Grendel: Kalinak Has Nothing to Brag about; 'Kukurica' Missed Opportunity

Bratislava, 16 July (TASR) - The renovated building of the former Hviezda dormitory in Bratislava known as the Kukurica ['the Corn on the Cob', due to its shape - ed.note] is a missed opportunity, stated vice-chairman of the parliamentary committee on defence and security Gabor Grendel ('Slovakia'-'For the People' caucus) on Thursday, adding that Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) has nothing to boast about. Grendel noted that during their administration, the 'Kukurica' building was expected to serve as housing for professional soldiers and rank-and-file employees of the Defence Ministry. He claims that the renovation should have cost €35 million. "Instead, Kalinak's bill will climb to as much as €70 million, and it will serve neither professional soldiers nor rank-and-file employees as housing, but as a luxurious new headquarters for the Defence Ministry with high-end furnishings and a view of Bratislava," said Grendel, adding that this is a missed opportunity and a waste of money. The Defence Ministry could begin gradually moving into its new headquarters over the summer, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) stated on Thursday during a media day at the ministry's new premises. According to Kalinak, the construction phase is complete, but further renovations are still pending, as well as improvements to the surrounding area. Renovations are also planned for other areas on the premises in the future. am