“We need the involvement of local authorities, leaders and host countries that can support the building of good civil defense,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. He drew attention to the need to build shelters, changes in the construction law and movement for the population.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, today took part in a joint conference on urban shelters. Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that – from the point of view of homeland defense – not only a strong military and Alliance membership are important, but also good civil defense.
An extremely important element of civil protection and community building is the local government community. The foundation from which we all grow
– he said.
Involvement of local authorities
He added that it all really starts with local government.
We need the involvement of local governments and leaders who can support community building and good civil protection. The Civil Defense Act is one of the priorities for our government. It has not been implemented. When the Homeland Defense Act was passed, the Civil Defense Act was repealed
– he remembered.
He added that consultations are currently taking place on the draft law on civil protection and civil protection.
According to the head of the Ministry of Defense, there is a need for the construction of shelters, changes in construction legislation and a clear indication of who is responsible for what.
We need exercises that we will carry out together, also at schools
– he announced.
He said that the training program, including in the field of first aid, is being drawn up in collaboration with the Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka
Capital Security Program
The capital has developed the ‘Warsaw Protects’ programme
– informs the mayor of the city, Rafał Trzaskowski.
This will include: Shelters, additional water and electricity connections and exercises for residents will also be funded. The cost of the program is PLN 117 million.
At a press conference with the participation of Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said that he had ordered the development of the “Warsaw Protects” program.
During the next budget session we will allocate PLN 117 million for it so that we can make the most important investments in the coming years that will allow us to prepare for any eventuality.
– he said.
The program includes: designating and preparing shelters to which additional electricity and water connections should be provided, and creating warehouses – including a flood warehouse equipped with the equipment necessary in such a situation. The President also announced the creation of additional water intakes, independent of the water supply networks, and the purchase of water tankers.
He said Warsaw will also consult with the government on how to organize and mark evacuation sites for residents and how to prepare hospitals “for any eventuality.” Trzaskowski also stated that the capital would organize an annual education week for the safety of residents, including exercises for the participants. for example first aid.
We are ready for these investments, but also for the purchase of equipment that can be used in many crisis situations
– assured the President.
Warsaw authorities also want to require additional power and water connections and reinforced rooms in newly built schools.
The situation is unique. Of course Poland is safe and that is the most important thing. This was confirmed yesterday, absolutely all experts confirm this
– said Trzaskowski, referring to the visit of the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk to the White House, during which US President Joe Biden assured that “America’s commitment to Poland is rock-solid.”
But given the negligence of the previous government in the field of civil protection, which did nothing here, you have to be ready, because responsibility requires it. Like I said, we don’t have to worry about anything because the situation is certain. But careful, always assured
– added the president of the capital.
Rafał Trzaskowski stated that in recent years there have been “many challenges” for the local government, which residents have experienced during the pandemic crisis, the migration crisis and now in the confrontation with the climate crisis. According to the President of Warsaw, a civil protection law is necessary.
We need specific regulations on the basis of which we can act, a precise division of activities and investments in our program
– he noted.
Today we don’t even have a definition of a shelter. Naturally, we have taken a number of steps to designate refuges and have conducted an audit of places that could be such refuges. There are quite a few of them in Warsaw – 7 million square meters, these are mainly underground parking garages, subways and various types of underground structures.
– he said, announcing cooperation with the government in drawing up regulations in the field of civil protection.
Program financing
News reporter Television in Poland Maciej Zemła asked the mayor of Warsaw at the conference about the Supreme Audit Office report, which showed that 64% of people would find safety in emergency shelters. Varsovians. He noted that the mayor of the capital did not agree with all the statements of this report – as he himself admitted.
As for the NIK report, I take it very seriously, but in that sense I do not understand some of its assumptions: since there are no clear definitions, because the government is only developing them, it is difficult to answer definitively . this question
– replied Rafał Trzaskowski.
We have identified 7 million square meters. in Warsaw – places that we think could serve as shelters. Experts we consulted say there should be 2 square meters per person. This shows that 100 percent Varsovians could find such a place, but it all depends on the definitions we use
– added the mayor of Warsaw.
According to him, the correct definition of meanings is a very important role that needs clarification.
In this law, a shelter will be different from a place of refuge. We are waiting for the definitions, then we can answer this question. No one will downplay the problem – on the contrary – that’s why we’ve been working on it for many days. We did not know exactly when this report would be published, and it so happened that today we go to the conference knowing that this issue is so serious that we must be prepared for it.
– he noted.
Maciej Zemła also asked about the project’s planned budget and whether it should consist only of Warsaw’s funds, or whether co-financing can be expected, for example from the Ministry of National Defense.
These PLN 117 million are the capital’s funds. Warsaw. This is just the beginning and a signal that we are taking our responsibility without waiting for specific government actions. Developing accurate financial instruments will be absolutely crucial in the context of all local governments and the potential liabilities that will be imposed on these local governments.
– said Rafał Trzaskowski.
In turn, the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, emphasized that Warsaw’s involvement deserves the highest praise, and similar actions are also being taken by smaller local government units in Poland.
The actions of the capital Warsaw are above par and deserve extraordinary recognition, because it means meeting certain expectations and taking responsibility, which is not always a task. It fulfills the mission of protecting the local government community. This is also happening in other places in Poland, as smaller local government units are also making such an effort by designing their own public buildings and have prepared places that meet the highest standards.
– Kosiniak-Kamysz noted.
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Source: wPolityce