Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Vladimir Yakushev told journalists at the International Arctic Forum that his ministry would work on relocating residents living in ramshackle housing in the Arctic to other regions.

According to Yakushev, many residents of dilapidated buildings would like to move to interior regions of the country with better conditions. The minister noted that relocating these residents inland would allow a great number of the unemployed to find work opportunities and would help save money on building new houses in the Arctic, which is rather expensive because of the local climate.

"We think that this idea should be supported… The ministry will shortly work on this issue and make relevant amendments to its plans," said Yakushev.

The minister remarked that the Arctic accounts for about 20 percent of the funds earmarked for relocating residents of dilapidated housing nationwide.

The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue 5th International Arctic Forum was held in St. Petersburg on April 9 and 10. The State Commission for the Development of the Arctic convened for a meeting on April 9.