We looked into the matter at the request of our Reader, who drew our attention to the leaking roof of Bolesławiec’s PKP railway station. Unfortunately, this is not the only flaw in the building. Peeling façade, numerous pseudo-artistic inscriptions and an interior that requires immediate renovation. After all, a railway station is one of the more representative places in any city. “Come back next week, when this building has collapsed,” says a Bolesławiec resident standing in the square in front of the station. It is difficult to imagine a better comment.
The condition of the building is striking, especially as work on the modernization of the railway line between Węgliniec and Legnica is nearing completion. The work has been under way for two years. Practically everything has been replaced: the tracks, overhead catenary, power supply, old platforms and old shelters. For passengers’ safety, PKP has built an underground passage. The whole thing looks solid and modern. “We plan to complete the modernization by the end of the year,” says Mariusz Czajkowski, the site manager. “Finishing work may take a little longer, but this will not affect train traffic,” he adds.
Additionally, something that will probably please all drivers, modernization of the crossing on Staszica Street is scheduled to be completed at the end of November. And as early as October, a disabled-access ramp at the PKP station will be ready. The building itself, however, continues to deteriorate. “The station will not be renovated under our contract,” admits Mariusz Czajkowski.
In Legnica, no one wanted to talk to us. Neither about the leaking roof, which no one had heard about, nor about the station renovation. “We have received no reports concerning a leaking roof,” also noted Grażyna Kopania, spokesperson for the Real Estate Management Branch in Wrocław. The company’s employees will check it. If the fault turns out not to be serious, it will be quickly repaired.
Does PKP intend to do anything about the deteriorating station? “This year we plan to renovate the toilets,” Kopania notes. The building’s hall is also to be renovated. However, repairs to the façade that frightens Bolesławiec residents and all travelers will not begin before 2008.
(GA information)