Construction, Latvia, Legislation, Real Estate

Paunins has decided to step down from the company's board to continue work on the company's strategy. "The decision to resign from the executive position has been made – I will leave the office during the next 12 months. I do regret this decision, as I feel still young and competent, however, I believe this to be the right choice," Paunins says.

"I share responsibility for what happened, because nothing like this should have happened. It must not repeat," emphasizes Paunins, explaining that since Zolitude tragedy, the company has been double checking everything at its construction sites.

According to Paunins, the weak link that caused the collapse of Maxima supermarket's roof was the lack of state control over the construction process. Paunins reminds that in the past there was the State Construction Inspection, which was competent in carrying out inspections of large public facilities.

"I believe that the lack of such institution was one of the reasons why the project's documents were not in complete order. Of course, we also have to discuss the current situation in the construction sector, which is also one of the reasons for this tragedy," Paunins says.

As reported, on November 21, 54 people lost their lives when the roof of a Maxima supermarket in Zolitude collapsed.