When hearing the word “Dundaga”, the first associations are with the castle. The dance group “Dun-dang” also comes to mind, the first thought for someone else will be the fishing competition, but – would all this happen if there was no administrator in Dundaga parish who would support all of this? In a conversation with the head of Dundaga parish administration, Andri Kojro, we discussed the current situation, what has already been done and what is planned.
— Your colleagues in other parishes are experiencing changes, but the administrative territory of Dundaga parish remained unchanged – does it make work easier?
— Once upon a time, Dundagas parish was united with Kolka parish, so we know the work of the united territories. This, of course, significantly increases the workload, so I am happy that there are no significant territorial changes in the Dundagh Parish Council. I know this work and it does not cause any additional complications. It must be said that the Dundaga parish administration differs from other administrations in one thing, because we are involved in the economic activities of other institutions – we provide heating in the Dundaga Palace of Culture, the kindergarten “Kurzemīte” and the high school building.
— What are the current events in Dundaga parish?
— The most important issue at the moment is the arrangement of the square between the church and the palace. The square was built in 1972, so it is time to restore it. We have been vying for this project for several years and finally it is our turn. Since October 1st, construction work has been going on there, carried out by SIA “Jūrmalnieki” from Kolka. A month has passed and most of the work has already been done. This square will be much smaller than the previous one, because it is not necessary to build such a large area, but there will be six benches, three trash cans and five flagpoles on this square. It will serve various events and will be of great benefit to Dundaga, its residents. Every place has a central square where everyone gathers, so it’s my responsibility to make sure that it’s a pleasure to meet.
Asphalting works are also planned on Saules and Upes Street, where the asphalt top layer will be restored. We obtained financing from the Latvian State Road Fund, from which we allocate a part of the amount every year for a larger project. In this way, I try to ensure high-quality street surface in the parish.
In autumn, when it gets darker and darker, street lighting is also a big problem. At the moment, it is like this – we are waiting for the new, which is not really there yet, but we can no longer work with the old quality. Dundaga parish has sodium lighting lamps, which are planned to be replaced with LEDs by the municipal project, the critical moment has come when two lamps in a row are not working in some places. We are trying to fix the situation, although spare parts for such sodium lamps are hard to find. The good news is that this project should wrap up as early as February 7th or 8th next year.
Another issue that we are very much looking forward to is the installation of a pellet heating boiler in the castle. At the moment, procurement is underway, which will end on November 19. Historical changes are also gradually taking place in the center of Dundaga. The manager is gradually installing pellet boilers at the apartment buildings, so that the apartments no longer have central wood heating. That is why the landscape is changing in Dundag at the moment – the wood ridges are gradually disappearing.
— Did you manage to find a compromise on the Lime Library issue?
— The municipal government examines the issue of the library network and surveys all county libraries. Perhaps there will be some conclusions in the near future. Readers of the Lime Library express their opinion that they need this library. The question now is how it will work in the future – how many days or how long the library will be available to residents. It was already announced at the meeting that the library premises and book collection will remain there, and it will also be supplemented.
— Are you already used to the austerity mode or are you waiting for the usual management mode?
— However, we want to return to the normal mode, because in the austerity mode there is as much money as there is, and we are already spending the reserves. Of course, such austerity regimes can be organized if it brings some kind of common benefit – if we all save and know that from this common saving we will be able to buy, for example, new books for the residents of Kalki.
— How easy is it to gain the trust of the population?
— Like any other inhabitant of Dundaga, I get up in the morning, I understand whether there is water, heat, I look out the window, whether there is sufficient lighting. If there is snow, then it is necessary to check whether the roads are cleared – everything that a resident needs. If I can help a resident before they can call me, then that’s good. Is it difficult for me to imagine grading the road or repairing the asphalt? No! Residents will be happy that everything has already been done without being told in advance. That’s my goal, to get a little ahead of the population. Of course, within the limits of possibility. There are processes that are more long-term, where the problem cannot be solved so quickly, but the basic things – trimming the bushes along the road, cutting the grass or solving some issues related to waste – are not difficult.
