Soviet monument dismantling in Rīga takes step forward
The equipping of the monument dismantling area in the territory of Uzvaras Park in Rīga has begun, the Rīga City Council said August 22.
On Monday, construction work begins in connection with the planned dismantling of the monument complex in the area of Uzvaras park, said the City Council. During the day, the building site will be equipped.
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic restrictions will be introduced around the site. At a press conference, Riga City Executive Director Jānis Lange said that an external fence will also be installed, which will limit pedestrian movement in a section of approximately 1.5 kilometers.
Public transport movement is not intended to be restricted but vehicles will be banned from standing and stopping. Specific traffic restrictions will still be announced.
On Tuesday, 23 August, machinery will be brought in. The monument in Pardaugava will be toppled without the use of explosives, Lange said, indicating that all possible methods have been evaluated during design and discussions with the builders.
As reported earlier by LSM, Rīga City Council ordered the demolition of the Soviet monument in Rīga in May this year, before a law was passed on the elimination of Soviet-glorifying objects throughout the territory of Latvia. The monument will be dismantled by the method of felling it as a whole. The State Security Service expects that hindrances and obstacles may be encountered, particularly by pro-Kremlin activists who might attempt to threaten the process or the security of state.