President Dmitry Medvedev, who arrived in Mari-El on a working visit Monday, has visited the village of Maly Shaplak.  About this informed Itar-Tass.

Raisiya Chernyakova, a village elder, and Dail Shagiakhmetov, head of the Medvedevsky municipal territory, welcomed the president. «It is the right name," Medvedev said, referring to the name Medevedevsky district, (which resembles his own name). In reply, the village folk said they are doing their best to live up to the high standards and bear the name with pride.

Measures for prevention of wildfires in the region were the first question put by the president. Local residents organized fire-prevention duty shifts when the fire situation worsened. Besides, the local population maintains ponds intended for fire extinguishing in proper condition, the president was told.

The people thanked the president for the implementation of a housing program concerning all local veterans. The president was also informed about large vegetable crops, much fruit and good fodder harvest this year, which made up 80 percent of last year's level.

The president was speaking to the population on the field belonging to the Shoibulaksky farm. The farm was on the verge of bankruptcy in the mid-2000s, but thanks to the state support the farm survived and has been successfully developing now, said Chief of the Shoibulaksky Company Magomed Tsimpayev.

 The people thanked Medvedev for the implementation of a gas supply program, which ensured gas supply to the village three years ago, but expressed concern over the absence of a water pipeline. Mari-El Governor Leonid Markelov has promised that the water pipeline would be built by New Year's Eve.

 "The president’s visit has proved useful to establish full order in one village at least," Medvedev joked. He thanked the local residents for hospitality and wished them success.

 In return, Medvedev was invited to visit the village next year to celebrate Day of the Village together with the local population.