While the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has finally abandoned its plan to erect the national New Year tree, it has not given up on skating rink. Despite daily tens of thousands strong rallies in Independence Square, the administration’s head Oleksandr Popov ordered an ice rink to be constructed in the city center. Previously, Kontraktova Square served as a place for skaters, at least in recent years, but now the city authorities see Independence Square as the only suitable location for it. However, how can it be done when much of the area is occupied? The KCSA has turned for help to Kyivvodokanal, Kyivenergo, Kyivspetstrans and other municipal agencies as well as the city’s Department of Health and the Ministry of Interior.
The Day asked Viktoria Yakovlieva, the PR adviser to Kyivvodokanal’s president, about the agency’s stance on this proposal. “We have never directly filled up skating rinks, this is not our job. The order means just that Independence Square is well supplied with water, nobody turned it off. Our agency is the only source of water, because we are the only centralized water supplier in Kyiv. Should such orders come, we have to comply with the mayoral decision. Do not get our position wrong, please,” Yakovlieva told The Day in her comment on the situation.
Vsesvit RVN Ltd. will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the skating rink. According to the Uniform State Register of Legal Entities, the company specializes in construction work. Unfortunately, our attempts to talk to its management failed, as we were told that they were not at office. We know from Popov’s statement that the KCSA and the company have entered into an agreement which calls for Vsesvit RVN installing the rink exactly in Independence Square from 2013 to 2016. The opening of the rink is slated for December 15, a few days away.
