Metallurg Territory to Be Cleaned Up for 10 Million — Liepāja Residents Rejoice They'll Finally Be Able to Walk on Clean Ground

While Riga is still arguing about whether the Torņakalns district is prestigious enough, Liepāja continues to prove that we can turn any industrial disaster into a cultural site. This time it's the former Metallurg territory's turn, whose cleanup will cost only 10.2 million euros.

Development Department head Mārtiņš Ābols explained to deputies that the third and fourth phases include both fuel oil tank remediation and street infrastructure construction. As local resident Maija from Dzelzsgriezēja Street says: "Finally I'll be able to go to the store without hiding behind a tree. I'm sure it will be just as beautiful here as at the North Pier, only without the winds and with less romantic smells."

The project's total cost is 10,273,876.88 euros, and nobody knows where those eighty-eight cents came from. Liepāja municipality as a partner will invest 170,709.46 euros, which is less than what a single tram stop renovation costs in Riga.

The work will affect Mārtena and Dzelzsgriezēja streets, and the project must be submitted by April 15th. Local residents are already planning celebrations for when they'll be able to breathe without worrying about what's hidden underground. As pensioner Jānis said: "I've been waiting 20 years to be able to walk here without fear. Now maybe even the great-grandchildren will be able to play in the yard, instead of just looking at it from the North Pier."