RESTORING A CATHEDRAL OR LAUNDERING MONEY?

Last week the Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments organized a public discussion of the Dormition Cathedral reconstruction project to be carried out by the Kyivproekt and Ukrproektrestavratsiya government-run design-and-restoration agencies.

While discussing the pile-driving techniques proposed for the project, those present were familiarized with hair-raising statistics of ruined Kyiv Pechersk Lavra structures and the lamentable condition of the monastery's water supply and sewer systems which could not be repaired for want of municipal funds (sic). Meanwhile, the stated 1999 project would require some Hr 190 million. In fact, preparations for reconstruction are well underway (with two test piles already driven in the ground), despite the fact that the project is still to be officially approved and studied by UNESCO experts. Participants in the discussion voiced their sharp protest against the ruination of the temple's original foundation, using methods damaging the cathedral's occupation layer. It was further pointed out that setting the project deadline was inadmissible and that the project should have been ordered by the historical preserve, not the capital's state administration.

When asked by The Day, Petro Tronko, the President's religious restoration advisor, said:

"I am strongly against using the pile-driving techniques and I have forwarded several memorandums to the President explaining my standpoint. But no response. I think that the funds allocated for the project should be spent on further research and repair of the water supply and sewers, while working on the project documentation."

The project's deadline caused the most heated debates, because this date will directly affect 1999 budget spending - and very likely in view of the approaching presidential campaign.