Sienkevych explained why Mykolaiv is constantly full of potholes

Roadworks in Mykolaiv, photo by ‘NikVesti’

Mykolaiv’s mayor, Oleksandr Sienkevych, has called on residents to be understanding regarding the large number of roadworks on the streets. He says that, with the support of international partners, the city is currently carrying out a large-scale re-laying of heating networks that have not been upgraded for decades.

The mayor made these remarks during a staff meeting on 6 July, according to NikVesti.

Oleksandr Sienkevych explained that he frequently receives complaints from Mykolaiv residents about the dug-up streets, but urged them to view the situation as a long-term solution.

«I receive many enquiries and complaints from Mykolaiv residents regarding the large number of roadworks. Today I was driving past Children’s Hospital №2 and thought, «Oh, they’ve dug up this road too,’»and then I saw the pipes nearby. And I thought: when was it that, in Mykolaiv, kilometres of new heating pipes were laid—how many years ago? Not old pipes wrapped in glass wool and roofing felt, but pre-insulated ones, with a leak detection system. When was that — 20, 30 or 40 years ago? Never,» said the mayor.

According to the mayor, the new networks will have a service life of up to 50 years.

«Yes, there are downsides. The CHP plant is currently laying new pipes on 6th Slobidska Street, and Oblteploenergo is doing the same. But we need to look at it this way: they’re digging it up now, and they won’t have to do it again for 40–50 years. The warranty period is 49 years. In other words, I won’t be around by then, you won’t be around by then, but the pipes will still be there,» said the mayor.

As a reminder, Mykolaiv’s mayor, Oleksandr Sienkevych, is unhappy with the number of excavations on the city’s streets caused by repair works carried out by the water utility, the regional heating company and the thermal power station.