Reconstruction of old housing estates, popularly known as “Khrushchevs”, is a painful and topical topic. It is like inflamed appendicitis: it is a pity to cut a person, but if he is not removed, the result can be deplorable
Statistical data show that in Ukraine about 75 million sq. m are in disrepair and uninhabitable. In Kyiv alone, there are over 3 thousand outdated buildings.
The thing is that most Khrushchevs were built between 1957 and 1985. The service life of such houses is 60 years. This means that the first blocks of such buildings should have been given for reconstruction back in 2017.
For the fourth year in a row, residents of such houses are taking a risk. It is unlikely that the house will collapse all at once, most likely this will not happen.
But who will give a guarantee? The 60-year service life was prescribed with the condition of carrying out constant repairs of communications, entrances, roofs, and other things. But, unfortunately, no one has carried out such repairs. So the risks are high.
On June 3, the mayor of Kyiv announced that the city had developed a project that involves the demolition of Khrushchevs and the construction of new housing in their place. Importantly, the corresponding actions are also taken into account in the new general plan. So, the transition to the active phase of the process is not far off.
Kyivmiskbud can take on a certain part of the reconstruction of old housing blocks. We have enough power and experience not only to start, but also to pull the majority of it. I will highlight a few points that, in my opinion, should be crystallized and clear so that the reconstruction does not ultimately turn into a failure.
First. The city must be interested in the reconstruction process. To begin reconstruction, there must be a plot of land next to the block of old housing on which a new house can be built. The residents of the first line for reconstruction are resettled there.
After that, the main stage of work can begin. An equally important issue is the availability of new external networks. Most likely, there are none in old areas, which means that the developer will automatically be responsible for building the appropriate communications. I believe that the city should help in this matter.
Second. Area coefficient. That is, how many square meters should an apartment in a new building be larger than the one in a “Khrushchev”. At one time, Kyivmiskbud built up Poznyaki, where the private sector used to be.
To peacefully resolve problems with residents of private houses, the company offered them an apartment or cash equivalent. Some agreed immediately, others decided to take it by trickery. Having registered ten more relatives in their 50-meter house, they demanded to issue apartments for everyone.
I must say, it didn’t work out. I’m not going to do that: the issue of replacing living space should be resolved regardless of the number of people living or registered. According to the mayor, residents of Khrushchev houses will receive new housing with “the equivalent of 1.5 apartments in new buildings.”
Third. The issue of eviction of residents of outdated housing stock. As practice shows, in every house, collective, or just a group of people there will always be one person who is against it. And when it comes to eviction, there will be such people with 100% probability.
Because of the fear of being left on the street, misunderstanding of what is happening, or simply incompetence. So that such people do not become an obstacle for those who still want to live in a new house, it is necessary to regulate the percentage of residents whose consent will be enough to start work.
Expert circles call the figure 75%, and I agree with them. The consent of 75% of Khrushchev residents should be enough for eviction. It is important that this is fixed at the legislative level.
A start is half the battle. And if this time from conversations we get to the reconstruction of at least one house, it will be a huge step. I am sure that many more unconsidered issues will emerge in the process. For example, some countries have faced the problem of old garbage – there is simply nowhere to put it.
Foreign colleagues had to build plants for processing construction waste that remains after the demolition of houses. It was processed and used in road construction. We should also think about this.
The city needs to reconstruct old housing blocks. Khrushchevs are physically and morally outdated, Kyiv residents deserve new comfortable housing. The most important thing is that the reconstruction process is based on a clear legislative framework.
The presence of such a framework will allow the project to be implemented as quickly and transparently as possible, which is important for the companies that will be involved in this, and therefore for the city as a whole. In addition, the legislation should explain to people living in Khrushchevs how the process will take place, what they can expect and what they are entitled to.
It is with residents at the first stages of the reconstruction of old housing blocks that it will be necessary to conduct explanatory work. The process will be long and laborious. And it is impossible to do without clear legislation here.
Igor Kushnir, Chairman of the Board – President of HC Kyivmiskbud, Doctor of Law
