Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the Governor of Astrakhan Region, Alexander Zhilkin
Vladimir Putin: When did we discuss the reconstruction of the city? It was in 2006, wasn't it?
Alexander Zhilkin: Yes, the programme, the Government Resolution on the reconstruction of Astrakhan and the creation of comfortable living conditions here was signed in September 2006...
Vladimir Putin: Practical work began in January 2007?
Alexander Zhilkin: We started practical implementation of the programme in January 2007 and you see the results today.
Vladimir Putin: From what I have seen I think the work is going well. I very much hope that the projects scheduled for the 450th anniversary will be completed.
At the same time, I would like to stress that we should not try to complete projects in time for the celebrations at any cost, as during Soviet times. You have to work according to schedule and try not to lag behind, but the pace should be even and there should be no haste. Quality is the main thing.
On the whole, the situation in the city is of course changing. It is getting a modern look. New buildings and structures and community centres are springing up: a theatre, a new hi-tech medical complex. Embankments are being built and canals are being restored. People are moving out of decrepit housing. Many modern houses are being built, which is really the most important task.
We have now looked at the restoration of the Kremlin and have seen the final stages in the building of a major sports arena. Something still remains to be done. You said yourself that it would be a good idea to have an ice rink.
In short, it is not bad. I hope that work will be completed by the 450th anniversary and the people of the city, of the region and of the whole country will be pleased. The city will become attractive, including for tourists who will come for their holidays here. You have the Volga River and the climate is good.
In general, it is not bad. I want to congratulate you and thank you, and of course, to thank all the people who are working to redevelop the city.
Alexander Zhilkin: You have rightly pointed out, and we agree that this is the first stage in the massive work that needs to be done over the following years to make the city a really comfortable place to live. So, the holiday is just a short pause in this work that we are conducting today. I understand that we should not be in a hurry, we should build to last.
The main problem is, of course, the decrepit housing, which is a real scourge of the people in Astrakhan. We have started work, we created a substantial construction industry which was absent before.
Vladimir Putin: You have just been telling me that you are short of building materials.
Alexander Zhilkin: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: This year you have to use 500 million of federal budget money.
Alexander Zhilkin: That will be money for repair of housing. And we contribute 200 million out of the local budget. Next year we plan to complete the repair of housing with money out of the Housing and Utilities Reform Fund. You are absolutely right: when we started implementing the housing repair programme we were at a loss: we had no materials, no bricks, not enough concrete. There was a period when I myself had to order where to send the concrete.
Over the last two years six new plants have been built, the construction industry has doubled in size. Next year we think it is a realistic target to build 1.5 million square metres of housing in the Astrakhan Region, that would be 1.5 square metres per person. By the end of this year we will have built 850,000-870,000 square metres.
Vladimir Putin: Very good.
