug addicts as commonly assumed. According to her, despite regular clean-up efforts, the mess quickly accumulates, particularly when the wind blows towards the supermarket. She expressed her indifference to our intentions to photograph the situation, stating, “Just take pictures so others can see the mess people make.”

It is important to note that the supermarket itself was clean, with well-organized shelves and ample supplies. However, the striking contrast between the store’s cleanliness and the state of the area in front of it is evident upon approaching the premises.

Furthermore, our investigation also shed light on the potential relocation of the K-center for drug addicts to Florenc. We visited the site to gather information and gain insight into the situation.

As we exited the metro station, we were immediately greeted by a familiar stench, with a homeless individual urinating near the trash bins, soon to be replaced by another. However, another unpleasant smell permeated the air as we neared the building where the drug center was planned to be relocated. Upon reaching the location and attempting to make inquiries, we discovered that other organizations were already operating there.

Among the organizations present, only the representative from Konsent, an association fighting against sexual violence and advocating for improved sex education, was available to speak with us. The founder of Konsent, Johanna Nejedlá, expressed her lack of awareness regarding the potential relocation of the drug center to the building, stating, “I don’t know anything about that; nobody has told us anything.”

When we described the filthy conditions and the potential relocation to Nejedlá, she expressed disbelief, highlighting the presence of used syringes in the vicinity and emphasizing the need for improvement in the area’s surroundings. She stated, “That can’t be true, but honestly, we have no idea about it. However, we constantly find used syringes here. You can see for yourself how the surroundings look and the kind of people that are here.”

Our investigation has unveiled a concerning situation regarding the state of cleanliness and the potential relocation of the drug center in Florenc. As we continue to gather more information, we aim to shed light on these issues and their implications for the community.

Article by Prague Forum