The future of the building damaged by the explosion on Bauskas Street is unclear; recovery is expensive and complicated 0 16

During this time, residents received all the assistance they requested from the municipality, and each received different temporary housing. The conclusion of a construction expert that the building can technically be restored became known to the apartment owners on Friday. However, as the residents emphasize, there is still a long way to go.

Irena Kiršteine, the owner of one of the apartments in the building affected by the explosion, said:

"The word 'restore' itself is quite promising, but it comes with a lot of complex, difficult, time-consuming, and financially very responsible decisions that we, as owners, will have to make. Overall, yes, of course, it is encouraging that the building can be restored, but we are also aware of the financial consequences that this decision will entail."

In the near future, critically important steps remain: it is necessary to dismantle dangerous structures, which could cost up to 40,000 euros. The Riga City Council has committed to financing the dismantling. Dace Zīdeņa, a representative of the Riga City Council's Department of Housing and Environment, noted:

"We plan that the procurement for the dismantling of dangerous structures may be announced after February 11. The potential contractor is already known. Then the building needs to be reinforced. This may take several weeks. Only after that will the residents be able to retrieve their necessary belongings. Then it is planned to carry out conservation work on the building and make a decision about its future."

Andris Vikse, the building's caretaker, says:

"People are in shock. It is still very difficult to make any decisions. It is emotionally heavy. There are belongings left inside, which also puts serious pressure on us. I think that right now no one can really say what they will want or not want. This, of course, depends on financial capabilities."

The municipality has currently received 59 applications for the provision of support for the repair of residential premises of up to 10,000 euros for each apartment. Each application and each situation is considered separately by the municipality.

"There is currently no forecast that everyone will receive exactly the 10,000 euros provided. For some, the amount may be less. Work is being done in the apartment so that it can be inhabited; some may need more. But, of course, this 10,000 euros - the maximum amount of assistance - will not cover the common part of the building's restoration, such as the restoration of the roof. This will be support only for a specific apartment," explained a representative of the capital's Department of Housing and Environment.