One of the problems I’d like to solve while I’m a deputy is to help finish the Cultural Central in Nizhnekamsk. The history of this building, which was started back in 1986, is quite complicated (as is often the case with these unfinished projects). The basic problem is a shortage of funds, though both the local administration and the federal authorities have tried to help with this important facility for the city.

At present, the Cultural Centre houses a functioning local history museum and a library with 5,300 members, 70% of whom are students and pensioners. The library is in need of computer equipment (there’s not quite enough at the moment) and specialized literature (technical, economic, chemical). Three halls still need to be finished: the concert hall (600 seats), the exhibition room and the disco hall. Let me say that the local children are particularly looking forward to the new cultural centre. During my last visit to Nizhnekamsk I saw classes being held in the rooms that have been finished. The kids obviously love it there: they’re so happy dancing, singing and preparing for their performances that they simply don’t notice the lack of space and the building’s poor state of decoration.
According to the forecasts for 2009, at least 270 million roubles will be needed to complete the Cultural Centre. There’s an amusement park beside the new centre. The park is 30 years old and its equipment needs to be replaced. This will cost at least 10 million roubles.
In my view, one of the most effective ways of solving this problem with the Cultural Centre could be to include it under the federal purpose-oriented programme Culture of Russia for 2009. It’s a complicated procedure and there are lots of things that need to be approved by a large number of government departments. All the paperwork needed to get the Cultural Centre funded by the Programme has now been sent to the regional ministries. From there, they will be forwarded to the appropriate federal ministries. As the people’s deputy representing the interests of Nizhnekamsk, I will make every effort to get the application approved and supported.