RIGA, Jun 11 (LETA) - The State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB), having assessed the technical condition and safety of the meat pavilion at the Riga Central Market, has decided to ban further operation of the pavilion from Thursday, as the building no longer meets the requirements for safe operation, the BVKB informed LETA.

The decision was based on a technical inspection of the building, which found that the support steel trusses of the meat pavilion's arched roof have developed significant corrosion damage.

Active corrosion of the metal has been observed in certain areas of the structure, which has significantly reduced the load-bearing capacity of the structural elements over time. Cracks and deformations have been observed in some load-bearing structures of the building, the BVCB informed.

A technical inspection carried out in 2020 had already identified significant structural damage and indicated the need for repairs, but now the inspection concluded that the damage had not been repaired and the technical condition of the structures had continued to deteriorate, BVKB said.

In view of the experts, there is a real and unforeseeable risk of collapse of individual structural units, which could endanger the safety of the building occupants. Therefore, the BVCB has decided to prohibit the operation of the meat pavilion until the safety of the structure has been restored.

According to the decision, the meat pavilion will be closed to visitors, trade and other economic activities from Thursday.

The owner of the building, Riga municipality, has been informed of the decision, as well as the operator, Rigas Nami, which is obliged to enforce the decision and take the necessary measures to eliminate safety risks.

BVKB will continue to monitor the implementation of the decision and will cooperate with the parties involved to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and public safety.

BVKB is a state regulatory body that exercises state control over construction and monitors the operational safety of major public buildings, promoting a safe and quality environment in Latvia.