It will soon be three months since the flood, and many residents still either cannot or simply do not want to return to their homes because they are afraid that all their belongings will be destroyed again. The post-flood reality is still very difficult, and residents do not hide their tears. Mayor Barda comes to them with a proposal to build a new, safe housing estate.
It is still difficult for the residents of Barda to hold back their tears when they look at the completely destroyed houses. This was their life's work. The place where they were supposed to retire, but water destroyed these plans and the Więckiewicz house is completely flooded.
– Before the first flooding, the mayor came to the ground floor to evacuate us. From Saturday to Sunday, water came and flooded the ground floor, and on September 16, water from Stronie Śląskie, where the dam burst, did its job – it flooded the first floor, just like in 1997 – says Mr. Ryszard Więckiewicz, a resident of Bardo.
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This is the second time that water has flooded this house. The family does not want to return and experience again what happened during the September flood. – So we decided not to come back here because we had enough water, for the second time we were flooded, as they say, to the roof – says Mr. Ryszard.
The Nysa Kłodzka River flooded the streets in BardoPAP/Maciej Kulczyński
A special housing estate for flood victims
In Bardo, over 200 houses were damaged by the flood and over 350 families were injured. Many of them dream of a new, safe home.
– This is sad for us, this is the first time, so we really shouldn't live here, because it is still a dangerous area, we don't know whether something similar will happen in the spring – explains Mr. Michał Rejczakowski, a resident of Bardo.
Residents want to feel safe in their homes and not worry that water will once again take away all their possessions. That's why the idea of Słoneczna Przystań, a housing estate for flood victims, came up.
– There will be 40 houses, for about 100 people. The houses are two-story, about 50 square meters, plus a terrace and a piece of garden. Everything will be finished, fenced, with a driveway for cars, so ready for living. It will be partially equipped – explains Marta Ptasińska, mayor of the city and commune of Bardo.
Some flood victims return to their homes, others have to wait. There were delays in the payment of renovation benefitsKatarzyna Górniak/Fakty TVN
These will be municipal houses that can be rented for a small amount. The construction of the estate is to be co-financed from government funds. There are already 100 people interested. – We have preliminary calculations for houses and land development. It will be about PLN 20 million, co-financing will come from BGK and a subsidy from the Ministry of Interior and Administration – says Marta Ptasińska.
The plots belong to the commune, the project is ready. As soon as the money becomes available, construction can begin. The residents hope that they will settle in the new place quickly, perhaps before the next holidays.
Main photo source: TVN24