Work starts on CHF 10-million extension

The ground-breaking ceremony took place on Monday for a CHF 10-million extension to the Zentrum Elisabeth (ZE), which provides holiday accommodation for those suffering from chronic nervous diseases.

Peter Bieri, the chairman of the board of ZE and a former member of the Council of States in Bern, spoke in front of a number of invited guests made up of sponsors, representatives of the canton, the municipality and the press, about his pleasure that this milestone in the 20-year history of the centre had been reached. As mentioned, the home caters for those suffering from neurological problems, and multiple-sclerosis in particular, the original building offering accommodation in 39 rooms. Once the new extension is complete in October of 2019, a further 15 rooms will be available, catering for those on long-term stays. Alex Waltenspühl, the vice-chairman of the board, who was also present on the occasion, explained how the CHF 10-million cost had been financed to the tune of 30% by ZE itself, the remaining 70% emanating from donations.
 
This Solaris project, as it is known, has in fact been under preparation for seven years, the board having had to overcome a number of planning difficulties during this time.

Among the guests, too, was Patricia Monin, the director of the Swiss MS Society, who was particularly pleased an extension for long-term accommodation was about to be built, as these were not so common, meaning that, at present, many young MS sufferers had to be looked after in old people’s or care homes. “This is very much a pioneering project and one about which I am very pleased,” she said.

Also present was Petr Keller, who suffers from MS himself. He has been a regular visitor at the EZ and has already booked a room in the new extension. Speaking on behalf of all guests at the centre, he took this opportunity express his thanks to staff for all they did to look after them in such a sensitive way and praised the way the home was run “with no hierarchy”. On a more personal note, he added how pleased he was that the women’s quota at the EZ was as high as 90%.
 
Urs Bernet, a member of the board of management of the Jego AG company commissioned with building the extension, explained how much excavation would be necessary over the next few months, not least because of an underground garage which is being built there, too. He also pointed out that the centre would still be able to operate as normal, despite the ongoing construction work.