Warsaw will boost its security over the next two to three years by paying more than €27 million on bomb shelters and other security measures amid the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine, Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced on Wednesday, according to Euractiv.
The efforts to enhance the city’s civil defence potential are a part of the ‘Warsaw Protects’ programme.
“117 million (zlotys) [over €27 million] to improve safety – this is money for the next two to three years, and we are ready to allocate more money for this purpose,” Trzaskowski told a press conference, speaking alongside Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The announcement followed the publication of a report by Poland’s Supreme Audit Office on providing bomb shelters in the country. It found that there was a lack of basic regulations for shelters, including the necessary equipment and technical characteristics required.
Less than 4% of Poland’s population can count on having a place to take cover in the event of a bomb attack, according to the fire brigade.
The new “Warsaw Protects” program would equip shelters with electricity and water. Trzaskowski also said part of the plan is to help hospitals prepare for danger and train citizens how to react in emergencies, Politico reports.
According to the mayor, seven million square metres of space in Warsaw, including underground car parks and metro stations, could be used as shelters.
The city hall will also cooperate with the government in marking evacuation areas and preparing the necessary medical infrastructure.
Public consultations have begun on the civil defence bill, which the government considers “one of its priorities”, stated Kosiniak-Kamysz.
With nearly two million inhabitants, Warsaw is Poland’s largest and most populous city and the seventh most populous city in the EU.
While NATO member Poland has reassured citizens that its place in the alliance ensures their safety from any Russian attack, the invasion across its border has prompted preparations for potential strikes, according to Reuters.