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Russian hydro plant labeled unsafe in 1998
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-22 16:21
Even Putin accepted in December that 80 percent of Russia's heating network needed repairs, a critical issue for a nation with such severe winter weather. Most signs of poor maintenance, however, fail to engage local Russian officials.
Gas blasts in particular highlight the nation's infrastructure problem. Many Russians in residential buildings that aren't rigged for cooking gas use old, high-pressure canisters. Those frequently burst, killing anyone nearby and sometimes leveling buildings. The damage is compounded by buildings that are not structurally sound and overall poor fire-safety standards. Short-circuits account for a significant number of fires, emergency officials say. The global economic downturn has thwarted efforts to finance infrastructure upgrades, such as a now-postponed liberalization in energy sector prices that was supposed to allow privatized power plants to generate enough cash to pay for maintenance and new equipment. Fearing popular discontent, Russian officials have kept energy costs low, but they might have to shift that strategy. "The federal budget is not going to have the money to adequately invest in those companies' operations program, so the cost will have to be passed on to the consumers, individuals or companies," Tikhomirov said. "There's no other way, otherwise we'll be in for other technology-caused disasters."
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