After the gas explosion in the building on Bauskas Street 15, dozens of Riga families have been living in uncertainty about their future for a month, writes Ir.
An independent construction oversight company is expected to issue a conclusion this week on whether the 74-apartment building can be repaired or if it is beyond saving.
"War!" This was the first thought of Yulia Kapustinski (43) when a terrible noise erupted from the apartment directly above her. Nearly a month after the incident, Yulia and her neighbors still live like refugees. Yulia and her relatives—six people in total—are living in her aunt's one-room apartment in the Latgale suburb. The incident has deeply traumatized the woman; she is seeing a psychotherapist and taking her mother to doctors while also searching for a new apartment.
All residents of the affected building are awaiting the construction experts' conclusion about its future, which was promised this week. Then the residents will make a decision on further actions at a general meeting. No official has yet stated whether this is an exceptional case that deserves financial support from the state. Yulia received assistance from the municipality—1560 euros for the entire family.
"And how am I supposed to live on this small amount after all our belongings have been destroyed? Everything we carefully collected over the years… Unfortunately, I have not received any help from the state and do not believe I will."
The apartment was not insured. Even if the building is deemed repairable, Yulia does not know what funds the residents will have to repair it or if they will even be able to return. And what if the building is not repairable?
