Stairs of Shame on the San River [PHOTOS]

Few places in Poland, or indeed the world, can boast such a beautiful waterfront. This opinion is confirmed not only by locals but also by numerous tourists visiting the city on the San River. Unfortunately, one look at the quality of the steps leading to the riverbank is enough to discourage anyone from using them.

– I grew up on the San River. I don't remember the stairs ever being renovated.

– says our Reader.

"I go for a walk with my dog several times a day. The waterfront is perfect for such a walk together. Unfortunately, the condition of the stairs is off-putting. Broken bottles, bottle caps, beer cans, tufts of turf, and remnants of cut grass. A few days ago, I approached city workers in Przemyśl while they were mowing the lawn and asked why they didn't sweep and tidy up the stairs at the same time. "It doesn't belong to us," I heard the reply. "Who does?" "We don't know."
And I probably would have given up, if it weren't for the fact that during an evening walk, my dog cut his paw on one of the broken bottle glasses. A trip to the vet was necessary. It turned out that this wasn't the first time this had happened. The day before, a dog had come in with a cut, bleeding paw.
Hence my call to the newspaper. Perhaps publicizing this seemingly trivial matter will change something. If the Przemyśl authorities aren't truly responsible for the condition of the stairs and the cleanliness of the waterfront, they should at least take an interest in this problem. They should at least oblige someone to perform their duties. It's great that the grass is mowed two or three times a year, but can't they really use a few brooms at the same time? Because that's enough, since the stairs can't be completely renovated. You don't need a lot of money, just a little willingness and a good sense of management. I'm outraged because for years I've been trying to get city services, councilors, and now also Polish Waters, interested in this issue. We can't turn a blind eye to such mess. Especially since—as my case shows—the stairs can be dangerous for pets.

– the Reader concludes.

The view after the feasts

Indeed, the quality of the stairs, especially from the Przemyśl Eaglets Bridge towards the Kmiecie housing estate on the Zasań side and to the Accademia Hotel on the Wybrzeże Józefa Piłsudskiego side, leaves much to be desired. This is surprising, considering there are only about ten of them on either side. Theoretically, maintaining them in decent condition shouldn't be a problem. This is not the case. As with other urban problems, the principle of "push-and-pull" applies here: it's not up to us, but to others. Fortunately, garbage cans have been placed near all the stairs. Unfortunately, they don't help much, and that's the fault of those who enjoy the waterfront and other attractions in the evenings, especially near the viewing terrace over the San River. After parties, bottles end up on the concrete and grass instead of in the trash. There's not much that can be done about the lack of culture and environmental awareness. Perhaps more frequent inspections by the municipal police would help, but the guards would probably have to spend 24 hours a day dealing with what is – as we know – impossible.

(ed.)

Updated: 07/08/2025 14:35

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