02.07.2009 - RMK gave four office buildings to rural municipalities 02.07

By today, the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) has given four office building complexes not needed by RMK to local governments. The buildings of RMK will be given to the free use of Vara rural municipality in Tartu County, Maidla rural municipality in Ida-Viru County and Saarde and Surju rural municipalities in Pärnu County.

According to Tiit Timberg, Member of Management Board of RMK, it was important for RMK that the buildings that were not used would find a good host and a reasonable purpose. “In addition to a reasoned wish, these specific rural municipalities also had a well elaborated action plan and fixed development plan,” Timberg explained. The buildings not used by RMK were given to the rural municipalities on the basis of the decision of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

Andres Kärp, the rural municipality mayor of Vara rural municipality located in Tartu County, said that the former office building of the forest district is a very nice present by RMK to all people of Vara rural municipality. “Due to this, the people of Alajõe village now have their own village centre,” Kärp rejoiced.

In addition to Vara rural municipality, Saarde rural municipality in Pärnu County also became the owner of the buildings of RMK, now owning the former office building of Lodja forest district together with outbuildings, the historical building complex of the post station. The rural municipality plans to establish a museum there and in the future, a day centre as well.

Surju rural municipality has already started the establishment of the village centre in the historical office building of the former Kilingi forest district and outbuildings. In the former office building of the Oandu forest district located in Ida-Viru County, the village centre and library of Maidla rural municipality are already operating. Both rural municipalities have been renting buildings from RMK so far.

As a result of the changes made in work organisation last year, RMK needs fewer office buildings than so far. If earlier, 80 office buildings were constantly used, then now, 33 offices are used across Estonia, to which job positions at 18 nature centre buildings of RMK are added.

The majority of the remaining former office buildings have been decided to be sold; for this, the topic of the service plots of the buildings is being solved and registered immovables established. Until the end of the sales process, RMK will see to the buildings and the surroundings of the buildings being in good condition.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. In addition to this, RMK creates possibilities for forest holidays and shapes nature awareness. RMK manages 38% of the Estonian forests.

Additional information:
Tiit Timberg
Member of Management Board of RMK
Telephone +372 676 7061, +372 504 5761
e-mail tiit.timbergrmk.ee
www.rmk.ee/en