Cipruss: Discomfort From Major Infrastructure Projects Fades Over Time

Kaspars Cipruss, Secretary General of the Latvian Basketball Association and Latvia's European of the Year, shared his views on infrastructure development in Riga on the TV24 programme "Preses klubs" (Press Club). He said residents have to face difficulties while large projects are under way, but these are not always a reason to give up on plans. The programme was published in October 2026.

The Southern Bridge as an example

Cipruss cited the construction of the Southern Bridge in Riga, recalling that dissatisfaction and criticism were plentiful while it was being built. In his view, the public often focuses too much on construction-related problems rather than on how a project could improve getting around in the future.

He acknowledged that major infrastructure projects require patience and that people have to live with inconveniences for some time. After a few years, however, the benefits can become far more visible, and today it is hard to imagine Riga without the Southern Bridge, he said.

A possible new crossing of the Daugava

Cipruss sees a similar pattern for future projects: initial dissatisfaction with change could fade over time, and new connections could become a natural part of everyday life. Access to infrastructure is especially important for people who need to travel between different parts of the city.

He also addressed a possible additional bridge across the Daugava that could improve travel between Mangaļsala and Bolderāja. According to him, current routes in that direction cause residents considerable difficulties. In his assessment, an extra bridge would make their daily lives easier by reducing the need to take a long route to reach their destination.