In Irkutsk, a kindergarten with six groups, sports and music halls, a modern kitchen unit, and psychologist and medical offices reopened after major repairs. The building has security systems and eco friendly materials were used. Mayor Viktor Kondrashov inspected it and said how Irkutsk is solving the shortage of kindergarten places. This year five preschool institutions were built and renovated, and by 2017 another 13 are planned to open.
In the new kindergarten, there are 6 groups with cozy playrooms, a sports hall, a beautiful music hall, a modern food service unit, a psychologist’s office, a medical office, and a laundry room. Only environmentally friendly materials were used in finishing the premises, and the furniture is made of natural materials. The kindergarten premises meet methodological and sanitary-hygienic requirements. The kindergarten building is equipped with a security and fire alarm system, a panic alarm system, and an external video surveillance and monitoring system.20 million rubles were allocated from the city budget for the major renovation.
“As of today, the kindergarten is attended by 50 children so far; starting in January, 158 children in total will attend the kindergarten. This is due to the wishes and plans of the parents,” Olga Goncharova noted.
On December 25, the kindergarten was visited by the Mayor of Irkutsk, Viktor Kondrashov. He inspected the building and the assembly hall, and spoke with the teaching staff. The city head noted that this year five kindergartens were built and reconstructed in Irkutsk — on Pisareva, Baumana, Almaznaya, Michurina, and Sevastopolskaya streets. They are now attended by 889 children. Three of the five kindergartens are located in the Leninsky District.
“This area is being actively developed, so the problem of kindergarten places here is very pressing. Thanks to the opening of three new preschool institutions, the severity of the issue has been eased for now,” said the city head.
Viktor Kondrashov noted that 2012 saw a record birth rate — 11,300 babies were born in Irkutsk.
“By 2017, it is planned to build 13 more kindergartens in the regional center. In 2012, construction began on three buildings on Baikalskaya Street for 110 places, on Mukhina Street for 220 places, and in the Yubileiny microdistrict for 220 places. In 2013, these kindergartens will be completed; in the same year, construction will begin on three more buildings on Novatorov, Bogdanova, and Rozy Lyuksemburg streets. However, with such a birth-rate dynamic, I’m afraid we will have to make adjustments to the program,” the city head joked.
Viktor Kondrashov also spoke about additional measures to address the issue of places in preschool institutions. In 2012, through internal reserves, the return to municipal ownership, and the construction of new kindergartens, 270 groups were opened, with places additionally provided for 3,000 children, which is equivalent to the construction of 14 kindergartens.
The city administration’s plans through 2015 include building extensions to existing preschool institutions using the available utilities and optimizing the electricity, water, and heat supply systems. This will make it possible to provide places for about 2,000 young Irkutsk residents.
Press Service of the Irkutsk City Administration