OREANDA-NEWS. March 31, 2011. Important areas of reform of housing are improving governance and creating a competitive market environment in housing and communal services. This was announced by the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine Viktor Tykhonov, opening the international conference "Development of condominium associations (condominiums) in the context of reform of housing and communal services in Ukraine", which was held today in Kyiv. The key factor in achieving positive results of reform Viktor Tykhonov called formation of effective ownership housing - condominium associations (condominiums).

"As the positive experience of European countries shows the establishment of such associations fully provides the house residents to implement their property rights and gives them the opportunity to actually influence the efficiency of maintenance and servicing of housing, and generally the quality of housing and communal services. We consider condominium creation as necessary step in reforming the housing sector. Also, note that no one will care about keeping housing in good condition as its real owner", the official said.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, legal and organizational basis for the establishment and operation of condominiums have already been formed. However, he recognizes that the creation of condominiums is hampered by lack of interest in creation of such associations by local authorities, inadequate technical condition of housing, lack of awareness about the benefits of condominiums.

"I want to emphasize that the implementation of our plans and the goal achievement requires joint action of the Government, Parliament, central and local executive bodies, local authorities, international organizations and civil society", Viktor Tykhonov said.

The official also said that from today the National Press Club on local development and reform of housing is launched. Its task is to inform the public about the main directions and content of reforms.