OREANDA-NEWS. April 06, 2012. Vladimir Putin’s introductory remarks:

Good afternoon. Today, we will speak on one of the most important and urgent issues both for our armed forces and all security agencies – namely, the provision of housing to military personnel. But first, I would like to say that the location is very convenient as it is easy to get to the city of Saratov and its downtown. During my recent visit to Samara, local residents complained that certain parts of the federal highway M55, such as the section to the town of Zhigulyovsk, are in such bad shape that it is difficult even to walk there, to say nothing of driving. I hope reconstruction work will soon start there, including work at the embankment and the bridge.

I have spoken with Mr Radayev (Valery Radayev, Saratov Region Governor) on the situation with roads in Saratov. This year, the regional road funds will increase several times over. Previously, such funds did not even exist – while now they have been established and are being filled up with money. As regards Saratov, a total of 5 billion roubles will be allocated, as the governor said. Once again, I’ll repeat that this is many times more than in previous years. I expect this money to be spent efficiently and at sites that require it most – in regional centres, rural areas, villages, roads and areas close to residential buildings will be properly paved.

Now, as for housing developments of the kind – we have mentioned it during our talk with the minister – surely, such large military centres as here in Engels must be built and equipped in a modern and comprehensive manner, as regards both the military component and related infrastructure. I am speaking about the runway, the service infrastructure and social facilities. Everything obsolete and ramshackle should be pulled down and eliminated, with new up-to-date complexes built instead. Preliminary estimations reveal that in the end it will be cheaper, more efficient and profitable than constant patch-ups and never-ending capital repairs. The Defence Ministry supports this approach, and every possible effort will be made to back it. I expect efficient and active work, which must bring positive results.

Now, as regards the issue that we have met here to discuss…