Elbrus villagers oppose construction of facilities by "Resorts of Northern Caucasus"

In Kabardino-Balkaria, residents of the village of Elbrus are afraid that the construction of modern hotels and other facilities by the "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" Company will lead to bankruptcies of their small businesses. The head of the Elbrus village associates the villagers' concerns with the lack of information about the Company's plans for the development of the Elbrus Region.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in September 2012, the "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" Joint-Stock Company (JSC) and the leaders of Kabardino-Balkaria signed an agreement on the development of the "Elbrus" resort. The parties agreed on the creation of infrastructure facilities in the resort, as well as on the unified management of them.

According to Magomed Sogaev, the head of the Elbrus village, public hearings on the project have been postponed. However, according to his version, the Company has not yet submitted a presentation of its project for the development of the resort. So, Magomed Sogaev and members of the village council are not aware of what and where the investor plans to construct.

Residents of the Elbrus village have expressed their concerns that the "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" Company will build its modern facilities, while the small hotels, cafes, and rental points built by the villagers will be demolished or will become uncompetitive.

Mount Elbrus, a pearl of the Elbrus Region, located in Kabardino-Balkaria, is the highest peak of Europe and Russia. It attracts tourists from all over the world.

Mukhazhir Zhashuev, a resident of the Elbrus village, has voiced the opinion that the local residents will unlikely be employed at the facilities to be constructed by the "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" Company.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.