New disaster protection in Torgau: A foundation for the future!

New disaster protection in Torgau: A foundation for the future!

In Torgau, an important step to improve disaster help was initiated. Anne Lissner, the managing director of the DRK district association Torgau-Schatz, was finally able to lay the foundation for a new disaster protection hall after intensive efforts. This building is part of an extensive construction project that is expected to cost a total of 6.4 million euros. The new building is crucial to offer volunteers better working conditions.

The new disaster protection hall should not only serve as a central point for missions in the future, but also offer the necessary space for the training of the helpers. But the country's financial support remains behind the expectations. According to Lissner, only a quarter of the total construction costs are covered by grants from the Free State, which is an enormous burden on the district association.

Little support for the necessary support

Inadequate financing causes displeasure among those responsible. Anne Lissner emphasizes that of the required 2.4 million euros for the hall, only 550,000 euros come from the Free State. "The remaining 1.9 million euros must be financed from their own funds, although disaster protection is a task for society as a whole," she criticized. This discrepancy in funding compared to other auxiliary services such as fire brigade or technical relief organization is worrying for Lissner.

The representatives of the DRK were accompanied by many guests of honor, including the President of the DRK state association, Peter Kaul, and Torgaus Mayor Henrik Simon. These celebrated the symbolic act together with the volunteers by putting a time capsule into the foundation stone with documents and memorabilia.

Jens Kabisch, deputy district administrator of the district of North Saxony, which was also present, expressed his regret about the lack of financial resources from the district. The district had to make do with a budget deficit of 24 million euros in 2024. Despite the difficult situation, he assured those present that one would always endeavor to support the DRK helpers in the best possible way. "We do what we can do," he added. For the guests, the absence of representatives of the Ministry of the Interior met with incomprehension - a gesture that was perceived as not very motivating.

The volunteers reported on the current unreasonable conditions in their old accommodation. Katja Meckel, part of the disaster protection train since 2016, described the poor sanitary facilities and the shortage of space. "We have improvised a lot so that the team can work. Even the changing rooms are not separated," she described the reality of the volunteers.

The anticipation of the new hall is large. Building planner Hagen Weidemüller explained that the hall will be 800 square meters and offers space for nine vehicles and a washing hall. In addition, around 70 changing rooms are planned. Rainwater will be prepared for the washing hall in the future and solar energy is used on the roof to efficiently operate the hall.

The new disaster protection hall should not only counteract the current defects, but also serve as a place to win new members for the DRK. "We can show others what we are doing," said the head of the disaster protection train, Michael Bagusat, hopeful. The new building could even serve as a attraction for child and youth work.

The laying of the foundation stone sets a positive accent on the future of disaster protection in the region. Disaster aid is an important social task that relies on a strong and well -equipped group of helpers. A successful project will improve the working conditions of the volunteers and strengthen the community as a whole. For more information on this topic, see the current reporting at www.torgauerzeitung.de .

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Ort	Torgau, Deutschland