Flood relief efforts are continuing in Lower Silesia. While municipalities in the southern part of the region are assessing the damage and preparing for reconstruction, the northern part of the voivodeship remains at risk. The voivodeship self-government is actively supporting all local governments affected by the flood. The assistance includes financial support, material aid and organisational help in response to the threat. Today, the Lower Silesian regional assembly decided to allocate PLN 30 million to combat the consequences of the disaster.
For several days, donations for people affected by the flood have been collected at three locations across the region. In Wrocław, this is the 3D Printing Centre on Tyniecka Street; in Wałbrzych, the Invest Park special economic zone at 12 Stacyjna Street; and in Jelenia Góra, the headquarters of the Karkonoska Regional Development Agency at 27 1 Maja Street. They are receiving essential supplies donated by residents, other local governments and foreign partners.
“In the face of such a serious crisis, we must focus on building systemic support for those affected. That is why, as the voivodeship self-government, from the very first days we have been involved in organising material aid through our hubs in Wrocław, Wałbrzych and Jelenia Góra, as well as financial support through institutions under our supervision,” explains Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
Today, Lower Silesian regional councillors unanimously decided to allocate PLN 30 million for people affected by the flood. PLN 20 million will go directly to municipalities and counties, while the remainder will be allocated to investments rebuilding infrastructure managed by the voivodeship self-government. The funds will make it possible to carry out the most urgent relief measures in the region.
“I thank all the councillors for their commitment. Thanks to it, we know where this assistance is most needed. I am delighted that there are also many grassroots initiatives in the region, making it possible to help not only residents but also animals affected by the flood,” adds Jerzy Pokój, Chair of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Regional Assembly.
“All local government officials should engage in the construction of retention reservoirs, particularly in mountainous regions. For years, as the voivodeship self-government, we have supported services such as WOPR, the Police and the Fire Service. Today we can see how important it is for them to be well equipped and ready to provide assistance,” adds Cezary Przybylski, Deputy Chair of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Regional Assembly.
The flood passed through many counties in Lower Silesia, but this does not mean that the entire region is a place to be feared. This was, among other things, the appeal made by Deputy Marshal Wojciech Bochnak: “For several days we have been hearing that bookings at our tourist facilities are being cancelled en masse. From here, I appeal to everyone: not all of Lower Silesia has suffered from the flood. It is genuinely possible to travel safely to many places, and this will be the best help for our tourism businesses,” says Deputy Marshal Wojciech Bochnak.
Institutions of the Lower Silesian voivodeship self-government are also joining the assistance effort. The Karkonoska Regional Development Agency S.A. in Jelenia Góra will administer financial assistance for businesses from counties affected by the flood. The support will come from public funds and will apply to businesses employing up to 50 people.
“First of all, we want to establish as quickly as possible the estimated number of affected entrepreneurs from the following counties: Kamienna Góra, Karkonosze, Kłodzko, Lwówek, Wałbrzych, Ząbkowice, Dzierżoniów, Lubań, Świdnica, as well as the cities with county rights of Wałbrzych and Jelenia Góra,” explains Hubert Papaj, President of the Karkonoska Regional Development Agency.
Another institution reporting to the marshal is also involved in the relief effort: the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Labour Office, which facilitates support provided by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Thanks to ministerial funds, money will flow to counties affected by the flood. It will be used, among other things, to organise public works aimed at removing the effects of the flood and to provide loans for entrepreneurs.