Per il lavaggio, la nebbia e la fiamma eterna: ecco quanto costa la manutenzione del Monumento alla Patria

A sudden water crisis has forced the temporary closure of three swimming pool systems at the Svetice complex in Zagreb due to flooding in their technical rooms. The incident occurred overnight on Monday into Tuesday, according to officials from the City’s Sports Facilities Management Office (USO). The affected pools include competition, school, and hydro-massage facilities, with staff reporting that part of the automatic pumping system was non-functional during the emergency. As a result, large portions of operational equipment were submerged, necessitating urgent repairs to circulation and submersible pumps before the systems can resume normal operations. The USO confirmed that, at this time, it is not possible to ensure the preparation of water in the main three pools in accordance with all health and technical regulations. This has led to the decision to suspend operations until the fault is resolved, primarily for safety reasons and to protect users' well-being. While the Svetice facility remains closed, residents of Zagreb still have access to other public swimming pools, including the Mladost Sports Park, the Utrina Pool (until August 15, after which it will undergo renovation), and the Šalati SRC. A new pool in Španskom is expected to open soon, offering additional recreational options. In separate developments, the maintenance of Zagreb's Spomenik Domovini, a monument dedicated to Croatia's Homeland War, has been placed under a competitive tender process. The structure, unveiled in December 2020, stands between the city hall and the Vatroslav Lisičić Concert Hall. It consists of three components: the Wall of Light, the Eternal Flame Monument, and the Portal Pavilion. The total cost of its construction was approximately 34.7 million kuna (around 4.5 million euros), with the architect being Nenad Fabijanić. The monument suffered damage following an earthquake and required a two-month repair period costing around 33,000 euros. The tender aims to find a company responsible for maintaining the monument for an estimated 180,000 years. The scope includes the upkeep of the irrigation system, fountain, lighting, and cleaning of the stone mass. Special attention is given to the maintenance of the glass wall, which requires regular cleaning using standard window cleaners but must avoid contamination of the fountain water treatment system. Cleaning should be done with cotton or microfiber cloths, and the use of metallic tools or scalpels is prohibited to prevent damage to the glass. Additionally, the monument features a misting system controlled from the technical room of the National and University Library, requiring collaboration with coordinators from that location. The Portal Pavilion on the rooftop includes heating elements against freezing, which need regular inspection. The stone mass with the flame must be maintained through water-based cleaning and stone-cleaning agents. The monument also faces challenges such as vandalism, which must be addressed within 24 hours. The winning company will enter into a one-year contract and will work closely with designated coordinators to ensure compliance with all maintenance requirements. The situation at the Svetice pools highlights the importance of routine maintenance and contingency planning in public infrastructure. Meanwhile, the ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain Zagreb’s cultural landmarks reflect the broader commitment to safeguarding both functional and symbolic aspects of the city’s identity. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preserving community resources.