MOD to reconstruct a hotel at Zemplínska Šírava Dam to serve as a spa and guest house for veterans

The SVK Ministry of Defence will reconstruct and redesign a recreational facility at the Zemplínska Šírava Dam as a spa and guest house for veterans. This is another initiative of the MOD to improve medical and social welfare services for active duty soldiers and veterans. The services should be available to them as early as 2021. The project was approved by the SVK Government today.

According to Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš, the hotel, run by the Defence Accommodation Agency (BARMO), is closed because it is in bad condition. “We do not want to lose this facility that could cater for the needs of soldiers after reconstruction. It will offer a whole range of recreational and treatment services, while at the same time securing long-term and affordable accommodation for veterans,” he said. He reminded that improvements in welfare services for soldiers and veterans are among the commitments set out in the Slovak National Party (SNS) and Government Manifestos.

The reconstruction works include a complex reconstruction of the building, including the façade, roof, heating, interior design, swimming pool, kitchen, dining room, as well as rebuilding access roads, improving the groundworks, and extending the accommodation capacity. Once completed, the guest house will have 95 rooms and 180 beds, of which 60 beds will be reserved for veterans. The spa and guest house services will also be used by service members, military pensioners, civilian employees in Defence and their families. All vacancies will be available to the public.