Published: 1 January, 2008, 11:03
Edited: 1 January, 2008, 11:03
To resolve property issues raised by Olympic projects near Sochi, the government has introduced what's become known as the ‘Olympic law’, which will take effect in Krasnodar region only. The law is to formulated to regulate citizens’ property rights, whil
A new property law has come into force in Russia's southern region of Krasnodar. It was introduced after Sochi won the bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The 'Olympic Law' is intended to deal with ownership issues.
Many major plans have still to be implemented but are already affecting the lives of local residents.
Three thousand land lots at stake
Viktor Zhenchenko has lived in Sochi all his life. He was among those who celebrated Sochi’s victory in the Olympic bid. Like many others he hopes the Olympic effect will not adversely affect the life of his family.
Today, his future, and the future of his family is in question. His house is situated in a place where a new transport link needs to be built. This means his house is to be demolished – something Zhenchenko is strongly against.
“This house is our soul. Our family's lived here for fifty years. This is our family nest. What money or anything else can substitute that?” Zhenchenko asks.
He has already received a preliminary notification that says his house might be demolished. That’s as much as he knows.
Viktor is not alone. Three thousand land lots will be taken from their current owners for the construction of Olympic facilities.
The local administration is aware that the most difficult part will be to explain to people why their property's being taken.
State administrators think more of compensation. Viktor Pleskachevsky, Head of the Duma Property Committee, admitted thatt no proper notification of citizens had been arranged.
“All Russians have the right to go to court. If a citizen doesn’t agree with the evaluation, the state can still make the property exempt or they can argue over the amount of compensation in court, no matter how long it takes” Pleskachevsky added.
Massive development programme
The City’s development programme was approved last year. Up to $US 12 billion will be drawn before 2014, which will come from the federal and regional budgets, as well as from private investors.
The purpose of the Sochi development programme is to turn the city into a world- class resort. Construction is underway up in the mountains and on the seaside. The plan is to build new facilities, new transport routes and power lines and also to get rid of some of the old ones.
However, some people are happy with their compensation, like Zoya Blokhina.
She moved into a new apartment several months ago. the move was paid for by private investors. The house where she used to live was marked for slum clearance.
Her new apartment wasn’t brand new and she had to spend money on renovation. Nevertheless for her the development programme has been a blessing, while for people like Viktor Zhenchenko it might prove to be a curse.