MINSK, 11 March (BelTA) - Housing construction volumes will be reduced in Minsk every year, the development of satellite towns will be in the spotlight, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he received the report of Chairman of the Minsk City Hall Anatoly Sivak on 11 March, BelTA has learned.
The construction industry was in the center of attention at the working meeting. “In the good old days we adopted a concept of future construction and beautification of Minsk. And we agreed to gradually reduce the volume of construction in Minsk, whenever possible, and to build more houses in satellite towns not to repeat the sad fate of such cities as Kiev, St. Petersburg and especially Moscow where labor resources are concentrated in one place. More than 20% of our population lives in Minsk. This figure cannot increase more,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that satellite towns have been determined. But the main things are to arrange good transportation between them and the capital city and to create new jobs.
“You submit a number of proposals regarding the construction of rented housing, including a pilot project for people on waiting lists for housing improvement in Smolevichi. This will be a smart decision. People should realize that we will step up efforts to reduce the volumes of housing construction in Minsk every year after the 2nd European Games. Those who will realize it early will win. About 1,500 or even 2,000 people are now willing to build housing in Smolevichi,” the president said.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, construction prices are an important factor. There was an experiment in Minsk to build housing with reduced profitability of 5%. “The results were great. We should not work with certain swindlers (I cannot call them in a different way) who are trying to rob people,” the Belarusian leader remarked. “I think we need to study this experience.”
“Stop cashing in on our people. This is the priority for the construction industry. We have already tried various methods. If it is comfortable for people, it will be used all over the country, we will go this way,” Alexander Lukashenko added.
The head of state also asked about the progress in the construction of the second runway at Minsk National Airport. Plans have been made to commission it in April or May, Alexander Lukashenko said.
Reliable transportation between Minsk and the airport is an important aspect. “It must be comfortable for people to get to airport not only by car. Not all people have such opportunity. A commuter train should have been launched to the airport. We need to bring this idea to life this year or next year,” the president said.
Alexander Lukashenko asked about the progress in the construction project which is implemented on the territory of the old Minsk airport. “This is a landmark place,” he stressed.
Anatoly Sivak informed the head of state about the operation of the Minsk City Hall in general.
