When living in Russia there are two things you can always count on, terrible roads and incredibly corrupt politicians. The two aren’t simply givens, but they also compliment one another.

The picture above was taken a few months ago, showing a reasonble sidewalk. Maybe Americans would think this sidewalk needs work, but Russians find it perfect. About three weeks ago, someone decided to rip the entire thing up, pour fresh sand and gravel, beat new base down with instruments then they left. For three weeks nothing was done.

Several days ago when rain started, builders decided they must fix in a hurry. They returned and in only a few hours they finished. Then left. Below is result.

If you are not Russian you will think that this can not be. How can someone just rip up a perfectly good sidewalk and replace it with shit? If you are Russian, you understand. Let me explain.

What happens is this … one rich man knows one politician. The rich man needs more money so he tells the politician that he can fix a road somewhere for a very high price, but he will give the politician a nice cut upfront. The politician agrees, awards the rich man the contract, and is happy. The rich man receives the money for the contract and no longer wants to work, he has money in his pocket. The politician also has money in pocket, so he too doesn’t care. This shit is the result. People are powerless.

Here is the original post. Also, the rest of the images from the newly built sidewalk. Only in Russia!