TOWNS and cities across Slovakia are to get a free gift from the military – its empty barracks. The abandoned facilities are to be used to build schools, flats, garages and sports halls, according to the Hospodárske noviny business daily.
The municipalities, including Banská Bystrica and Levoča are apparently to get these barracks free of charge. The total value of the buildings, land and warehouses amounts to some Sk3 billion (€77.5 million).
"By transferring these assets to the municipalities, we rid ourselves of administration and security expenses," said defence ministry spokesperson, Zenon Mikle.
Some of the barracks haven't been used for some years, so some investment for refurbishment will be needed.
"The next operator will have to guarantee that he has sufficient funds," said the Levoča mayor, Miroslav Čurilla, according to the daily.
Compiled by Magdalena MacLeod from press reports
The
Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
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