RIGA, Dec 17 (LETA) - The Riga City Council today approved the participation of the municipality in the European Regional Development Fund's (ERDF) project to set up emergency shelters in 146 buildings.

The application for participation in the project will be submitted to the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA).

Shelters will be set up in 123 municipal buildings under the responsibility of the City Property Department and in 23 municipal tenements under the responsibility of the Housing and Environment Department. In total, these shelters will accommodate more than 50,000 people, according to the local authority's estimates.

Two ERDF-funded shelters will also be set up in the buildings of Rigas Siltums heating utility, subject to a decision by the company's management board.

The municipality plans to spend 40 percent of the funding next year, while the rest will be spent in 2027.

The total estimated cost of the project will amount to EUR 11.356 million, of which up to EUR 5.69 million will be financed by the ERDF and up to EUR 5.67 million by the municipality.

The adaptation works for the shelters will include minimum conditions as recommended by the State Fire and Rescue Service, including the replacement of entrance doors with non-combustible materials, the provision of ventilation, stand-alone power supply and sanitary conditions, the installation of mobile communication and charging facilities, the provision of drinking water and the installation of information signs and indications.

Many of the spaces will be adapted for dual use, to serve everyday needs but be ready for civil protection situations such as disasters, military invasion or war.