"Such is life": Sandalov responded to the deputies' criticism

      Today, Sandalov presented a report on the regional government's work over the past year. Like many similar reports, it was overly sweet: production volumes are growing, people's salaries and incomes are rising, support for families is provided, sports and medicine are developing, roads are being repaired, buses are being launched, and so on. However, the deputies found several spoons of tar in this large jar of honey.

      Alcoholization

      Deputy Albert Bikaljuk reprimanded Sandalov for "sweeping under the rug" such an important issue as alcoholization of the population. According to the information from the people's representative, the Kirov region ranks third for this indicator.

      The speaker responded that he had not forgotten about the issue—there are just too many topics to cover everything in the report. Sandalov added that the government is working with retail chains, promoting the identification of counterfeit products, and engaging people in sports. Additionally, he stated that authorities are reviewing the methodology for collecting statistics on alcoholization and that, in fact, the situation in the Kirov region is not so bad in this regard.

      "Problematic" schools in Kotelnich and Noline

      The second question, posed by Bikaljuk, was related to schools in Kotelnich and Noline. He reported that the contract in Kotelnich had been terminated, but the new contractor cannot be assigned the land plot, which prevents construction from starting. In Noline, the contract was also terminated, but a contractor has not yet been found. "The estimate is growing, but no work is being done!" exclaimed the deputy.

      Sandalov replied that a new contract is planned to be signed in Noline soon, and construction in Kotelnich will resume shortly. A representative of the Ministry of Construction said that the site in Kotelnich will be handed over to the contractor within a month. Sandalov added: "We will finish it one way or another. We will do everything possible."

      Debts of the Capital Repair Fund

      Deputy Pavel Dorofeev asked what the authorities plan to do about the debt of the Capital Repair Fund to contractors. It is worth recalling that many of these debts arose during the large-scale renovation of building facades for the Kirov anniversary.

      The speaker noted that a financial recovery plan for the Fund has been developed. "We are moving forward with it," he said. According to the official, all funds collected by the Fund are used to settle debts, and loans are also being taken out. "There may be some nuances, but for now, we are progressing according to the plan," added Sandalov. "The issue with contractors is being addressed."

      Lack of new housing in districts

      Deputy Sergey Mamayev said he did not hear anything about housing construction in the report. According to his information, construction in districts is almost not happening. "Unfortunately, there is stagnation and migration from districts," sighed the communist.

      Sandalov acknowledged the problem. He confirmed that the main volume of new housing is indeed in Kirov. In districts, only construction for those relocating from emergency housing is underway. "The proposal is born out of demand," explained the speaker. He added that authorities would do their best to encourage developers to build houses in districts and for people to want to live there.

      Bridge in Kirovo-Cepets

      Sandalov was also asked about the bridge in Kirovo-Cepets towards Karintorf, which was supposed to be one of the largest projects. However, recently there has been no news about it in government releases.

      Sandalov admitted that this project has "been somewhat postponed," mainly due to the start of tunnel construction under Transsib. However, it has not been abandoned entirely: "The governor is conducting separate work at the federal level. There is strong confidence that this bridge will be built. I will not disclose the dates at this time."

      Decay in Kirov

      Deputy Alexander Levanov asked whether those responsible for the deplorable condition of the facades, rotunda, the park near the circus, the "Gates of the Russian North," and Spasskaya Square in Kirov will be punished, and what the authorities plan to do to improve the quality of work in the future.

      Sandalov responded: "I agree that when a large volume of work is done, there are moments when quality suffers. But contractors have warranty obligations, and they will either fix the defects or be fined. The prosecutor's office monitors this. That’s life. Regarding the procurement system, we cannot change it yet, but we are trying to support our large pool of Kirov contractors. The guys have proven they can work with quality."

      In addition, many other questions were asked. It seemed that, firstly, many deputies took the trouble to prepare their questions in advance—or were asked to do so. Secondly, some questions were phrased in a way that highlighted the patriotic spirit of the speech.

      Evaluation — "Unsatisfactory"

      When the questions ended, deputies were invited to speak. Probably the most critical speech was delivered by Albert Bikaljuk. He rated the work of the government and its structures as unsatisfactory, especially the Housing and Utilities Ministry, the Capital Repair Fund, the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Construction. The deputy criticized officials for problems with fulfilling presidential instructions, alcoholization of the population, construction of schools and sports facilities, emergency housing, deceived equity holders, children's nutrition, and the work of the state examination authority.

      Deputy Pavel Dorofeev, in turn, noted that housing prices have increased in the region, and called for doing something to make it affordable for young families to buy apartments. Vyacheslav Tsaryuk asked for attention to the fight against giant hogweed. Sergey Mamayev scolded the authorities for the lack of new housing in districts and for corruption. He hinted that criminal cases could soon be initiated against some current and former ministers.