The Russian war of aggression in the Ukraine is now having its first effects in Freistadt. “The municipality is obliged to provide a first-aid collection point in the event of a disaster. In consultation with the Red Cross, we are converting the sports hall on Stifterplatz into emergency accommodation for war refugees from Ukraine. The hall is particularly suitable for this purpose due to the existing infrastructure,” says the head of the city office, Florian Riegler.
First admission character
It is not yet possible to say whether and when exactly refugees will arrive in Freistadt. As a precaution, the sports hall has been reserved until further notice and extensive construction work is taking place. The emergency accommodation has the character of an initial reception. This means that the refugees who arrive will stay here for a few days up to a maximum of weeks before they can be taken to longer-term accommodation.
In addition to camp beds and disposable bed linen, the Red Cross also provides hygiene material for everyday needs. For the Mayor of Freistadt, Christian Gratzl, it goes without saying that the municipality helps: “The catastrophic pictures from the Ukraine leave none of us indifferent: millions of people are currently on the move and fleeing war and destruction, especially women and children. Many thanks to the municipal employees and the Red Cross, who are working flat out to prepare the sports hall accordingly.”
In addition, the municipality is also trying to find an alternative solution for physical education classes in the schools affected by the hall closure.
Source: Nachrichten
