Vladimir Putin conducted a meeting «On Progress in the Preparation for the Celebration of the 450th Anniversary of the City of Astrakhan»
Vladimir Putin's opening remarks:
Good afternoon,
Our meeting today is devoted to the preparation for the upcoming celebration of Astrakhan, the city which has long been regarded as Russia's outpost on the Caspian.
I will not discuss the cultural and historical significance of the region for Russia, which is hard to overestimate. Traditionally, Astrakhan has occupied a special place in the country's economy and in the development of our foreign trade.
Its advantageous geopolitical location, its large human resource and industrial potential can make this region one of the leaders in the social and economic development of Southern Russia.
You know that the decision to mark the 450th anniversary of Astrakhan was made three years ago. We drew on the positive experience of preparing for the jubilees of St Petersburg, Kazan and other Russian cities and regions.
The aim of such large-scale projects is not only to mark a historical date or milestone, but above all to concentrate federal, regional and local resources in tackling the city's and regional problems in a comprehensive way, to give a powerful impetus to the renovation of utilities, transportation, social infrastructure, improving the environment and creating better living conditions
A considerable sum, 26 billion roubles ($1.02 billion, or €720.42 million), has been allocated to finance the programme for the celebration of Astrakhan. Of that sum, more than 11 billion will be put up by the federal budget.
Today we shall see how effectively the investments have been used. We drove through the city together with the governor and looked at some of the facilities. We will examine how you have coped with the tasks that were set.
I am aware that the main projects are nearing completion. The bridges in Astrakhan, the canals are gradually being put in order, many streets, embankments and highways are being rebuilt and the airport is being modernized. Health centres, theatres and sports facilities are being built or refurbished. Restoration of cultural and architectural landmarks, including the Astrakhan Kremlin, is proceeding.
I would make a special note of the movement of people from decrepit or accident-prone housing. That is one of the major and most sensitive and complicated issues. As of late 2007 there was nearly 1.8 million square metres of such housing in the city. The federal budget alone has earmarked 4 billion roubles ($156.37 million, or €110.83 million) to address this acute problem. Over the last three years more than a thousand families in Astrakhan have moved from substandard housing into new flats. Another 4000 are to move into new houses before this year is out.
This year we are planning to demolish more than 162,000 square metres of decrepit housing. However, considering the scale of the challenge, of the disaster, I would say - because that is a huge amount - the pace must be stepped up. The resources and opportunities of the Housing and Utilities Reform Fund must be used more actively. I would like to hear from you today how local authorities, the regional authorities are going about this job and how they are interacting with the Fund. I know that the fund has disbursed 500 million roubles for this year. The regional budget is disbursing 200 million. That adds up to 700 million, no small sum. We should see how this work will be structured for the future.
Another problem for your city is protection from flooding. Damage from that calamity is considerable and is well known. All the engineering structures erected must be of high quality and reliability.
The government has already allocated 2 billion roubles ($78.19 million, or €55.42 million) for these purposes. We will discuss additional allocations today.
In conclusion, let me stress that the processes of social and economic improvement for the city of Astrakhan in the run-up to the jubilee must continue after the celebrations. All the work done must be seen as the basis for further development of the city and the region. Certainly, you should not be complacent.
Let us start our discussion. I give the floor to the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation of the Astrakhan jubilee, the Minister of Economic Development, Elvira Nabiullina.
