MINSK, 12 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined his vision for the future development of Minsk as he visited an opening ceremony of the renovated Loshitsa complex, BelTA has learned.
The head of state emphasized Belarus’ deep commitment to preserving and restoring historical sites. He cited the Loshitsa complex as a prime example. “My policy, and therefore yours, is to create and preserve,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We are preserving our cultural heritage, restoring it, building [new facilities], and we will continue to do so.”
The president expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the renovation, construction, and landscaping of the site, wishing for the complex to become a place of attraction for city residents and visitors to the capital, a space for leisure and family time. Everything needed is already in place: landscaped grounds, hotels, restaurants, halls, and venues for various events. Some buildings, however, still await reconstruction, such as the old mill. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes its original function should be preserved and the site should house a working mill. This, he noted, would attract tourists and young people. “If we were to grind grain harvested in Belarus right here and offer that bread to people, I’m convinced that visitors from Russia would come just to buy it,” the president remarked. As an example, he cited the restored bakery in his hometown, Kopys, where high-quality bread is now baked and enjoys strong demand. People come from neighboring towns and settlements to purchase it.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that in the early 1990s, the Loshitsa complex had been abandoned and was at risk of disappearing entirely. It was his decision to preserve and restore the site – a decision that was carried out. Today, the complex includes facilities designed for people of different generations and interests. For example, the restaurants are particularly popular among younger visitors.
The president emphasized that improvement is underway not only across Minsk but throughout the country, and these efforts will continue. “Not only during the current Year of Improvement but in the years ahead, we are determined to put things in order in Minsk, just like here at Loshitsa [complex]. After that, it will be up to you to maintain it. And we’ll do our utmost to ensure you have a place to relax,” he said.
Reflecting on Minsk’s development, Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that he sometimes worries whether he’s making the city “too rural”, referring to the fact that Minsk has fewer features typical of large industrial metropolises and more green spaces and open areas for people. “Some young people might think that we need more glass and concrete buildings. But once these people have children (that happens quickly), they’ll understand the value of having a peaceful place to go with your child,” he remarked.
“I don’t think we should rush to build up Minsk, Vladimir Yevgenyevich [Kukharev, Minsk Mayor], especially in areas where our businessmen are eager to say: ‘Give us this spot, we’ll put up housing here,’ and so on,” the president remarked, addressing Vladimir Kukharev. The head of state emphasized that the policy on housing construction in Minsk has already been defined and will remain unchanged: residential development in the capital is handled by state-owned companies that can reliably complete the work without the manipulations or inflated costs that have occurred in the past with some private developers. Private investors still have opportunities in Minsk, but only if they are willing to take on social responsibilities, introduce cutting-edge technologies, and bring substantial financial resources. The head of state cited the example of the investor currently developing the North Waterfront (Severny Bereg) neighborhood and building an international exhibition center. “Anyone who brings something meaningful to Belarus is welcome,” the president stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed that his approach to Minsk’s future development will remain unchanged: the city must not be overcrowded or dominated by glass and concrete buildings.
“I don’t think people truly enjoy living in glass skyscrapers,” he explained. “This is why I’m holding Minsk back a bit [in terms of population density and construction intensity] to preserve nature. Even if you live in a high-rise, you should be able to come here with your children. We’ll do everything to make sure it’s comfortable for people.”
The president addressed the builders who took part in the reconstruction of the complex, thanking them for their work and, through them, commending the entire construction sector.
“Our builders today are capable of doing everything,” he said. Belarusian construction specialists are in demand abroad, including in Russia, due to their high qualifications and professionalism. “It’s a very good thing that our builders have preserved the Soviet approaches. Belarus used to host training centers for the entire Soviet Union, teaching how to build and where construction was headed. We’ve largely restored and expanded that legacy. It’s a major achievement,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
He noted that the demand for Belarusian specialists is prompting construction company leaders to raise wages in order to retain skilled workers. “But let’s be clear: if you want to earn a lot, you have to work a lot. There’s no other way. No president, no mayor can offer you a different formula,” the head of state remarked.
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