Gallery: Dairy producer developing employee accommodation
A development in the village of Kõo, Viljandi County, will see an apartment building aimed at housing the employees of a dairy farm. The development is co-financed by dairy producer Mangeni PM, which is putting in around €700,000, and state credit foundation KredEx.
KredEx matched the euro investment amount, part of a scheme which supports the renovation or construction of up to 25 rental buildings whose investment would cost over €21 million, but stands out in providing facilities for employees of a concern, as well as general accommodation.
Põhja-Sakala municipality is managing the project.
Kätlin Rebane, 19, did not hesitate for a moment to join the private limited company, on calf-care duties, noting she is not afraid of physical work and animals.
In fact, the availability of the rental accommodation in Koskvere, which neighbors Kõo, made the decision on job choice for her as well, she told ETV current affairs show "Aktuaalne kaamera".
"For this type of price, you couldn't get such a magnificent apartment, and a very comfortable one in every way. The amenities are as good here as in Tallinn," Rebane said.
Mayor of the local municipality, Põhja-Sakala, Hermann Kalmus, noted the novel nature of the development, at least so far as recent history goes.
"We'd have to go back 35 years, 40 years, to be able to see this kind of apartment building development in a smaller location. We can all think about what this means for family life, home, children," the mayor said.
Maarika Susi, manager of Kõo agricultural holdings, said that Mangen PM invested over €700,000 in the Koksvere rental house, with that matched euro-for-euro by KredEx foundation, from the state rental house program.
Two of the 11 apartments have so far found a tenant, including Kätlin, but farms in the Kõo area also still need a milking parlor and an insemination technician as well, she said.
"The salary level is such that €1,000-2,000 is normal, something that everyone could earn here. For a two-room apartment, about €200 would cover all rent and utilities," she said.
"As far as I know, the farm has built the first such rental house ever, in which they can accommodate both their own employees and the workforce coming to the area. It will be an A-energy class building, I.e. it is an energy-efficient building," he said.
When and whether the next application round of the state program of rental houses will be announced, KredEx is unable to say.
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Editor: Andrew Whyte
