Deltaria

[Rogue]

BALGRAD - The expanded Marin the Great Naval Base in Balgrad was opened by Minister of War Abel Niculescu today despite severe backlash over its construction. Our paper reported about the disregard for several hundred residents of the former community living in the city suburb. No compensation was made available for those living there prior to eviction and they only had several weeks to leave. After near daily protests and reporting by Adevăr!, the provincial government finally promised some compensation for families forced to leave, but announced that they would continue to cooperate with imperial plans for expansion. 

Now, nearly two years later, the construction work has been completed and nearly 500 Balgrad residents have lost their homes in gut wrenching evictions. Despite this human tragedy, the Minister of war, a Ushalander himself, congratulated the Imperial Navy with their "new facilities" and "this historic achievement". The facilities include new fuel storage, additional docking facilities and several new hangars. It will at least house the new DNS Marin and DNS Puscas, two newly constructed destroyers that were recently completed and are now undergoing their sea trials. While none can deny the necessity for expanded naval facilities in light of the ongoing expansion program, the human tragedy behind the Marin the Great will haunt it to eternity. 
At least 21 people have been killed in the eviction proces. At least 217 people were forcefully evicted by Provincial police and federal authorities when they refused to leave their home. At least 5 Balgrad residents are still imprisoned for resisting arrest and eviction.

Minister Niculescu refused to comment when asked about the ordeal, but our own governor, Giurescu, expressed his desire to work with the affected families and look for appropriate housing. Half of those evicted are now homeless, mostly living in rescue centers across the city. Governor Giurescu has promised improvement and a "safe roof above their heads." But can the people of Ushalande still trust their governor? While we appreciate his attempt at reconciliation, when asked what they think of the governors promise many of the people affected respond with clear reservation "lets wait and see."