Residents in Spilve, a town in the Mārupes municipality of Latvia, have voiced their grievances regarding extremely icy sidewalks this winter, particularly on Kleistu Street. One resident, Liene, recounts her experience of walking to the bus stop for work, stating that what used to be a 25-minute walk now takes her 33 minutes due to the treacherous conditions. The icy sidewalks are particularly hazardous during the early mornings when people are commuting to public transport, raising concerns about safety in the community.

Liene's complaints resonate with others in the area, as several residents have reportedly reached out to the local government regarding the hazardous conditions. They highlight that even though snow and ice are cleared, it often occurs late, making the situation more dangerous for pedestrians. The repeated emphasis on the sidewalk issues points to a growing frustration among Spilve residents who expect timely maintenance from their local government during adverse weather conditions.

In response to the complaints, the Mārupes municipality claims that the area is not being neglected, asserting that the sidewalks are regularly treated with grit to ensure safety. However, the residents remain unconvinced, feeling that significant improvements are still necessary. This situation underscores a larger issue of municipal responsibility and resident safety, raising questions as to whether local government efforts are adequate to meet community needs during winter months.