J. Naď: We keep our promises – reconstruction and upgrade works to another building close to closure at Michalovce Barracks are completed

As part of his away day trips to individual units and facilities of the SVK Armed Forces, made regularly since assuming his office, today Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď revisited the military units based in Michalovce. The aim of the fact-finding mission was to see for himself the state and progress achieved in the MOD's investment activities through which the MOD seeks to restore the inherited infrastructure which has been underinvested in the long term. Over the past months, one of the buildings at City Barracks, which fell into disrepair and failed to meet the current hygienic and safety standards, has undergone reconstruction and upgrade.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Where there is will, there is a way. Put simply, what we have set out as one of our priority goals – to improve everyday Service conditions – is gradually becoming a reality. Although there is a lot of work ahead of us, I believe our efforts will bring desired results and will be appreciated by our service personnel. We are doing it all for them.” He added that the refurbished 5-storey building was acquired in 1993. The total reconstruction and upgrade costs are at €2.59m incl. VAT.

The aim of the infrastructure investment was to redesign Building 2 at Michalovce Barracks, used by 22nd Mechanised Battalion, into an administrative building with the aim of creating premises for 470 members of the SVK Armed Forces. The new premises comply with all current requirements pertaining to office premises, locker rooms, a chapel, an armoury, a munitions depot, a clothing warehouse, storage rooms (run by commanding NCOs), a gym, classrooms, kitchens, toilets and bathrooms.

The reconstruction works to the building included insulating the building's façade, installing the roof and lightning system, a new gas boiler room, water and sewage systems, and electrical wiring, applying plaster to walls and laying floors. Under the works, the mobile boiler unit was removed.

As part of his away day, he paid a visit to Kamenica nad Cirochou Training Area. “The local infrastructure was in disrepair, the buildings were heated by over-40-year-old coal furnaces situated in a dilapidated portable cabin – this was the reality soldiers had to “fight”. It was unthinkable. I am pleased that things are moving forward and that the new boiler room meets the safety standards. We will make more investments in this facility to help as much as we can,” said Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď.

The MOD has set aside €4,126,800 incl. VAT for the projects to upgrade the infrastructure at City and Dukla Barracks in Michalovce. These include reconstructing Buildings 2 and 20 at City Barracks and improving the energy efficiency of Buildings 1, 2, 3 and 6 at Dukla Barracks.