Ruminations on Russia

As this article from the Independent points out the architect for this collapsed building was the same as for the Transvaal tragedy. Transvaal was a middle-class entertainment center; the market will haven been staffed by Azerbaijaniis, Georgians and Armenians. PGS in Militsia terminology (translations via email only please). The word on the street is that he is "in-house" for Luzhkov's wife, Yelena Baturina. So unless someone decides that something should be done the victims will remain just that.

In my decade of living in Russia I have witnessed some truly appalling building standards. And this in a city that is only just not a swamp; ground movement is common. There are a bunch more of these disasters to follow. Let's just hope that it is not a 50 story block of flats that falls down due to "cut" cement etc.

With thanks to Wikipedia for all the links.....

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