After ten years of problematic exploitation, the refugee home ‘Haus Semmering’ in the Styrian municipality of Spital unexpectedly closes its doors. The reason is the declining number of asylum seekers.
The last big commotion was about the inadequate fire protection measures. That is why the house was evacuated for a while last February. Since then it had been quiet, until Tuesday. The Federal Health Care Agency (BBU) announced the immediate closure together with the hospital mayor Maria Fischer (SPÖ).
House already evacuated
The house, originally designed for 390 people, has been empty since last week. This was only made public a week later, also to inform the BBU employees in time.
Most recently 29 refugees in huge accommodation
After the commotion about fire protection and the first measures that followed, the ‘Haus Semmering’ would have been approved for 200 people in recent months – ‘would have been’, because recently only 29 people were accommodated there, as Mayor Fischer told the “Kron”.
Closure, no closure
The BBU and the Ministry of the Interior also justify the move with the declining number of refugees. “The arrival numbers are low, the capacity is no longer needed,” BBU spokesman Thomas Fussenegger explains to the “Krone”. This trend has been observed for more than a year. This also saves taxpayers’ money. However, “Haus Semmering” is currently being decommissioned and not closed. So keep the object in your back pocket for possible new waves of refugees.
Although the public only learned of the developments at Tuesday’s press conference, Mayor Fischer is confident the news will be received positively in the community.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