— What can residents expect in the future?
— In the spring, we will plant bulbous flowers in the center of Dundaga. I have very good employees who have taken it upon themselves to beautify our neighborhood. In Dundagh, the obvious things should be improved – a small piece of pavement by Dundagh Castle Pond, also the re-tiling of the market square wall. We will talk about bigger things at budget planning – what will be the possibilities of the project, etc. There are always a lot of needs.
/Photo author: Edgars Lācis/
Interview: Andri Kojro, Head of Dundaga Parish Administration with Time.news Editor
Editor: Welcome, Andri! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you today to discuss the exciting developments happening in Dundaga. Let’s start with the current state of the parish. I know it has remained unchanged, unlike other regions. How does that impact your work?
Andri Kojro: Thank you for having me! Indeed, Dundaga has maintained its administrative boundaries, which has made things considerably easier on our end. Having previously worked with united territories like Kolka, I can assure you that managing a wider area significantly increases the workload. Our stability allows us to focus on essential projects without the added complexities of territorial changes.
Editor: That makes sense. Stability can breed progress. Speaking of projects, what are some key initiatives currently underway in Dundaga?
Andri Kojro: We have some exciting projects in the pipeline! The most important right now is renovating the square between the church and the palace. Originally built in 1972, it’s high time for restoration, and construction is well underway by SIA “Jūrmalnieki.” We’re excited to see a more functional square—smaller but equipped with benches, trash cans, and flagpoles that will serve as a gathering place for our community events.
Editor: A central square is vital for community spirit! I also hear you’re working on street improvements. Can you share more about that?
Andri Kojro: Absolutely! We’re planning asphalting work on Saules and Upes Streets, as well. We secured financing from the Latvian State Road Fund, which allows us to maintain high-quality street surfaces sustainably. Upkeeping the roads is essential to ensure safety and accessibility for all residents.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach! With the darker autumn months approaching, how do you ensure the safety of residents in terms of street lighting?
Andri Kojro: Street lighting has been a significant concern, especially with our current sodium lamps, which are becoming increasingly unreliable. We’re awaiting the installation of LED lights through our municipal project. Thankfully, we anticipate having the new lighting in place by February 7th or 8th next year. This project will dramatically improve safety and visibility for our residents.
Editor: That’s great to hear! Now, shifting gears a bit—what’s the latest on the Lime Library issue? I know this has been a topic of discussion within the community.
Andri Kojro: Yes, that’s correct. The municipal government is actively reviewing the library network, and we’ve gathered feedback from our residents on the Lime Library. The good news is that the library will remain operational, and we’re considering how to optimize its hours of access for the community. The goal is to enrich our residents’ experiences and ensure that our library continues to serve its vital role.
Editor: It sounds like community feedback is genuinely valued! As we look ahead, I can imagine that managing limited resources must prove challenging. Are you still in austerity mode, or are there plans to revert to a more typical management style?
Andri Kojro: We certainly hope to transition back to a normal mode soon. Austerity can be necessary at times, especially when we need to reserve funds. However, it’s important to strike a balance between saving and spending, especially when it comes to investing in things like new books for our libraries or infrastructure improvements that residents directly benefit from.
Editor: That’s a pragmatic approach. With so many projects in motion, what do you envision for the future of Dundaga?
Andri Kojro: I see a future where Dundaga remains a vibrant and accessible community. With the changes we’re implementing—from new heating solutions in the castle to improved public spaces—I believe we can foster a strong sense of community pride and belonging among residents. It’s all about creating a sustainable, welcoming environment for everyone.
Editor: That’s a visionary outlook, Andri, and it’s refreshing to see such enthusiasm for community development. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Andri Kojro: Thank you for the opportunity! I’m excited about what’s ahead for Dundaga and appreciate your interest in our efforts.