Since mid-March, when a state of epidemic was declared in Poland, we have all been living in a new reality to which we have had to adapt. Recent months have been a time of intensive work, creating new procedures and efforts to secure funding to help combat the threat. From the outset, the voivodeship authorities have actively supported all areas requiring assistance during this difficult period, including by allocating substantial funds from the Regional Operational Programme for this purpose.
Support for hospitals
– A sense of security is one of every person’s most important needs. That is why, from the first days of the epidemic, we provided support to medical facilities in Lower Silesia – says Marshal Cezary Przybylski.
Financial assistance amounting to more than PLN 42 million was first allocated to ambulance services in Wrocław, Wałbrzych, Jelenia Góra and Legnica, as well as hospitals managed by the region’s authorities and the district hospital in Bolesławiec. This made it possible to purchase essential equipment, personal protective equipment and ambulances. Later, further support went to the remaining hospitals managed by the counties and to residential care homes in the region (PLN 13.9 million in total), as well as to the Provincial Hospital Centre of the Jelenia Góra Valley.
From the outset, the voivodeship authorities also focused on conducting as many coronavirus tests as possible. In total, samples from Lower Silesia are tested in eight laboratories in the region and are additionally sent to a facility in partner city Dresden.
– For several months, we have been dealing with a situation we had never encountered before. We are doing everything to ensure that the tragic scenes from Italy and Spain are not repeated in our country. Today, at this stage of the pandemic, we can say that we are succeeding. Back in March, I did not expect that we would be able to return to pre-pandemic activity so quickly. I hope there will not be a second wave in the autumn – although we will be prepared for such a possibility – adds Deputy Marshal Marcin Krzyżanowski.
Support for entrepreneurs
Already tens of thousands of entrepreneurs in the region have benefited from assistance offered by the authorities under the Lower Silesian Economic Package. The support includes, among other things, wage subsidies, loans, simplified procedures and professional, specialised advice.
– I am pleased that our assistance is attracting such great interest from entrepreneurs. We are aware that every application we receive will help preserve further jobs in the region. Our support and the gradual reopening of the economy will allow us to maintain the region’s strong pace of development – adds Marshal Cezary Przybylski.
The Lower Silesian labour market continues to feel the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Fewer job offers and significant drops in revenue, including in the tourism and catering sectors, are affecting entrepreneurs in the region. For several weeks, the Lower Silesian Economic Package prepared by the voivodeship authorities has been helping to combat the effects of the crisis. Worth a total of PLN 1 billion and financed mainly from EU funds, the support system is aimed at entrepreneurs in Lower Silesia and provides access to financial assistance facilitating survival during the difficult crisis period.
By the end of May, as part of subsidies for wages and/or some operating costs, nearly 20,000 applications had been submitted for more than PLN 251 million. Ultimately, funding went to 11,846 applicants, and the amount paid out exceeded PLN 136 million.
Under the loan and guarantee schemes, 278 companies submitted applications for more than PLN 70 million. In addition, as part of indirect financial support – namely simplified settlement of grants – more than PLN 85 million was paid to 448 companies through a simplified procedure. Under the so-called loan repayment holidays – a six-month suspension of repayments on loans previously granted – 555 applications were submitted for more than PLN 116 million. A total of 462 applications worth more than PLN 100 million were approved.
The Lower Silesian Economic Package also continues to provide advisory support for people seeking work and for companies and their employees undergoing restructuring. Such assistance is becoming increasingly important, and is provided by career advisers from the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Labour Office. It includes psychological assistance, training and counselling.
Users of the dolnoslaskipakiet.pl website generated 40,000 sessions, while consultants available through forms, chat and the helpline handled 1,525 cases by the end of May.
At the same time, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Labour Office, subordinate to the voivodeship authorities, is carrying out tasks related to paying support offered under the government’s anti-crisis shield. – Nearly 5,500 applications were submitted in total. Those approved represent more than PLN 608 million and concern almost 150,000 employees in the region. This puts us among the top three regions in the country – summarises Marshal Cezary Przybylski.
Investments
– It is extremely important that local authorities do not abandon investments planned earlier. They will be the driving force that allows us to set our economy in motion again – says Marshal Cezary Przybylski.
Despite the difficult conditions, key investments in the region are continuing. The voivodeship authorities have signed an agreement to build the northern section connecting Łany near Wrocław with Długołęka. The investment will cost PLN 164.7 million, EU funding exceeds PLN 131 million, and work will begin in the coming weeks.
The voivodeship acquired more than 22 hectares of land on which the New Oncology Hospital will be built. The hospital will have a maximum of 700 beds, and the cost of its construction, including equipment, is estimated at approximately PLN 700 million. An operating block with 10–12 theatres will be created, where around 10,000 procedures will be performed annually. – The decision to transfer the land opens the next stage for us: the possibility of applying for state budget funding for our investment. We are holding advanced talks with the Ministry of Health on this matter – explains Deputy Marshal Marcin Krzyżanowski.
Construction of the Lower Silesian Sports Centre at Polana Jakuszycka is progressing according to schedule. The new facility will be a showcase not only for Lower Silesia but for all of Poland and Europe. The investment is being carried out in cooperation between the voivodeship authorities and the Ministry of Sport and will serve both professional athletes and amateurs. The project is worth PLN 142 million net.
The Lower Silesian Park of Innovation and Science has begun construction of the Lower Silesian 3D Printing Incubator. The initiative is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Lower Silesia who are starting operations and do not yet have their own production, storage or service facilities. The Incubator’s modern equipment will be able to print, among other things, complex models used in medicine. The Incubator will also cooperate with scientific institutions. The investment is worth more than PLN 24 million, of which PLN 15.7 million is EU funding.
In line with the plans, the programme of taking over disused railway lines from PKP and restoring passenger services on them is also continuing. Last week, the authorities took over lines 317 and 336 from Gryfów Śląski, via Mirsk, to Świeradów-Zdrój. Revitalisation will take approximately two years and cost nearly PLN 50 million.
– We are implementing our plan to take over railway lines in the region and bring them back to life. The example of the revitalised line to Bielawa shows how eagerly residents have been awaiting our actions – says Tymoteusz Myrda, Member of the Voivodeship Board.
