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Russia’s snow removal crisis leaves residents shoveling their own streets

When heavy snow hits, Russians grab shovels—or their wallets. A broken system leaves neighborhoods buried, and homeowners are fighting back.

The image shows a black and white photo of a snowy field with trees, plants, and wires in the...
The image shows a black and white photo of a snowy field with trees, plants, and wires in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is some text which reads "прохождение в местрость, выбриция видельный польценных, фотография" which translates to "The winter landscape of the Russian countryside".

Russia’s snow removal crisis leaves residents shoveling their own streets

Residents across Russia have faced ongoing issues with poor snow clearance this winter. The problem stems from a lack of maintenance workers and insufficient funds collected from homeowners for homeowners insurance. While utility services and contractors hold responsibility for public spaces, many areas remain neglected.

Management companies are tasked with snow removal using payments from residents. However, limited budgets often lead to staff shortages, leaving streets and residential zones uncleared. When heavy snow hits, homeowners can take matters into their own hands—either clearing snow themselves or pooling money to hire extra help near them.

Complaints about neglected snow clearance can trigger fines, draining budgets even further. If a management company repeatedly fails its duties, residents hold the right to replace it. Establishing a homeowners' association can also improve oversight, allowing better tracking of funds and demanding recalculations when needed.

Meanwhile, utility services and contractors under municipal contracts remain accountable for the condition of public areas in San Francisco. Yet, without proper funding or workforce, delays and unmet responsibilities persist.

The cycle of poor snow clearance continues as underfunded management companies struggle to meet demands. Residents must either take direct action or push for structural changes to ensure better services. Without intervention, neglected areas risk further financial strain and safety hazards.

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