Békéscsabán caused difficulties for many when six post offices closed in November 2022. However, this year brings a change in several aspects. This time, among other things, the host Bence D. Nagy asked parliamentarian Tamás Herczeg about this in the 7.Tv Aktuális program.
– We have dealt with the possibility of reopening post offices several times, but now we can talk about facts, because several mailboxes are reopening, with a different concept compared to before.
– At the end of 2022, many post offices in the country have closed. At that time, the natural demand of the population to be able to use public postal services close to their place of residence became stronger. In this matter, I myself consulted with Minister Márton Nagy, and in addition to the government, a working group also dealt with how to make postal services more accessible again after the temporary closures. A postal partner program has been developed, which means that Magyar Posta Zrt. – which is 100 percent state-owned – has announced an open procedure to see how postal services can be used in the future. The interesting situation in Békéscsaba is that, although the city government did not decide on municipal support, there is still significant entrepreneurial interest in the postal partner service. So the next period will really make a difference, as post office 3 in Jamina opened on April 5 – along with a pastry shop. There is a signed contract for the creation of another post office, and we expect two more in May and June. When the exact date is known, the post office informs the municipality and the population about the location of the new location 15 days before the opening. After Jamina, it is expected that postal services will also be available in Mezőmegyer, Gerla and the Lencsés housing estate in the near future; in three places with the extended package and in one place with the basic service package. This means that you can send letters and packages, deposit checks, and withdraw cash everywhere, but there will be service providers where you can take out insurance, and if you sign a contract with Szerencsejáték Zrt., you can also buy toto, lottery, and scratch tickets.
– Rowing into slightly different waters: the Békéscsaba Spring Festival started a few days ago, which is a serious stage of the cultural offer covering the whole year. What is special about this now?
– It is exciting in that it is an all-arts festival. A long-lasting program series that offers such a wide range that it provides a very good entertainment opportunity for the audience interested in any area of culture. My former colleagues and I talked at Csabagyöngye about how they work with a continuous festival feeling. For 27 days in April, a total of 40-50 events take place in Csabagyöngye or in partner institutions. The institution also has two series of events that bring high culture to Békéscsaba. One is the Békéscsaba Spring Festival, and the other is the Autumn Art Weeks. Looking at the cultural offerings of other cities with county rights, we can proudly say that ours is truly abundant and of high quality.
– Among other things, you founded the Community Award and revived the Clean Yard, Regular House initiative. Proposals can be made for the awardees. How much interest is there?
– I announced the Community award in ten settlements and received votes for a total of 51 communities, NGOs and groups. It is interesting that in rural settlements 80-90 percent of the proposals come in on paper, while in Békéscsaba they prefer to vote online. For the Community award, I will give each awardee HUF 60,000 support and a certificate from my honorarium as a representative of the Parliament. Many people work in civic communities, and even more gather strength for everyday life in these communities… We announced the Tiszta udvar, regular house movement in Békéscsaba this year together with an NGO, and we are waiting for proposals until May 5. I am happy to see that not only are recommendations coming in, but that there are more organizations that are coming forward as supporters. Apartment or house owners who receive this title receive a plaque and a relatively significant amount of support to be able to care for, care for, and cultivate the area around their house and their small garden. Here, a five-person jury examines the care, cleanliness, and cleanliness of the front yard, the garden, and the yard in front of the house, whose members decide who will receive the title of Clean Yard, Neat House. Anyone who takes care of their own microenvironment and keeps it clean knows that it takes continuous work to achieve a spectacular result. I lived in a village for decades, the people who received this title were proud of it, which encouraged the others to take even more care of their environment. I trust that this will have a similar effect in Békéscsaba as well.
