The Riga City Council received 20 applications from residents of the house damaged in the explosion on Bauskas Street requesting temporary housing. In some cases, applications were denied. There is also uncertainty about who will guard the building in the future, reports TV3 News.
After the gas explosion on January 2 on Bauskas Street, dozens of people found themselves in a crisis situation — they had to urgently leave their former homes, and it is still unknown whether the house can be restored or is irreparably damaged and subject to demolition. Most residents have found temporary accommodation, but some have turned to the Riga City Council for temporary housing.
“We have 20 applications, two projects are being prepared for tomorrow's rental commission meeting. These apartments are municipal, which we offer for rent. We have offered housing to others as well. It should be noted that in three cases out of 20, we will not be able to provide housing, as one of the spouses owns another habitable property in Riga,” said Dace Ziediņa, acting head of the Housing and Communal Services Department of the Riga City Council.
Immediately after the explosion, a scandal arose over the initial proposal from the council to place people in a dormitory on Prusu Street — upon seeing the unsanitary conditions and dampness, residents refused to stay there. It is now promised that the proposed premises in the social house on Unijas Street will be “civilized.” There will be no rent to pay.
“This house was renovated two years ago, the premises are furnished with furniture, wardrobes, beds — which is especially important now when people are moving without anything. The kitchens are equipped with dishes, everything necessary for cooking, and there are washing and drying machines,” Ziediņa specified.
Residents will be offered the opportunity to inspect the premises and make a decision. If they agree, a one-year contract will be signed with them. Amendments to the rules are being prepared so that the provision of temporary housing can be extended to two years.
At the committee meeting, there was concern that it is still unclear who will provide security for the damaged house. Currently, this is being done by the Municipal Police, but a decision on continuing the security has not yet been made — it is possible that the apartment owners themselves will have to take on this task.
“They acknowledged our request to extend police security of the building until a technical conclusion is received, but the police have limited resources. They have increased security to one patrol, and, to be honest — it’s not our responsibility. They promise to make a decision about five additional days by tomorrow, while trying to convince residents that it is safer for them to arrange security through companies that specialize in such facilities. It is necessary to install alarm sensors so that no one can enter through the roof and so on,” explained Elina Treija, chairwoman of the Housing and Communal Affairs Committee of the Riga City Council.
At the committee meeting, there was a promise that the municipality would keep its previous word, and the technical conclusion on the condition of the house — whether it can be restored or is subject to demolition — will be ready by the end of January.
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