Russian villagers with German roots are about to see work begin on an unmade road after writing to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to appeal for help because the local authorities were not doing anything.

Residents from the village of Verkhny Karbush in the southern Russian region of Omsk Oblast wrote to the German chancellor about the poor condition of Karbysheva Street.

Claiming that the local authorities are not addressing the problem, villager sent two letters and a video appeal to Merkel in the hope that she could lend her support.

In the video message, residents explained that the village was formed in the early 19th century by ethnic Germans and the local population has German roots.

They wrote: “Our government sadly did not hear us, so we’re asking you for help. There are a lot of people here who have German roots.”

They said that they have been ignored by numerous “bureaucratic offices” since 2008, and even by the Russian government.

However, despite their numerous appeals, the road went unmade and villagers had no choice but to turn to foreign help.

According to The Moscow Times, local deputy Irina Drozdova subsequently received a letter from Merkel’s office.

The letter said: “I understand that you’re very dissatisfied with the state of the main street in your native village.

“I ask you to understand that the Chancellor cannot take decisive action in this situation at your request. We’re very sorry we can’t help you in any way.”

Although the inhabitants received a negative response from the German chancellor’s office, they managed to bring the matter to the attention of the regional authorities.

The deputy governor of Omsk Oblast said: “The Ministry of Construction had considered the topic of repairing the street in Verkhny Karbush long before residents contacted the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. We met and discussed this issue with deputies of all levels and the head of the Troitsky settlement.”

As a result, the local authorities said they will promptly revaluate the project and costs involved and promised to start work by 2022.

Irina Drozdova added that if the road does eventually get built, “it will be exclusively down to Merkel.”