OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2010. In 2010 the Government provides for financing of Chornobyl programs of 797 565 000 UAH. That is by 37% more than last year. Minister of Emergency Situations Nestor Shufrych said this during a briefing at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

"37% increase in funding during crisis is a significant contribution of the Government to solving Chornobyl issues. And that demonstrates understanding of the need to complete as quickly as possible and efficiently those processes disturbing a significant part of our population", stressed the Minister.

First of all, the funding is necessary for programs supporting safe condition of power units at the "Shelter" object of Chernobyl NPP and environmentally safe condition in the zone of exclusion and mandatory resettlement.

Nestor Shufrych has said that effective talks are currently held with donor countries and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, therefore, all work projects will be completed within this year. This will start work on all major projects.

The Minister also said that from June 1 the financial aid for Ukrainian rescue workers will be substantially increased. In particular, it is planed to increase salaries for privates and sergeants by 400-450 UAH as well as for CWOs and WOs by 250 UAH. Nestor Shufrych said: "It is abnormal that within three years, taking into account inflation, the fall of exchange rate almost by 70%, no one has paid attention to the financial aid for those who day by day jeopardize their own lives".