Riga, July 21, 2015 – The United States European Command (USEUCOM), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Riga and the Daugavpils Regional Council, completed renovation at the Naujene Orphanage. To mark the completion of this humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) project, which is valued at $195,000, the U.S. Embassy and local authorities will hold a closing ceremony July 23 at 13:00 at the orphanage. USEUCOM’s Civic Engagement Program funded the project, which was proposed by the Daugavpils Regional Council.
U.S. Air National Guard troops from Kansas, Pennsylvania and Missouri worked together with military engineers from the Latvian National Armed Forces to renovate the space for teenagers on the orphanage compound. Local contractor SIA Ditton Būve supplied materials and technical expertise through competitive bidding to provide quality assurance and comply with Latvian construction law. SIA Ditton Būve also provided site preparation and dismantling works.
“A few years ago we started what seems to be a tradition now of Latvian and U.S. engineers working together to improve the local community,” said Ms. Vanessa Acker, Deputy Chief of Political/Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy during the kick-off ceremony on 8th June. “I am pleased that we once again have the opportunity to witness this partnership in action.”
ODC Latvia has completed three HCA projects over the past two years. Those projects include the Replacement of Windows at E. Glika High School in Aluksne (project value: $130,000); the Roof Replacement and Insulation at 1st Ogre High School (project value: $106,400); and the 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 the Kalkūni Orphanage, as well as the reconstruction of Vabolīte Youth and Children Center.
Media is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony July 23 at 13:00. For more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.
