62% of Russian Communal Heating Systems in Bad State of Repair

The Russian government has already allocated 80 million roubles (USD 2.5 million) to the regions to help deal with the consequences of broken heating pipes caused by the extreme cold. According to the government's information department, this was revealed to journalists today by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko. Karelia has been allocated 50 million roubles (USD 1.57 million) and Sakhalin 30 million roubles (USD 943 thousand).

Khristenko said that the problems with the heating system in the regions were caused by three factors. The first is the low temperatures, especially in North-West Russia and Eastern Siberia. The second is the high level of badly deteriorated communal networks, which currently stands at 62% and is increasing annually by 6%. The third factor is the 'human factor'.