1.4 million sq m of new housing will have been launched in Chelyabinsk Region by the end of 2009. This figure falls short of the previous year’s one by 600,000 sq m, Governor of Chelyabinsk Region Petr Sumin announced at his end-of-year press conference.

‘This year’s hardships experienced by the building industry actually boosted the federal housing overhaul program. As a result, about 3,000 apartment buildings have been repaired this year and 5,000 people were relocated from slums. This cost the region 4 billion RUR. The money was mainly supplied from the Communal Housing Services Reform Fund, but we definitely contributed something, too,’ Sumin noted.

The Governor said 480 young families and 610 public sector workers had received state subsidies meant for housing improving in 2009. The following year, at least 500 more young families and 500 public sector workers would be aided as well. As for the housing construction, 1.6 million sq m will probably be put up in 2010.