Rustam Minnikhanov: Living environment forms people's attitude toward authorities

On March 6, at the Korston Entertainment Complex in Kazan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in a plenary meeting of the seminar “The formation of a comfortable urban environment”.

Minnikhanov and Russia Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Mikhail Men, who also took part int the meeting, got acquainted with the latest technologies in the housing and utilities, best practices in terms of improvement of adjacent territories, squares and parks, and looked around products of local manufacturers of small architectural forms at an exhibition dedicated to the development of the urban environment and public spaces organized for the seminar. 

In his welcoming speech, Minnikhanov said that a programme to create comfortable conditions for the population started two years ago in Tatarstan. During this period, 189 facilities in all municipalities from Kazan to smaller regional centres have been improved. An integrated approach has been used in the implementation of the programme, which began during the design and ended in operation of the facility, and a team of architects was also gathered, which is engaged in the creation, organization and supervision of the construction of the territories.

"We started with the improvement of parks and squares, and then proceeded with improving water protection zones. This year we have combined these two programmes in one - "The development of public spaces." People are very positive about these changes: innovations concern both adjacent territories and public squares. It is important not only to create a comfortable recreation area, but to keep it in proper condition afterwards," Tatarstan President said.

"This year we have a new programme. So far, we have started it using our own resources. I am convinced that this programme should last for at least five years. People's living environment forms their attitude to authorities. I support the initiative of the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of Russia, and thank you for the opportunity to tell about our experience and approaches,” he emphasized.

Speaking at the meeting, Men reminded that the work in this area was started at last year's meeting of the State Council chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, at which words on the improvement and development of the urban environment were first said. Previously, it was thought that it is the task of municipal authorities. As a result, the Russian Ministry of Construction in accordance with the request of the President of Russia and the Russian Government has prepared the priority project “The formation of a comfortable urban environment”.