In Znamensk, located in the Astrakhan region, plans are underway to demolish a nine-year-old house built under the orphan shelter program after a significant collapse risk. Local reports indicate the building’s fate may hinge on upcoming assessments rather than on the original intent of the project.
Historically, the three-story structure in Znamensk was contracted in 2015 by the Capital Construction Department of the Astrakhan Region to house 24 applicants from the housing queue. The project experienced several changes in contractors, and during interim periods the site received little protection, leading to deterioration and partial collapse. At present, the house is described as 75-80% complete, yet concerns about contractor reliability have raised questions about whether reconstruction should proceed or demolition should occur. The matter was raised by a regional Duma deputy, Alexei Furik, who noted that the decision will hinge on expert evaluations expected in August.
Officials anticipate a pivotal vote on the future of the project, with August serving as the critical juncture to determine whether construction resumes, is halted, or a different housing solution is pursued for the orphans who were originally slated to receive homes here.
Separately, lawmakers are exploring an alternative housing pathway for orphans: the issuance of certificates that would enable beneficiaries to purchase apartments. The second reading of the accompanying bill is scheduled for late May, signaling a shift toward a certificate-based approach as part of a broader housing strategy for vulnerable groups.
Earlier, the Ministry of Construction and Russia’s Dom.RF announced the development of a nationwide unified system for housing accounting aimed at ensuring transparent, reliable provision for orphans. Its nationwide rollout is planned for 2024, with the goal of streamlining how housing for orphans is tracked, allocated, and delivered across regions. These reforms are intended to accompany ongoing projects like the Znamensk building, ensuring consistent standards and clear pathways to secure housing for eligible orphans across the country.
As the region weighs the options, stakeholders emphasize the importance of safeguarding the interests of the orphans who were promised homes and the need for practical, accountable solutions that can be implemented within the current fiscal framework. The coming months will reveal how policy changes and regional decisions converge to shape the future of housing for vulnerable young residents in Astrakhan and beyond, balancing the realities of construction challenges with the commitment to stable, long-term housing options.