Konstantin Savinov Head of the Main Department of Improvement and Public Servicing of the Donetsk City Council Date of Birth: 12.03.1975 Country: Ukraine

1. Biography of Konstantin Savinov
2. Spring "General Cleaning"
3. Engaging Citizens
4. Transforming Neglected Areas
5. Native Plants and Flowers
6. Financial Considerations and Challenges
7. Future Development

Biography of Konstantin Savinov

Konstantin Savinov is the Chief of the Main Department of Improvement and Municipal Services of Donetsk City Council. He is responsible for overseeing the spring "general cleaning" of the city and implementing changes to the appearance of Donetsk.

Spring "General Cleaning"

Konstantin Savinov explains that the first step of the two-month improvement campaign is to clean up the city from accumulated winter trash, leaves, and household waste. Additionally, they will paint and repair all fountains, streetlights, benches, gazebos, kiosks, and trash cans. Savinov also mentions the removal of damaged trees and drywood, which will be replaced with new ones. Furthermore, the goal is to repair all roads after winter.

Engaging Citizens

This year, there is a special emphasis on involving citizens in the improvement efforts. Even in abandoned areas, such as neglected parks, people are encouraged to participate in volunteer clean-ups. Savinov mentions that anyone can offer their assistance, regardless of whether the park is privately owned or not. He emphasizes that citizens do not need to wait for specific campaigns, as they can contribute to the city's improvement daily. However, he acknowledges that the number of active citizens in Donetsk is low.

Transforming Neglected Areas

Savinov highlights two parks in the Petrovsky district that will undergo significant transformations: the Chelyuskintsev Mine Park and the park on Boki Street. These parks were previously neglected but are now under the maintenance of Zelenstroy. They will be cleared of drywood and new trees and shrubs will be planted. The Victory Park in the Kalininsky district will also undergo extensive greening, with plans to complete the renovation by August 10th. The park will be adorned with 375 trees, 2568 decorative shrubs, and 1620 rose bushes. Additionally, landscape designers have planned for a lilac alley, showcasing various species of this beautiful plant. Over a hundred trees, mostly willows, will be planted along the Kalmius River embankment.

Native Plants and Flowers

Savinov mentions that only plants that are suitable for the region's climate will be planted. This year, Donetsk will be decorated with plane trees, maples, oaks, birches, lindens, and coniferous trees, totaling 3,000 trees and 30,000 shrubs. Over a million flowers will also be planted, which will adorn the city from early spring to late autumn. Dutch tulips of various colors will be a highlight. The city's symbol, roses, will see the addition of 35,000 rose bushes.

Financial Considerations and Challenges

The budget for the improvement campaign includes funds allocated by the city council for the maintenance of city facilities. No additional funds are designated for the month-long campaign or volunteer clean-ups. Savinov assures that these activities were planned and included in the budget requests for 2013. The only obstacles to the successful implementation of the plans are adverse weather conditions, such as rain or frost, and the limited activity of the population. Savinov urges citizens to appreciate the hard work involved in maintaining cleanliness and order and to help preserve the beauty of the city.

Future Development

Savinov believes that the city will continue to uphold the high standards of cleanliness, especially with the upcoming World Athletics Championship in 2013. He hopes that the citizens will remain satisfied with the improvements made to Donetsk.