Berlin, May 20 – A Berlin association is taking proactive steps to address the city’s lack of operational shelters by converting two historic bunker facilities into emergency shelters. The Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underground) association plans to create nearly 2,000 spaces, a crucial move amidst the renewed national discussion on civilian protection in Germany.
Historic Bunkers to Offer Basic Protection
The facilities slated for conversion include the former civil defense complex at Blochplatz in Gesundbrunnen and a World War II bunker on Teichstraße in Reinickendorf. Kay Heyne, operations manager of the non-profit association, stated to the German Press Agency, “We can create a total of almost 2,000 spaces there as part of a model project. That’s not much for a city like Berlin, but it’s a start.”
These facilities are intended to provide basic protection for three to four hours during conventional attacks, similar to those involving drones in the Ukraine war. The association plans to equip these shelters with chairs and water canisters and ensure the ventilation systems are fully functional.
Three Decades of Expertise
The Berliner Unterwelten association, with approximately 600 members, brings extensive experience to this project. “We have acquired a lot of know-how in 30 years of association work; we have the expertise with such shelters,” explained Heyne. “We are able to operate, maintain, and keep the premises ready.”
The association currently manages about 20 former bunker and tunnel systems in the capital, some of which are open to the public, providing information about their history. They also operate a museum beneath Gesundbrunnen station. Recently, the association amended its statutes to allow it to engage in civil protection efforts. However, not all facilities are suitable as shelters.
Berlin’s Shelter Gap and the National Debate
Currently, Berlin has no operational shelters, with the last ones decommissioned in 2007. A nationwide shelter concept is still pending. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has reignited the debate about resilience and civil defense capabilities.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced on Monday that capacities for civil protection in cases of war and attacks would be massively expanded. Bunkers and shelters were long considered superfluous after the end of the Cold War. The RBB was the first to report on the association’s plans.
The Need for Civilian Protection
The initiative by Berliner Unterwelten comes at a time when Germany is re-evaluating its civil defense strategies. The absence of readily available shelters in a major European capital like Berlin highlights a significant gap in preparedness. The model project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and necessity of such conversions.
Future Outlook and Challenges
While 2,000 spaces are a modest beginning for a city of Berlin’s size, the project serves as an important precedent. The association’s long-standing expertise in managing underground facilities positions them uniquely to undertake this task. The success of this model project could influence broader civil protection policies and encourage similar initiatives in other German cities.
The challenges include securing adequate funding, acquiring necessary supplies, and ensuring the long-term maintenance of these facilities. The association’s commitment, however, signals a strong resolve to contribute to the safety and security of Berlin’s residents.
The broader national strategy for civil protection will likely involve a combination of renovating existing structures, constructing new ones where necessary, and educating the public on emergency preparedness. The Berliner Unterwelten’s efforts represent a tangible step forward in this critical area.
Source: https://www.upday.com/de/news/berlin-hat-keine-schutzraume-mehr-jetzt-handelt-ein-verein/nlhf3px
