To mark the 30th anniversary of the Sakhalin-2 project, Sakhalin Energy took the initiative to improve the area around the Prigorodnoye production complex.
Next year, a landscaped public garden will be created and an artwork called “Father Sakhalin” will be installed. Sakhalin Oblast Governor Valery Limarenko attended the official ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the future public place.
“In my opinion, this is a landmark event. After all, offshore development requires not only platforms and economic mechanisms, but also conditions for people to live comfortably. Imagine living in a well-maintained neighbourhood, in an apartment with a clean entrance decorated with flowers and paintings. You go out into the courtyard with benches, where there is enough space for a playground, greenery and flowers, where it feels comfortable. And as you walk down the street, there are public areas and parks. We are currently holding a major forum called “Oil and Gas of Sakhalin” to discuss the future energy development of the island. Technology parks are being built. We have launched the first phase of the oil and gas industrial park. New services are emerging to replace foreign ones. We are doing everything to attract highly qualified specialists in science and culture, and to encourage our children to stay and work here,” says Valery Limarenko.
The 30-year history of the Sakhalin-2 project is inextricably linked with the Korsakov district. It was in 2009 that the ceremony for the launch of Russia's first LNG plant took place. Since its launch, the plant has become one of the district's most recognisable landmarks. To mark the Project's anniversary, Sakhalin Energy initiated the construction and improvement of the public area.
“Thank you for supporting our initiative. I would like to emphasise that whenever Gazprom is involved, the issue of social and economic development and the welfare of the population is always a priority. We are very determined to continue this unified policy. The art object that will appear here represents elements of our historical memory: We do not forget the indigenous minorities of the North and remember our strong leaders and specialists who were at the origin of the energy industry of Sakhalin. There is no present without history, and there will be no future without the present, and we need to maintain this link between times,” sums up Roman Dashkov, CEO of Sakhalin Energy.
“Together with the Governor of Sakhalin Oblast, we are working hard to improve the landscape of our localities and public recreational areas. It should be noted that this coastline near the LNG plant is a popular place for Korsakov residents and guests of our district. And, of course, the availability of such a landscaped area here will complete the overall picture and make the district even more beautiful and pleasant. We are also working to make the coast more comfortable for people. This year we have installed showers, changing rooms, public toilets and catering facilities. Next year it will be possible to rent umbrellas and sunbeds. All in all, it will be a decent, fenced-in area,” adds Alexander Ivashov, the mayor of the Korsakov district.
The artwork “Father Sakhalin”, a collective image of the indigenous people of the island, will be the centrepiece of the public garden. The authors of the sculpture were inspired by local history and mythology, as well as the cultural heritage of Sakhalin's indigenous peoples.
“Sakhalin is now one of the leading regions in securing the rights and legitimate interests of indigenous minorities,” said Alexei Limanzo during the ceremony. “We are proud of Sakhalin Energy's long-standing support in this area. It is a truly fruitful cooperation. I would like to express my gratitude to all the initiators of the project to improve the area around the LNG plant. Now this place will acquire a unique identity and become a point of attraction for residents and guests of the neighbourhood.”
4 October 2024