Two blocks with 128 apartments were built just 100 meters away from an ammunition depot in Pitești, although the law required a minimum distance of 200 meters, says the interim Minister of Defense, Radu Miruță. He claims that the favorable opinion was issued in violation of the legislation, and 18 employees of the Ministry of National Defense are being investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) in this case.
According to the minister, the case involves the approval of a civilian construction near an ammunition depot of a military unit in the city of Pitești.
Negative opinion, then approval on the third request
Radu Miruță explained that in April 2019, the developer requested the approval of the Ministry of Defense, but the response was negative. He stated that the second request also received an unfavorable response, but two months later, on a third, identical request, the Ministry issued a positive opinion.
"That was the moment when the barrier was lifted to start these constructions," the minister stated.
Miruță argued that local authorities were also aware of the existing restrictions. "We found an agreement signed in Pitești between the Ministry of Defense and the Pitești City Hall regarding a 200-meter distance limit from the ammunition depot. (...) Even though it existed in the city hall and there was awareness of it, it was as if it was no longer known, and approval was given to build these blocks," the minister said.
18 employees of the Ministry of National Defense investigated by the DNA
The interim Minister of Defense announced that the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) is investigating 18 employees of the Ministry of National Defense who were involved in issuing the approvals.
"There are 18 people from the Ministry of Defense involved. All of them have been sent for investigation to the DNA, people with lower ranks, but also people with the rank of brigadier general," Miruță said.
He specified that he has asked the Chief of the Defense Staff to analyze the possibility of relocating the ammunition depot if that will be the necessary solution.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defense is set to notify the Pitești City Hall, the Argeș County Council, and the State Inspectorate in Construction regarding this situation.