Simnas apartment renovation stalls as building deteriorates

Renovation of an apartment building in Simnas, Alytus district, has been stalled for more than two years while its condition continues to worsen, LRT reports. Residents say tiles are falling from the facade, walls are crumbling and the building may pose a safety risk.

The renovation of the building at 85 Vytauto Street began several years ago but stopped completely more than two years ago, resident Julija told LRT. She said the courtyard was left cluttered and that no further work had been carried out.

“We are worried because the building is collapsing,” Julija said.

According to Julija, the building’s condition has continued to deteriorate. Tiles are falling from the facade, walls are crumbling and defects are visible in the work already completed. She said experts had determined that the building was in an emergency condition and posed a real danger to people and their property.

The heating system has also not been repaired. As a result, heating bills for some apartments reportedly reach about 300 euros, even though the building remains poorly insulated and residents have to use electric heaters. During heavy summer rain, water flows into apartments through the unrepaired roof, Julija said.

Residents continue to be charged interest related to the renovation, despite the work remaining unfinished. Julija said the financial burden was growing while the condition of the building was getting worse.

She said the project supervisor, the municipal services company Simno komunalininkas, had not responded to residents’ inquiries, while the Alytus district municipality had also failed to provide answers. Julija added that the municipality’s deputy mayor had said during a council meeting that the renovation would be completed in September, but work had still not resumed.

Most of the building’s residents are pensioners, including former teachers, according to Julija. She said about 80 percent of residents were teachers and that many were worried about how they would pay the rising renovation costs.

In written responses, Simno komunalininkas said the renovation contract had been signed at the end of April 2023 and work began in May. The work was temporarily suspended from the beginning of September until the end of November because of financing problems. The contractor said the renovation should be completed by the New Year if the contract is extended.