MINSK, 3 October (BelTA) – Housing improvement will always be one of Belarus' social policy priorities, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the session to discuss a new wording of the Housing Code and the improvement of legislation concerning the number of abandoned and shabby houses on 3 October, BelTA has learned.
“We should create all conditions and mechanisms to help people with housing improvement. This aspect is the main priority of Belarus' social policy. I think that it will be a priority forever,” the head of state said.
The president remarked that the topic discussed at the today's session is important as it touches upon the interests of virtually all people in our country, including those who have housing. “The resolution of a housing issue is one of the major indicators of social development. Housing is more than just a roof over the head. It is a place where people coming from work can relax, stay with their families in a comfortable atmosphere. Bringing up children is the main thing,” the Belarusian leader said.
He asked the participants of the session about the necessity of proposed amendments. “First, why do we need it? Is this the right time? Does anything impede the operation of old legal acts regulating these relations? Do we need to amend the Housing Code today and prepare a new wording? These are the main questions for us,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
In everyday life people have to handle issues with housing improvement waiting lists, acquisition and dispossession of housing, payment for utility services, management of the housing stock. They are regulated by the Housing Code. “When passing this Code five years ago, we set a task to consider all aspects and round off all rough corners in housing relations taking into account the application of the law,” the head of state said.
Speaking about the new wording of the Housing Code, the president wondered if the new document will ensure consistency and integrity in the regulation of housing relations. “Can we have a situation when people will have to use various sources of law to solve their problems? Will we manage to prepare a single document which will give answers to all questions of people? Lawyers often prepare a law or a legal act and then supply it with half a million of related documents. As a result, there are too many references in the main law. This is inadmissible,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.
The participants of the session also discussed what problems will be regulated by the draft law, possible simplification of administrative procedures in the housing sector.
“What is the progress in setting up a rented housing stock? Can it satisfy the demand of people in need of housing improvement? Does the government have any proposals regarding the development of this crucial sector?” the head of state asked.
Alexander Lukashenko also wanted to know about the technical condition of the housing stock in the country, additional me areas which should be taken for its maintenance and improvement.
