Feb 18 • 14:22 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

A Scene in the Capital's Center Surprised: "Vilnius Residents Are Falling Not Because of Winter"

A former mayor of Vilnius criticizes the city's inadequate infrastructure and decision-making, which have led to hazardous conditions for pedestrians in winter.

The article discusses the severe winter conditions faced by residents of Vilnius, highlighted by a statement from former mayor A. Zuokas on social media. He argues that it is not the winter itself that causes the falls among residents but rather poor decision-making regarding urban infrastructure. Following warm spells, the city sidewalks turn icy, leading to numerous injuries and overcrowded hospitals. Zuokas emphasizes that while city services are working to salt the sidewalks, this approach addresses the outcomes rather than the underlying causes.

Zuokas shares alarming images captured in downtown Vilnius, pointing out that after recent repairs, rainwater continues to flow directly onto sidewalks. With temperatures hovering around freezing, these conditions create dangerous ice patches where pedestrians walk. He criticizes the management of public funds, claiming that money is spent on addressing past issues rather than developing forward-thinking solutions that not only fix current problems but also prevent future ones.

In his argument, Zuokas insists that as the capital of the European Union, Vilnius should have adequate drainage systems that lead rainwater properly, either to storm drains or through channels that can be better maintained. He stresses that such measures should have been implemented during past repair works, warning that the city will face repeated construction efforts if these issues are not taken seriously now.

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