Residents of Chechnya voice out conditions for returning to Galanchozh District

Commenting on the authorities' promises to build housing for the resettlers and pay installation allowances to them, natives of the Galanchozh District have expressed concern that the necessary infrastructure would not be fully built.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Chechen authorities announced plans to restore the Galanchozh District in late 2018. The head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, promised to create "conditions for living, leisure and attraction of tourists" in the territories bordering on Ingushetia and announced the Year of the Galanchozh District in the republic.

Today, a source from the office of the head and government of Chechnya told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the main stage of restoration works has been launched in the Galanchozh District of Chechnya bordering on Ingushetia. "The road works in the district as a whole have been completed; the main construction phase now begins, including the construction of social facilities in the villages and housing for those who want to return – 80 private houses, and laying down the gas and electricity lines," the source has explained.

Local residents told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the people willing to return to their ancestral lands in the Galanchozh District are attracted by the prospect of getting free housing and the installation allowances from the authorities.

"The administration compiled lists of natives from the district, and asked who wanted to resettle there. They promised to build houses and pay a million roubles to those who would be engaged in farming, cattle raising and growing crops. In general, it's rather tempting. However, so far, we are about 40 people here, willing to move to Galanchozh," said Adam, a resident of the Sunzha District of Chechnya.

"The main point is to make these promises come true, and it didn't turn out like in the Vedeno District. They built houses there 11 years ago for people who want to return to their home villages, but connect power and gas only now. My good friend got a house there; but now they demand from him and others to move there for permanent residence. Either return the money, or give the house to someone else. I am afraid that the same would happen with us too," said Aindi, a resident of Grozny.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 1, 2019 at 09:41 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.