Riga's mayor rates street winter maintenance between '6 and a weak 7'
Riga's mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs has rated the city's winter street maintenance as between a '6 and a weak 7,' indicating a need for improvement.
In an interview on the TV3 program '900 Seconds,' Riga's mayor, Viesturs Kleinbergs, assessed the municipality's winter street maintenance as between a '6 and a weak 7.' He emphasized the varied conditions across the city, noting that when there is good cooperation between the municipality and local cleaners, the street maintenance situation improves significantly. Kleinbergs expressed concerns about the accumulation of snow and highlighted the importance of timely responses from responsible services to ensure safe pedestrian crossings and clear driveways.
Kleinbergs has directed relevant authorities to prioritize the removal of snow from intersections and crosswalks to prevent blockages, while also instructing them to clear gutters. He anticipates receiving criticism in the coming days as the city begins snow removal efforts, particularly from those who argue that the snow will soon melt. However, he insists that these measures are essential for improving traffic conditions and ensuring public transport accessibility.
Moreover, the mayor encouraged residents to report snow piles and potholes occurring after winter. Citizens have been actively utilizing this feedback mechanism, and Kleinbergs has emphasized the need for the municipality to provide follow-up communication regarding the completed tasks. He underscored that situations where public transport cannot access elevated structures or bridges are unacceptable, highlighting the priority of maintaining effective transportation routes throughout the winter months.