Due to funding delays, contractors are refusing to work with the «Safe City» system in Mykolaiv

Problems have arisen in Mykolaiv regarding the funding of the «Safe City» system. Photo: archive NikVesti

Around 100 cameras are in operation as part of the «Safe City» system in Mykolaiv. However, contractors are unwilling to cooperate with the city on this project due to problems with funding and payments via the Treasury.

This came to light during a staff meeting at Mykolaiv City Council on 5 October, according to NikVesti.

Andrii Volkov, Chief of Staff of the Mykolaiv City Council’s Executive Committee, reported that, in addition to the 100 CCTV cameras, work is continuing on installing others in the city. However, he drew attention to the funding issues.

«I would like to point out that operating with the level of funding that the Treasury will not approve for us will create a very difficult situation. This does nothing to encourage contractors to work with us. They continue to leave us for private companies and do not return to us.» The number of workers is constantly decreasing because mobilisation is ongoing, and we are competing with the wider market,» said Andrii Volkov.

In a comment to NikVesti, Andrii Volkov clarified that this relates to repair works. Contractors either refuse to work with the city or put our projects at the back of the queue.

«This relates to the carrying out of repair works. When we contact businesses and invite them to carry out the work, they either refuse or put the work on the back burner. It is much easier to work with private clients, and payment is guaranteed. At present, we have only received payments for wages,» said the executive committee’s administrative manager.

It should be recalled that at the session of the Mykolaiv City Council on 2 October, it emerged that the Mykolaiv Zoo has arrears of around 2 million hryvnias for animal feed and utility bills due to payment delays from the Treasury.

Previously, the Government had postponed funding for non-essential construction, repairs and improvement works. The decision was taken due to the difficult budgetary situation, in order to channel funds towards defence and priority social expenditure.

The Government has prioritised expenditure on defence, pensions and social benefits, as well as salaries for public sector employees. At the same time, it is proposed that funding for non-priority projects be deferred. Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi has also called on local authorities to review the priorities of their budgets and limit the relevant expenditure.

The government had previously announced a regime of budgetary savings for funds not earmarked for defence needs. At the same time, social obligations, in particular the payment of pensions and salaries, must be met.