Irkutsk Mayor Vladimir Yakubovsky summed up 2008 as successful, roads were rebuilt, new squares and fountains opened, the first phase of hospital 10 was completed, and an arts school built. But 2009 plans were cut due to a 2 billion ruble budget drop, new projects delayed, and efforts focused on finishing existing ones. Authorities say this is temporary and construction will speed up again in 2010.

At the end of last week, Irkutsk Mayor Vladimir Yakubovsky held his traditional press conference, where he summed up the outgoing year and told journalists about plans for the future.
According to the city head, 2008 was a successful year.
Large amounts of work were completed on the reconstruction of city roads. Their quality is also pleasing; the most modern technologies were used. New squares and fountains were opened. The first phase of City Hospital No. 10 was completed. An arts school was built in Akademgorodok. By the end of this year, a kindergarten on Dneprovskaya will be opened. Almost everything that had been planned for this year has been done.
However, the coming year does not promise such joyful changes. In light of the events unfolding in the economy, the city budget has been planned at 2 billion rubles less than the 2008 budget.
- In this regard, we have significantly reduced our expenses, - said Vladimir Viktorovich. - For example, the line item for capital construction has been reduced. We will not be able to begin construction of School No. 23, which we had planned earlier. In 2009, the school will be demolished and the site prepared. We will not be able to repair roads to the extent we would like, but we will definitely complete the reconstruction of Baikalskaya Street, 3rd of July Street, and a couple more thoroughfares in the city center.
In 2009, construction will also continue on facilities already under way. Among them are the reconstruction of School No. 72, which is planned to open by September 1, 2009, the reconstruction of a kindergarten in Oktyabrsky, and the construction of a kindergarten in the Leninsky District, as well as the reconstruction of Hospital No. 10 on Sinyushina Hill. But all of these are already started projects.
The administration was forced to abandon all new projects. Thus, the Central Park of Culture and Recreation, for whose reconstruction about 130 million rubles are needed, will receive only 20. This money will be enough to tidy up the paths and install trash bins and small architectural forms. A complete renovation of the park has been postponed until better times.
At the same time, Vladimir Viktorovich noted that the reduction in construction volumes is a temporary measure. In 2010, the pace of construction will increase.