The infamous housing estate of Chanov on the outskirts of the Czech town of Most has improved its reputation in recent years. The housing estate now features newly-plastered buildings, cleaning crews that shuttle through the grounds, and relative calm.
Unemployment remains extremely high on the estate, but thanks to a breakthrough decision by the Most town hall, sometimes its residents manage to get jobs. The town has made it a condition of its public commissions that whoever makes the winning bid must hire 10 % of their staff for the municipal project from the ranks of the long-term unemployed.
A green stand is now situated in the middle of Chanov with several guys selling basic groceries from it. "Compared to how it used to be, it’s about 99 % changed here," confirms a man whose t-shirt identifies him as a "Crime Prevention Assistant".
The surrounding buildings were repaired by the town during 2011 and 2012. They still look the same as when renovations were completed and have yet to show any signs of wear and tear.
