Crematorium beside Iecava highway continues construction despite residents' protests
Interior finishing works have begun at a crematorium site in Salgale parish, Jelgava region, even as the project faces a legal dispute. The municipality is awaiting a court ruling on December 3.
Despite residents' protests, construction of a crematorium beside the Iecava highway in Salgale parish, Jelgava region, has reached the interior finishing stage. The building site is at the centre of a legal dispute. The developer, Valmiera businessman Jānis Lēcis, could not be reached for comment, while construction manager Mārtiņš Bergsons, whose phone number appears on the site board, declined to speak to Zemgales Ziņas.
According to the sign at the site, a cult building for funeral services is being erected. The local government says the Administrative Regional Court will review the case only on 3 December, and no developments are expected before then. The court has not imposed an interim injunction to halt the works while litigation continues, so the municipality sees no legal grounds to refuse putting the building into service or allowing its use. Municipal representative Evisa Rudmieze stressed that the matter falls within the court's competence.
Residents had earlier voiced objections to the crematorium, but work has continued. The report also notes that the public consultation on the building permit proved futile.
