The term “livable city” appeared not so long ago.
It turns out that it belongs to prof. Vukan Vuchic, one of the most renowned urbanist scientists in the world.
What do the scientists mean by this notion? A warm and cozy housing, comfortable main transport routes for the drivers and a reliable public transport, free pedestrian and public green spaces, availability of shops, kindergartens, schools, sport complexes, theatres, and concert halls. In our situation, I would also like to add an availability and affordability of high-quality utility services.
I think that when several years ago, Kharkiv was the first city in the rankings of Ukraine’s livable cities outstripping even Kyiv, each of us experienced a mixed feeling of pride and, at the same time, some perplexity.
For each resident of Kharkiv this city is the best. However, we are the ones who know that there is still a lot of work to do in the city for it to continue developing and year by year approaching the perfection, which each of you pictures in your own way.
When in the yard of one of the city’s multi-storey house the new asphalt is laid, we are glad, but, at the same time, we are sad: why a few metres from the house we see imperishable puddles and holes? When we are hurrying for a train or an important meeting, we would like to see schedules at the public transport stops, while the buses should follow these schedules strictly. When the tramlines are renewed, we would like this not to take place on several vital transport arteries at once, but instead, it should be done by turns and sequentially for people to be able to plan the bypass route. When we are walking along the old part of the city, it is painful to see the dying old buildings, the architectural landmarks. They are connected with the memories, which are dear for our hearts reminding about our childhood and about the past that is slipping away, while the memory of it is a value itself. When the delicate saplings of lime trees are planted on Moskalivska street along the tramlines, we are delighted imagining how this lime tree alley will be fragrant early in the summer, but, at the same time we are indignant, because no one is taking care of these expensive saplings, and they just “burn down” under the searing summer heat.
Listening to the issues, which people address to me as a MP, I notice that most of them are the desperate requests for financial support. Unfortunately, high expenditures on the payment of utility services are not covered even by subsidies. These expenditures cost a pretty penny even for a middle class. And many residents of Kharkiv face the dilemma: whether to pay for utility services or for treatment, whether to pay debts or to buy everything necessary for a child to go to school? In these cases, I always think that none of the private charitable foundations is able to help here. However, it is the reason to think how local self-government can influence this urgent social problem. Isn’t it possible to find the ways to save and reduce cost price of utility services in Kharkiv?
These issues and tasks are far from being ordinary: from nice saplings “forgotten” by green services to the specific municipal measures aimed at energy efficiency and reduction of expenses of utility providers. After all, no one has proved yet that the prices must only increase, not decrease!
As a member of parliament, I repeatedly drew attention to the fact that the way that Ukrainian politicians and mayors (as well as our expert community) picture the organization of the cities and their management is not based on any systematic approach, unfortunately. There is just no system, so when the scientists are involved in the development of a strategy, it won’t be successful as well. These intentions are often a complicated mix of stereotypes inherited from the Soviet times and tourist impressions from the trips to Europe.
Livable City. These are the key words for us. This idea is obvious at first sight; however, it is extremely deep. How do I see the concept of Kharkiv as a livable city? First, it is the necessity to implement the self-sustained projects for energy saving and energy efficiency in the municipal services of Kharkiv. The quality of these projects will be confirmed by the attraction of funding from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Kharkiv already has a wonderful reputation of a reliable partner in the implementation of these projects. It will make it possible to persistently reduce the cost prices on the vital services, like heat and water supply, hence the prices for people. We will definitely discuss this issue with you in details soon.
Second, we have a very serious transport problem. Over the last years, a huge work was made to bring the roads and municipal main lines in order. Of course, they are still far from ideal, but it is already more pleasant to drive a car along the city. Nevertheless, I am sure that under the condition of high-rise residential development, the analogues of which are spread, perhaps, only in Southeastern Asia, the idea of commuting using only personal transport by everyone is unachievable. According to the specialists, in this case the total area of roads for the existing number of cars, taking the necessary infrastructure into account (fuel stations, parking), must be comparable with the area of the whole city of Kharkiv! It is clear that it is unreal. And it is better to as soon as possible reach an optimal combination of different types of public transport, which will meet the most demanding requests of passengers. As of now, the public transport, due to the lack of special lines, stands in the same traffic jams as the private one. The public transport, which is attractive for the citizens, must be fast and comfortable. By the way, land transport demands much less costs than the construction of the underground. In order to rouse common user’s interest in public transport, it is necessary to guarantee the adherence to a tight schedule of arrival and departure of transport, and to increase the speed and comfort of commute.
Third, environment is another vital problem of the megalopolis. Significant work has been done for the restoration of Kharkiv’s parks and public gardens lately. Much more work is ahead. The residents of Kharkiv have already been able to see on the example of Feldman Ecopark that I support the maximum use of the advantages of natural beauty and landscape in park areas. Europe’s best entertaining park is situated in Kharkiv, however, there are not enough natural recreational green zones in the city. As an example, let me indicate Mirska Roshcha in my electoral district in Novozhanovo (Novo-Bavarskyi district).
The wonderful nature’s nook situated near the Lopan dam does not require huge expenditures for the organization of the landscape park for walking and cycling, fishing, quiet rest and special places for picnics. Note: the matter is not in the ‘paid’ recreational zone under the aegis of a commercial structure, but in the municipal zone open for everyone and free of noisy commercial entertainments.
It is batter to discuss everything that may be changed in the city and how to do this with the residents of Kharkiv using the well-proven mechanisms of people’s budgeting, public consultations, and student creative competitions.
After all, in the city, which considers itself livable, every person must have an opportunity to demonstrate own abilities, including in various significant municipal projects. Let’s not just love our city, but also improve it!
Ukrainian MP,
Oleksandr Feldman.
