The canton of Aargau spends almost 200,000 francs to equip the 50 asylum accommodations in the canton with WLAN. The reason for this is the current emergency situation due to the still angry corona virus (the AZ reported). The SVP National Council and former municipal team leader from Oberwil-Lieli Andreas Glarner cannot understand this decision. Compared to the Regional station Tele M1 he says: «This is a miserable mess. You can see the government’s priorities in the greatest crisis since World War II. »
The reasons for the canton’s investment are clear: they want to prevent asylum seekers from going to train stations in times of Corona in order to use the free WiFi there. In addition, there is the idea that the residents of asylum accommodation can communicate better with each other – be it because of jobs, German courses or school.
Unlike Andreas Glarner, Irène Kälin welcomes the decision. The Green National Councilor told Tele M1: “It is extremely gratifying and long overdue that these people now have access to such important information at home.” Kälin also considers the costs – one-time CHF 198,000 for the upgrade and annual costs of almost CHF 118,000 – to be marginal. This is especially true if you compare the costs when asylum seekers meet at the train stations. “The police often had to come here, which would certainly have far higher costs.” Kälin is convinced: “Over the years, this will be more than worthwhile.”
Glarner counters that such an approach would never be tolerated in the private sector and adds: “But the canton apparently has enough money for it despite the crisis.”
It is still unclear when the Aargau asylum accommodation will be upgraded. The expansion should take place soon, as the canton says. (luk)
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