Lichtenberg in turmoil: Refugee accommodation at the City Hotel ensures debates

Lichtenberg in turmoil: Refugee accommodation at the City Hotel ensures debates

Berlin Hotel will be accommodation for 1200 refugees | Regional

A hotel in Berlin-Lichtenberg will start operating from the end of September 2024 to make room for 1200 refugees. This project has triggered a big discussion about integration measures and the use of public resources. The conversion of a 473-room hotel into accommodation for refugees not only represents a logistical challenge, but also illuminates the location of the municipalities in the capital.

Investments in the millions

The Berlin Senate and the State Office for Refugee Matters had already decided in June 2023 to use the "City Hotel East" for the accommodation of refugees. This measure is part of a larger plan that includes four other locations in the city and is said to offer a total of 1700 places. The necessary renovation of the hotel, which, among other things, provides for community kitchens on every floor, will cost around 143 million euros in the next ten years.

The project met with criticism of local politicians. Benjamin Hudler (32), leader of the CDU in the Lichtenberg district parliament, expressed concerns about the short resources: "By 2027, almost 3000 refugees should come to Lichtenberg, which corresponds to a small Brandenburg town! At the same time, we do not receive any information from the Senate, such as we should handle integration, school and daycare courses."

concern of local politicians

Hudler continues to express his concern: "We are about to take every fifth refugee in Berlin. At the same time, we don't hear anything from the Senate how to deal with the consequences." According to him, the current situation is very worried, and there is ambiguity as to how the residents should explain the decisions.

reactions and effects on the municipality

The rental of the building, which comprises three high -rise buildings with 18 floors each on 25,000 square meters, is officially completed by the state of Berlin on January 1, 2025. A spokesman for the Senate Department for Social Affairs confirmed that parts of the buildings should also be used for day and leisure activities in the neighborhood.

The upcoming change of the hotel to accommodation for refugees causes mixed reactions. While some see the initiative as a necessary measure to cope with the refugee crisis, others fear the burden on the local infrastructure. The lack of clear information and concepts on the part of the Senate increases uncertainty and uncertainty among residents and local politicians.

necessary political measures and prevention strategies

In order to avoid such situations in the future, it is essential that the government takes proactive measures and develops clear communication strategies. This could include that plans and information about integrative measures and available resources are made transparent at an early stage. In addition, long -term strategies for the distribution of refugees to various districts should be developed taking into account local capacities.

increased cooperation between local and state authorities could also help reduce uncertainties and to facilitate the process of integration. This includes the provision of sufficient school and daycare centers, language courses and other integrative offers as well as the adequate information and integration of the affected communities. This is the only way to prevent an excessive burden of individual parts of the city and promote a harmonious coexistence.

- Nag