The company "Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks" has begun offering residents of apartment buildings the replacement of old Soviet elevators with modern elevators of European production. The first project has already been implemented, and in the coming years, such replacements may become significantly more numerous.
In buildings serviced by "Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks" (RNP), about a thousand elevators are still in operation, many of which were installed during the Soviet era, LETA reports. Residents are now being offered an alternative to constant repairs — a complete replacement of old equipment with modern elevators from European manufacturers.
As reported by RNP Chairman Maris Ozoliņš, the company has negotiated with several major industry players. Currently, solutions from manufacturers Kone, Schindler, Metron, Otis, and MP Lifts are available for participation in the projects.
The first new elevator has already been installed in one of the Purvciems buildings on Varaviknes gata. The work was carried out with the support of the Altum program, which partially finances such projects.
Currently, about 15 apartment buildings are participating in the program. A total of approximately 30 elevators are planned to be replaced.
According to Ozoliņš, modern elevators have several advantages over older models. They operate significantly quieter, consume less electricity, and require lower maintenance costs.
Additionally, when replacing equipment, there is an opportunity to widen the entrance to the cabin. This allows people in wheelchairs, parents with strollers, and elderly residents to use the elevator without problems.
For many Riga buildings, this issue is becoming increasingly relevant not only due to convenience but also because of the age of the equipment. According to the head of RNP, it is becoming increasingly difficult to repair old elevators. Some components and control units are no longer produced, and finding parts often turns into a serious problem.
What is important to know: the cost of a new elevator usually ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 euros. The Altum program can cover up to 40% of the costs, and the remaining amount can be financed by residents through a loan or installment plan.
In some cases, replacement is even more cost-effective than repairs.
As Ozoliņš notes, replacing a control unit in an old elevator can cost around 10,000 euros. However, the equipment still remains outdated and requires further investment.
The company emphasizes that they do not wait for elevators to completely break down and regularly conduct technical inspections to identify potential problems in a timely manner.
If the program shows good results, the replacement of Soviet elevators may gradually become one of the largest modernization projects for Riga's housing stock in the coming years.
