Although a garage construction cooperative (GCC) is an organisation of sorts, it is precisely the lack of organisation that it typically suffers from. Once united in a cooperative, owners, having obtained their coveted parking space and completed construction, do not trouble themselves much with the ongoing life of the cooperative.

However, for some reason, they do not forget to complain about rubbish and poor roads…

All of this (both rubbish and poor roads) is indeed present within the territory of any GCC. Make no mistake. The question is usually framed as: in what quantities is it present, and what is being done to rectify the situation.

— There are 17 garage construction cooperatives registered in our district, but far from all of them function as they should, i.e., no signs of cleaning are visible, timely waste removal apparently also does not concern anyone. Nor do the dilapidated structures on the territory. It is not entirely clear why people treat common matters in this way, — says Anna Malashenko, an inspector from the Department of Architecture and Construction, Housing and Communal Services. — We have repeatedly heard discussions that cooperatives simply lack funds for improvement because membership fees are not collected. This is a more than strange position. To change something, one needs to work with the cooperative members, not lament. The problem can only be solved together. But we see that the results of work are far from obvious precisely in garage cooperatives. People are insufficiently motivated and educated to care for the improvement of common areas. Many chairpersons in cooperatives work on a voluntary basis, not fully fulfilling their duties.

In general, life proves once again that everything ultimately depends on the individual. If a person is a good householder in their own home, then they will also maintain order at work, at their dacha, and in their garage. However, one cannot blame only the negligent cooperative members: that way, work will not progress. It is necessary to make it clear to the uncomprehending garage owners that along with the garage, a share of responsibility is acquired, and that all cooperative activities are carried out solely at the expense of membership fees from garage owners. Every garage cooperative is obliged to monitor the improvement of its territory and the territory adjacent to the cooperative. In case of non-compliance with norms and rules, the cooperative bears full responsibility as a legal entity.

— The chairman of a garage construction cooperative is an official. Therefore, he is responsible for the external appearance of the garage construction cooperative. It is another matter that we do not set ourselves the goal of punishing. Our specialists work according to the following scheme: they identify shortcomings in the landscaping plan, give recommendations with clear deadlines for eliminating the "minus points", and re-inspect the territory. If there are no positive results, a fine is imposed. And this fine, by the way, can be significant – up to 25 base amounts. This amount, naturally, will be divided among all members of the cooperative: common territory – common responsibility.