The high-rise in Jurmala is slowly collapsing but has served as a home for a man for 25 years, whose living conditions can only be described as dire, reports the Degpunktā program (TV3).
On Monday afternoon, rescuers extinguished a small fire in the basement of a building on Slimniecas Street. Local residents claim that fires often break out there, caused by drunks and drug addicts.
Just looking at the building, it is clear that it has long been forgotten. Trees have grown both around the house and on its roof, debris lies scattered around, and warning signs about danger are posted. As you get closer, unexpected sounds can be heard.
The abandoned building is covered with numerous signs warning that it may collapse at any moment and that it is forbidden to be inside. At the time of filming, the sound of sweeping could be heard from inside Degpunktā.
The film crew decided to go inside and follow the sound of the broom – upon reaching the third floor, they were surprised to find a man named Konstantin sweeping the stairs in the crumbling house.
When asked if he lived there, the man answered affirmatively:
"Yes. Basically, I was left here as a guard, I watch over the fence so that it is not stolen. (DP: How long have you been here?) 25 years."
After a brief conversation, the man led the journalists to his "home." To get inside, one must lift a blanket that serves as a door. Inside, there is furniture and various household items: oil, candy, a pot of food, cans, clothes.
In the room, there are two beds – Konstantin lives here with his partner, who was not home at the time. He explained that this room was chosen because it is too dangerous in the others – structural elements regularly collapse, and it is only a matter of time before part of his building falls as well.
"Well, of course, it’s dangerous. But they said it’s more dangerous there than here because two side panels have already collapsed. Here we wait for it to fall. (DP: What about in winter?) There’s a stove, there’s firewood," says Konstantin.
He keeps water in five-liter bottles – he collects it from a local well. The neighboring rooms are used as storage, and there is also a place set up for conveniences.
The issue of earning money is painful for the man – some time ago, his passport was burned in another fire, and finding paid work is now extremely difficult. Presumably, his partner helps with finances.
"My girlfriend has a disability pension; she can’t see out of one eye," Konstantin says.
Seeing the unbearable conditions in which he lives, one wonders what others think about this.
Local resident Voldemar already perceives this as part of reality, but he is more concerned about the state of the building. He believes that the house should have been demolished long ago and fears that collapsing elements could fall on him at any moment.
The Degpunktā program contacted the Jurmala City Council to find out what the city authorities know about the condition of the building and the resident Konstantin. A response from the city is now awaited, and journalists will continue to follow the developments.
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