Local initiatives are backed by real government and business support in Bashkiria - World Bank

UFA, 23 September 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Alim Faizov/. The World Bank experts led by the Head of "Social Protection" devision in the Europe and Central Asia Andrew Mason visited Uchaly region in Bashkortostan. The delegation, in addition to Andrew Mason, also included the chief economist of the World Bank of the Russian Federation Apurva Sanghi, the Head of the Local Initiatives Support Program (LISP) of the World Bank in Russia Ivan Shulga, the consultant of the World Bank, Gagik Khachatryan, the Deputy Minister of Finance RB Natalia Kalugina. During the visit, the delegation got acquainted with the experience of Uchaly region in implementation of the Local Initiatives Support Program. The head of the Uchaly district administration Farit Davletgareev showed LISP objects to members of the delegation.

A meeting with guests took place at the "Europe and Asia" bridge. The guests had an opportunity to cross the border between the two parts of the world, to evaluate flavour of the Bashkir national dance and horsemanship. The delegation visited several settlements of the district, where projects within the LISP had been implemented.

A pilot project under the auspices of the World Bank to support local initiatives started in Bashkortostan in 2014. The experience of its implementation was recognized as one of the most successful among the Russian regions. 110 rural settlements of seven districts of Trans-Urals, including Uchaly region became its participants for this time. For two years Uchaly region residents have implemented 43 projects aimed at developing social and engineering infrastructure of settlements. 25.4 million rubles were allocated from the republican budget for the implementation of local initiatives, 4 million rubles from the local budget. The contribution of enterprises and organizations amounted to 7.9 million rubles and Uchaly region residents raised 3.5 million rubles. In just two years more than 41 million rubles were directed to Uchaly projects.

"Due to the LISP and as a result of joint work for two years a number of topical issues were solved in settlements of the region: roads, cultural and recreational facilities were repaired, playgrounds and sports grounds were installed, street lighting facilities were upgraded", the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic Natalia Kalugina said.

In Kunakbaevo village the guests familiarized themselves with the exhibition complex named after Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Matrosov. In 2014, the villagers took the initiative to carry out repairs of the museum, and as part of the LISP managed to implement it. The cost of works amounted to about 1.7 million rubles, the locals collected 130 thousand rubles, the contribution of enterprises and organizations amounted to almost 150 thousand rubles.

Residents of the city of Uchaly, showing activity and initiative were able to carry out two major projects within the program - a construction of the universal playground in the culture and recreation park and a ski-roller track construction, which was the largest project implemented in 2015. The guests were able to appreciate the quality of ski trails and the beauty of the surrounding area having a ride with the provided bicycles and electric scooters. During warmer months, the track is not empty – it is full of roller-skaters and cyclists and people of all ages actively spending their leisure time there. The fee of 200 rubles defined by the people themselves was not burdensome and quite justified – and now modern sports facilities are enjoyed by the old and young.

During the conversation with the public it was pointed out that this year the LISP began working throughout the republic. The competition for the selection of LISP projects has already taken place, the winners of which will receive funding for the implementation of people’s initiatives. In Uchaly region seven projects became winners, so in case of their successful implementation, for three years of participation in the program the number of projects implemented by Uchaly residents will reach 50, the information-analytical department of the Uchaly district administration informs.