WEEKLY ROUNDUP
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%.
Выпуск газеты №:
№43, (1998)Section
Day After Day
