Improving the living conditions

Sustainable performance of small-size cities depends on their ability to retain their population. The quality of life substantially depends on the quality of the living environment, thus it is important to take every measure to improve the urban environment in order to make it as attractive as possible for both the community and investors. For Kuressaare, a seaside city, the situation of the Baltic Sea plays a highly important role.

This year a large-scale project on water supply and sewage pipeline construction and reconstruction was completed. The work is carried further by reconstructing the existing waste water treatment plant that will be equipped with a new technology enabling the treatment of the increased volume of wastewater, resulting in better seawater as well as air conditions.

Another environment related major infrastructure object, launched in October, is the waste handling station where household, industrial and electronics waste is sorted and prepared to be shipped away from the island of Saaremaa where Kuressaare is located.Timber waste from building industry is produced into wood chips used for heating.

A good living environment also enhances the possibilities for high level public social services like childcare and hobby education. During recent years much attention has been paid on upgrading educational establishments. Currently reconstruction work is going on in one of the biggest kindergartens that results in better conditions for children and service for parents. Preparations have been made to ' start reconstruction work in the music school that provides an essential opportunity for the children and young people to get education. Kuressaare is also a popular holiday destination. Therefore it is important to provide opportunities for active leisure. During the past three years 19 km of cycling paths have been built. Beside cycling, the paths provide possibilities for roller-skating, Nordic-walking and jogging. Cycling also makes a contribution to reducing car traffic in the city. In September, Kuressaare was acknowledged as the most cycling-friendly mid-size city in Estonia.

It has been possible for the city to implement all these activities due to the EU financial support. Kuressaare is making every effort to continue developing the city as a pleasant place to live, work, spend one's holiday and, last but not the least, to invest.