Federal officials have reviewed progress made in the implementation of the federal targeted programme to stimulate the socioeconomic development of the Kuril Islands, in the Sakhalin Region. The review of the programme, which runs from 2007 through 2015, was ordered by Viktor Ishayev, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.
A total of 27.8 billion roubles is to be disbursed for various construction projects on the Kuril Islands under the programme, including 21.4 billion (76.83%) in federal allocations, 4.8 billion (17.24%) from the regional treasury coffers, and 1.6 billion (5.91%) from extra-budgetary sources.
As of June 1, 2013, thirty-two of the planned projects had been completed, including a berthing facility in Yuzhno-Kurilsk, a fuel distribution facility on the islands of Kunashir and Shikotan, a port and a cargo pier on Shikotan, and several motorways. In addition to the projects provided for by the federal targeted programme, construction is currently underway on new blocks of flats, schools, kindergartens, sports facilities, and a community centre – all with funds from the Sakhalin Region’s consolidated budget.
More than 5.2 billion roubles is expected to be disbursed for the implementation of the programme in 2013. Work will continue this year to renovate Kunashir’s water supply and sewage infrastructure as well as to refurbish the freight and passenger compound and the airport of Iturup Island. Work is also underway on the Kuril Islands to upgrade the aging power and heat supply infrastructure, along with developing unconventional sources of energy and building more motorways. Most of the sites are scheduled to be launched in 2014.
The newly-built projects ready to open include a freight pier in Krabovaya Bay on Shikotan Island, and a fuel supply facility on Kunashir Island.
Source: Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East
