R.Minnikhanov: the state of gas facilities needs thorough consideration

Safety of gas objects functioning should concern not only OOO “Gasprom transgas Kazan” and housing and communal ventures but republican and local authorities, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov reminded to attendees of a meeting on issues of safe functioning of gas infrastructure. The event took place in House of RT Government.

Director-general of OOO “Gasprom transgas Kazan” Rafkat Kantyukov made a key report at the meeting. He informed firstly that components of unified gas supply system in Tatarstan and gas distribution networks have been prepared for autumn-winter period 2011-2012.

Rafkat Kantyukov told about problems connected with safety of gas facilities in Tatarstan. By his words, some regions break the prohibition on construction works in areas of gas transmission pipelines. More breaches of the same kind have been revealed in safety zones of distribution networks.

Normally among violators are employees of local self-government who grant land lots in forbidden areas.

RT President emphasized the utmost danger of construction works in such areas. He reminded about gas transmission pipelines failures when houses inflamed a kilometer away from the gas flame.

“Officials who make decisions about construction works in forbidden areas endanger people’s lives. I want the Prosecutor’s office consider such incidents. “, - Rustam Minnikhanov stated.
Gas workers are also worried about breaches upon realizing land and construction works near the objects of gas infrastructure.

Rafkat Kantyukov told about several accidents which happened because of works not permitted by gas services. Once due to fault of exploration geologists “Nizhnekamskneftehin” plant nearly left without gas. Fortunately workers had time to switch on reserve gas supply. Rafkat Kantyukov noted that unfortunately “Gasprom transgas Kazan” is the leader by the number of such accidents among “Gasprom” subsidiaries. He also mentioned the problem of gas supply to hostels.

According to Director-general of OOO “Gasprom transgas Kazan” after privatization of residential premises many hostels do not have certain owners of gas equipment and security officials. To deal with the problem a homeowners association should be organized. Thus contracts for gas supply and maintenance of gas equipment will be signed with gas services. Though, such work is not well-organized in all regions. Rafkat Kantyukov stated that currently the company has to supply gas to hostels without signing any contracts not to leave people without heat.

Rustam Minnikhanov entrusted Minister of construction, architecture and housing Irek Faizullin with handling this issue personally. He also required so that prosecution bodies start controlling exploitation of gas facilities and assessing activity of those officials whose decisions led to breaches of security regulations.