Kotelnich and the Zuevsky District are seriously behind in preparing for winter.

      According to the chairman of the government of Kirov Oblast, Mikhail Sandalov, preparations for the heating season are underway in all municipalities of the region. As of September 1, readiness of the housing stock averages 91%, social facilities — 94%, heat supply sources — 91%, and heat networks — 94%.

      By district, eight of them are fully ready — Bogorodsky, Kirovo-Chepetsky, Lebyazhsky, Nolinsky, Omutninsky, Svechinsky, Tuzhinsky districts and Vyatskiye Polyany. Thirty-five municipalities are completing preparations (their readiness ranges from 80 to 100%). Two are lagging significantly — Zuevsky District and Kotelnich.

      In Kotelnich overall readiness stands at 68%, for residential buildings — 92%, for social facilities — 80%, and for boiler houses and heat networks — 50%. In Zuevsky District overall readiness is 71%, for residential buildings — 76%, for social facilities — 52%, for boiler houses — 79%, and for heat networks — 76%.

      Sandalov noted that all work must be completed by September 15, and the authorities of the aforementioned problematic municipalities promise to meet the deadline. The speaker added that the difficulties there are related to the transfer of facilities from some enterprises to others.

      Sandalov also said that 354 million rubles were allocated to municipalities for the heating season. As of September 1, 206 million rubles, or about 60%, had been utilized. With these funds they purchased 54 units of equipment, three block-modular boiler plants and other items, and replaced worn sections of the networks.

      As for fuel stocks, more than two-thirds of the required amount have been purchased. The official added that he does not see any serious obstacles to getting through the heating season.