Vidzeme municipalities retrofit shelters, but some projects lag

Municipalities in Latvia’s Vidzeme region are adapting basements and other premises into shelters, though work has yet to begin at some planned sites, LSM reports. More than 26 million euros from the state budget and European funds has been allocated nationwide to improve shelters, with at least 570 expected to be upgraded within a few years.

Limbaži Municipality is adapting seven sites. Work is under way in the basement of the Limbaži Cultural Centre, where builders are carrying out basic renovations to meet the requirements for a third-category shelter. Planned improvements include ventilation, suitable doors and cosmetic repairs; some sites mainly need equipment.

The cultural centre’s basement has also been fitted with a backup energy system. The municipality chose high-capacity batteries, which civil protection specialist Dainis Siliņš said operate more quietly than alternatives and do not require fuel. He said the 20-kilowatt system could provide the necessary lighting for a considerable time.

Siliņš said the municipality opted for simple adaptations to avoid the need to prepare construction plans, making the process easier and leaving more funding for work at the sites.

Cēsis Municipality plans to equip 10 shelters, but work has not yet begun. Valmiera Municipality is improving 12 shelters and is also considering how they might be used in everyday life. Two shelter adaptation projects in Valka Municipality are facing delays, while Smiltene Municipality hopes to adapt four sites.