Klitschko was warned a year ago about problems at certain metro stations
1 May 2024 15:55
In early 2023, the State Audit Service of Ukraine warned the head of the Kyiv City State Administration, Vitali Klitschko, about possible problems in the transport infrastructure. This was reported by the press service of the State Audit Service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
It is noted that in the first half of 2023, the State Audit Service of Ukraine – as part of the audit of the Department of Transport Infrastructure of the executive body of the Kyiv City Council (Kyiv City State Administration) – conducted commission inspections of road infrastructure facilities that are being repaired or built at the expense of budget funds.
“During the inspection, the auditors identified critical construction projects located near metro stations, in particular on Poshtova Square. Even then, the KCSA was informed about possible problems in the operation of the transport infrastructure,”
– reports the State Audit Service.
The audit found that in 2019-2023, the construction (reconstruction) of nine facilities of station complexes (sections, lines) of the Kyiv metro was planned for UAH 22,241.7 million with planned expenditures of UAH 22,241.7 million. However, these works were not carried out.
“In 2023, the auditors paid special attention to the inspection of Poshtova Square. During its commission inspection, where the construction of above-ground facilities – a shopping mall with an underground museum – is still incomplete, they found incomplete work on waterproofing, drainage and water reduction. There were also signs of metal corrosion and destruction of the protective layer of concrete,”
– the report says.
The State Audit Service experts concluded that the technical condition of the facility is constantly deteriorating, and its further operation without conservation or completion is extremely dangerous. Almost the entire infrastructure hub, which is Poshtova Square, is under the threat of destruction.
“The relevant department of the Kyiv City State Administration was warned that the unfinished work could lead to problems with the functioning of the Poshtova Ploshcha metro station. In this regard, the auditors, within their competence, recommended to carry out the necessary emergency works. After all, any delays in eliminating the violations could lead to even worse consequences: subsidence of the foundations of the surrounding buildings (including the State Audit Service building), damage to the metro tunnel and closure of the station,”
– the State Audit Service added.
It is noted that almost a year has passed since the State Audit Service’s recommendations, but the necessary measures have not been taken for unknown reasons.
In addition, archaeological finds located underground were examined during the audit. Back in April 2018, the Kyiv City Council voted to establish the National Museum “Centre of the Medieval City” on Poshtova Square. In the summer of the same year, the Verkhovna Rada supported the resolution. However, for exactly six years now, archaeological finds have remained inadequately protected from precipitation and soil leaching. The state auditors have not received a response from the Kyiv City State Administration as to when this museum will appear and what exactly is being done to make it happen.
It is worth noting that the reconstruction of Poshtova Square, along with the construction of a transport interchange, which was launched in 2014, cost the Kyiv budget (as of the end of 2022) more than UAH 445 million. The estimated cost of work in progress on Poshtova Square (as of 31 December 2022) was UAH 87.8 million.
Earlier, Kommersant’s sources in the Kyiv City State Administration reported that several stations on the Blue Line of the Kyiv Metro are preparing to close. These are Pochayna and Taras Shevchenko stations.
As reported, the State Audit Service of Ukraine, during an audit of the Kyiv Metro utility, found violations and losses worth more than UAH 200 million.
It should be noted that on 8 December 2023, an accident occurred at the overrunning tunnel between Demiivska and Lybidska stations due to depressurisation of the tunnel and cracks in the walls. The case is now being investigated by the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.
The repair of Lybidska and Demiivska metro stations will cost almost UAH 400 million.
We would like to add that the director of Kyiv Metro, Viktor Braginsky, resigned after investigative journalists from Bihus.Info discovered that his mother owns two apartments in the capital, and his ex-wife owns luxury real estate and a land plot.
