The prime minister arrived at the residential area prior to a meeting on the development of housing construction. Kirov regional authorities are implementing the Solnechny Bereg (Sunny Riverside) neighbourhood project in conjunction with the Federal Fund for Housing Construction Development.

The fund’s head, Alexander Braverman, said that the project was a good example of a comprehensive development of economy-class housing in the district. According to him, the neighbourhood will have a kindergarten for 220 children and an out-patient clinic within walking distance. “That means that the social infrastructure is guaranteed,” said Mr Braverman.

The prime minister asked how many apartments in the complex will be made available to war veterans. “In total, 50 have been made available thus far, and there will be another 60, plus 10 more,” said Governor Nikita Belykh, adding that the remaining 250-300 apartments will soon find their tenants.

Vladimir Putin visited one of the apartments that was purchased by a young family, Julia and Anton Kuznetsovs. The governor noted that the family had taken advantage of a regional programme that provides for an almost interest-free first installment drawdown. The premier asked what “almost interest-free” meant. The governor’s explanation was that the family still had to pay 2% loan interest. “So, 2%, anyway. Leave off charging interest, don’t be greedy,” said the prime minister.

Nikita Belykh agreed. Then Vladimir Putin remarked that in addition to that exemption, he had one more present for the Kuznetsovs – a cash certificate for kitchen furniture. As an expression of their gratitude, Julia and Anton gave the prime minister a jar of homemade honey. Anton said that the family was engaged in beekeeping.