The icicles are a consequence of the failure of the house managers, so forced measures are being planned in Rīga to combat ice more effectively.
If the house is properly built and the roof is insulated, icicles do not form, said Ķirsis.
“We are reviewing and looking at changing the rules and going to the scenario – if such icicles are forming, it is actually negligence,” said Ķirsis.
Failure to properly manage properties is not permissible, the mayor stressed.
“We need to move from fighting the consequences to fighting the causes - either they are insulated or heated roofs or there are other ways to prevent that happening. We may be developing a support program where we can get co-financing for such things, but at the same time, there could be an increased real estate tax to have an interest in getting the property in order,” Ķirsis told LTV.
As reported by LSM, last week a man died after a slab of ice fell on him on the roof. LTV's broadcast 4. studija also reported on a house where icicles are so big they melt and flood apartments on several floors.
