If the Paton Bridge collapses: how the Left Bank of Kyiv would cope.
Vitaliy Klitschko, Kyiv City State Administration - KSCA, we need a dialogue!
For several days now, the left bank has been paralyzed. In the morning, even though there was no alarm in the city, the bridges were closed. Half of the city was cut off. My child and other schoolchildren were stuck in a bus for an hour in a traffic jam right before the bridge. Yesterday, due to an enemy attack, the situation was even worse. This happens every day. Where are your solutions?
We, the residents of the left bank, have no way to travel to the right bank for errands, nor can we even reach a hospital or any place on our side. Residents of Boryspil, Brovary, and the surrounding areas are also cut off; they can't even enter the city due to the traffic jam. Not to mention the people in the metro. It's just hell.
I understand that war, martial law, and security are important matters. I realize that some things are technically impossible and that there is a likelihood that the closed bridges are necessary and cannot be changed. But I would like to hear at least something. Even better — to see and feel actions that will help the city. A new bridge of any kind? A ring road? Or honest communication: "Things are bad, we need to defend ourselves. Bridges will be closed. That's it. Adapt, relocate. This cannot be changed." Because right now there is nothing. A vacuum, a lot, very many problems, and constant silence on uncomfortable issues. We write petitions, we send letters too. There is zero reaction. Democratic processes in this city, unfortunately, are weak.
So let's at least have a dialogue?
Question 1
Why are the bridges closed even when there is no alarm? Do you plan to change this in any way, or will it remain like this throughout the war?
Question 2
Why is half the city traveling on the Southern Bridge despite the bans? I have witnessed a couple of times how "Uklon" taxi drivers with "passes" freely transported people. I've heard stories from acquaintances who travel there. I see endless streams every morning. It looks like the system has failed. It needs to be updated and made fair. Or open the bridge.
Question 3
The left bank is actively being built up. Where is the solution for the transportation interchange? A ring road? Additional bridges? Illegal constructions are increasing, and there is no infrastructure for people. Stolitsa Group and Molchanova, despite violations, are demolishing the eco-park and constructing dozens of houses. This is not stopping. What are you doing to somehow structure the construction? Where is the general plan for the city?
Question 4
What about the Paton Bridge, which stands on good faith? If it collapses, and it is close to that, the city will be completely paralyzed. Where are any strategic decisions?
Dialogue. We really need a dialogue!
The author expresses a personal opinion that may not reflect the position of the editorial team. The author is responsible for the published data in the "Opinions" section.