MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) – Minsk must not be overcrowded. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with top officials and executives of the city of Minsk on 7 July, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted: “We should pay close attention to the city as a whole. The city should be an example of life in all aspects. For now there are nearly 200,000 families in need of better housing in the city.”
He stated that instructions had been given to prevent the city's population from exceeding 2 million people. It is necessary to avoid repeating the negative experience of large population centers.
“This is why we must not allow overcrowding in Minsk no matter what. People often approach me with requests (I very strictly control the usage of agricultural lands). Not one step beyond the first ring road! Minsk should stay inside the first ring road. Don't even think I will agree to overcrowding in green zones,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “If someone thinks we will start reducing parks and green zones in order to build houses in those areas, it won't happen. It is people's legacy.”
“The fact that we haven't overpopulated Minsk is our greatest legacy. We should very carefully approach the matter. We must not overcrowd the city. We have sufficient land to spare for construction, including the construction of residential buildings,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
The head of state noted that the development of satellite towns and transport links with them will continue while real estate development in the capital city has to be curtailed.
“We should take a serious look at Minsk. We may have to return to the idea of the general development plan, finally approve it, and present it to Minsk residents so that they could understand how we will proceed within the next five years,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
