The Center Party and Isamaa have reached an agreement. They will increase funding for road construction. They will also start repairing Tallinn's bridges and mow more frequently.
Kristjan Järvan, a representative of Isamaa, said they will place more emphasis on the work of the municipal department. This means that procurement will be done on time and correctly. Lauri Laats, a representative of the Center Party, said the city will also start clearing snow from sidewalks.
Järvan said that politicians build bridges, but in Tallinn, this is actually being done. The city has several bridges that are very old and need repair. For example, the Pirita, Vesse, Pallasti, and Pärnu Highway viaducts. Laats said the city must be safe and bridges must be in good condition.
Järvan explained that bridge repairs are a very large investment. For example, repairing the Pärnu Highway viaduct will cost 40–50 million euros. He said these bridges are at the end of their lifespan and need to be repaired. Laats mentioned that there is technical expertise showing that the bridges need repairs.
Laats said they will also increase funding for the construction and repair of roads and sidewalks. They want the roads to be in better condition and maintained regularly. Additionally, more emphasis will be placed on sidewalks.
Laats said they will allocate additional funds to city districts. This will help solve everyday problems such as minor road repairs, landscaping, and graffiti removal. Laats also mentioned that Tallinn is a seaside city and that promenades and public beaches are a separate topic they will address.
Mowing will be done more frequently. Laats said they will restore regular mowing and maintenance of green areas. They talk about needs-based mowing: if the grass is long, it needs to be mowed. Mowing will be done where it is needed.
Järvan recalled that four to five years ago, there were areas in the city where mowing was done more frequently and once a year. For example, around Laagna Road, mowing must be done properly because tall grass limits visibility and creates dangerous traffic situations. In coastal areas, such as around Paljassaare, mowing is not as important because biodiversity is welcome there.
The new coalition also promised to stand up for animal welfare. They will reduce the number of stray animals and decorate dog parks. Laats said there are many cases where apartments have too many animals. Such situations must be ended so that animals can live in a dignified environment.
Christmas lighting will be scarce in the city this year. Laats said they cannot provide proper Christmas lighting this year, but next year Tallinn will have more lights. Christmas lighting orders are usually placed ten to eleven months in advance. This year, already ordered materials will be used.
Järvan said that municipal employees' jobs will be preserved. He said that mistakes were made in the past when employees were replaced too quickly. Now stability and additional resources are needed. Laats confirmed that Tallinn needs stable management and they are working towards that.