Winter came and the residents of Mykolayiv had to adapt themselves
to a new style of life. As was the case with the countryside, periodic
electricity cutoffs cover whole neighborhoods. This is explained by nonpayment,
lack of fuel at power stations, and mounting consumption. And some of the
nonpaying consumers even have the nerve to complain. For example, the chief
physician of the city ambulance hospital raged on the phone because the
local energy company cut off electricity just as a very complicated operation
was being performed.
Last week was marked by a marked interest in Ukraine by countries in
the Far East. Kyiv was visited by the Japanese and Mykolayiv by a Chinese
delegation from the Beijing Technology Center. Whereas the Japanese came
just to see how things were, the Chinese delegation head declared that
he will not leave without signing certain contracts. The guests made a
number of business proposals, ranging from screwdriver assembly techniques
to growing rice in Mykolayiv oblast.
As for the countryside, barter has long been the watchword there. In
many villages pensioners have not seen a banknote for years on end, and
every effort the government makes to replenish the Pensions Fund seems
to have the opposite effect. An official report from the Fund's Mykolayiv
Office reads that the local enterprises' arrears on pensions continue to
increase, currently amounting to Hr 82.1 million. This would suffice for
the oblast to pay four months of pensions.
But people are hard to please. They get angry when there is no money
and even upset when money appears. Back wages were paid at the Mykolayiv
Black Sea Shipyard State Enterprise practically in full after selling the
aircraft carrier Variag (Viking). In fact, the workers received wages dating
back several months. They were happy at first and then panicky, because
now the management could afford severance pay and carry out its previously
planned work force reductions.
Traditionally, many look to the Left for salvation. Last week saw the
next round of their all-Ukraine action of protest. A meeting in Mykolayiv
gathered some 300 persons. Despite its numerical insignificance, polls
point to a Left orientation in Ukrainian society. In response to "Who would
vote for if the presidential elections were held now?" 11.9% named Petro
Symonenko, 11.6 wanted Leonid Kuchma, Natalia Vitrenko suddenly placed
third (7.5%), and Oleksandr Moroz garnered 4.3%.






