Medved: Accommodating quake victims in safe, regular housing units a priority

The government task force dealing with the aftermath of the 29 December 2020 earthquake in Sisak-Moslavina County met on Wednesday, and its head, Deputy PM Tomo Medved, said one of the more important topics discussed was the relocation of people staying in containers to regular housing units.

The meeting adopted 12 conclusions, Medved said, noting that so far more than 350 facilities damaged in the earthquake had been or were being demolished.

A report by the Central State Office for Reconstruction and Housing says that reconstruction work on 400 units in Sisak-Moslavina County has been completed and that work on 200 is under way.

"With the current dynamic, more than 4,000 houses will be repaired by winter. If the weather allows, we will continue with reconstruction during the winter. Work on structural reconstruction is being launched as well... and I believe that by the end of September reconstruction work on around 100 family houses will be under way. That is an encouraging message for those whose houses suffered extensive damage in the quake and had to be demolished," Medved said.

Medved said the meeting also discussed people who after the earthquake had to be accommodated in housing containers that are not fit for winter conditions.

"A total of 4,776 people have been accommodated in 2,195 containers and mobile homes, both in rural areas close to their homes and in 14 container settlements, where 536 people have been accommodated. Some of the containers are not fit for winter conditions and local government units have until 10 September to submit to the task force a list of people to be provided with appropriate accommodation in the period from 15 October to 1 April," he said.

"Considering the population structure in the region of Banovina, most people wanted to stay close to their farms and houses, which was made possible by installing containers close to their properties," he said, adding that since many wanted to stay in their towns, 14 container settlements were built.

He added that the government had also provided support to earthquake victims in the form of food, water, exemption from payment of electricity bills, etc.

A model has been defined for people who want to rebuild their homes on their own. Grants under that model have so far amounted to a maximum HRK 26,000 (€3,466), and now we will propose to the government to set the amount at HRK 44,000 (€5,866), said Medved.

Around 1,400 people currently staying in housing containers in Sisak-Moslavina County are expected to seek more appropriate accommodation.

Text: Hina

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