Residents of Slepotayu, Krosa, and Trampolina streets in the Jugla district of Riga now have the opportunity to connect their homes to the central sewage system. For many, this event has been awaited for decades, but not everyone is ready to take advantage of the new infrastructure. As reported by the Bez Tabu program ([TV3](https://tv3.lv/beztabu/iedvesmai/beidzot-21-gadsimts-juglas-iedzivotaji-steidz-pieslegties-kanalizacijai/)), there are people in the area who remember the times when the only solutions were cesspools and local sewage systems. One of the oldest residents of the area, Arija, doubts that she will be able to connect. > "Has anyone thought about whether a pensioner can afford such a connection on their pension?" she says. Another resident, 90-year-old Valentina, has already begun the process of obtaining the necessary documents. According to her, some neighbors have long taken advantage of the new opportunity, and she herself has received technical conditions and ordered a connection project. If preparing the system in winter proves difficult, the pensioner plans to postpone the earthworks until spring. Local resident Stanislav has a completely different attitude. He has already decided to carry out all the necessary work this year, and he plans to do part of it himself to reduce costs and maintain a well-kept yard. > "How can you not connect? Of course, you need to connect. We had a cesspool since the 1950s. Finally, we can enjoy the conveniences of the 21st century," he says. Connecting to the central sewage system allows residents to abandon the maintenance of local treatment facilities and cesspools, reduces the risk of environmental pollution, and makes the operation of a private home more comfortable. Despite the development of infrastructure, the issue remains relevant for many residents of the capital. According to the municipal enterprise "Rīgas ūdens", more than 8,000 residents of Riga have still not connected their homes to the city sewage network, although technical possibilities for this already exist. To expedite connections, the Riga City Council provides financial support. Homeowners can receive compensation of up to 2,000 euros for connecting to the central sewage system. However, as the experience of Jugla residents shows, even with a subsidy, the cost of work and project preparation remains significant for some families, especially pensioners.
