Riga, June 5, 2015 –The United States European Command (USEUCOM), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Riga and the Daugavpils Regional Council, will undertake a humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) project at Naujene Orphanage. To mark the launch of the project, the U.S. Embassy and local authorities will hold a kick-off ceremony on June 8 at 13:00. The project, which was proposed by the Daugavpils Regional Council, is funded by USEUCOM’s Civic Engagement Program and valued at $183,000.
U.S. Air National Guard troops from Kansas, Pennsylvania and Missouri, together with military engineers from the Latvian National Armed Forces, will renovate the residence for teenagers on the orphanage compound. To provide quality assurance in accordance with Latvian construction law, local contractor, SIA Ditton Būve, selected through competitive bidding, will supply materials and technical expertise. The local contractor has already begun preparations and dismantling works. The project is expected to be completed by the end of July 2015.
“Projects like these provide training opportunities for U.S. and Latvian soldiers and a tangible benefit to the local population. The troops have an opportunity to maintain their operational skills, as well as work in a foreign country alongside our close allies in the Latvian National Armed Forces,” said Lieutenant Colonel Roger Bowman, Chief of the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC Latvia).
In 2013 and 2014, ODC Latvia as part of its commitment to the community and partnership with Latvian allies completed three HCA projects: Replacement of Windows at E. Glika High School in Aluksne (project value: $130,000); Roof Replacement and Insulation at 1st Ogre High School (project value: $106,400); and Installation of a Fence around the Ādaži High School (project value: $92,470). Previous work in the Daugavpils region includes a staircase elevator installation and household lift repairs at Kalkūni Orphanage, as well as the reconstruction of Vabolīte Youth and Children Center.
Media is invited to attend the kick-off ceremony at 13:00 on June 8. For more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.
