Lukashenko: We must stop outflow of people from regions to Minsk

MINSK, 30 April (BelTA) – During a government conference held in Minsk on 30 April, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko called for an end to the outflow of population from the regions, BelTA has learned.

“We must stop the outflow of people from the regions to Minsk and the regional centers. Stop it once and for all,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We have begun doing certain things, but we talk far too much about it.”

The head of state also drew attention to the large volumes of housing construction in Minsk. “You have been given many instructions to put an end to this rampant housing construction in Minsk,” the president emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the growing volume of housing construction in Minsk ultimately leads to more people relocating from the regions to the capital. Apartments in Minsk are also being purchased by Russian citizens.

“We will not stop [housing construction in Minsk] completely, that’s natural. There is the manufacturing industry here and everything else. So rental housing must be built, but only as much as needed. And the main focus must be shifted to the regions, no matter what it costs us,” the Belarusian leader stated.

The president explained that in some agricultural enterprises, workers are already being transported from district centers: “Soon city dwellers will be the ones milking cows. What, will they come from Minsk? No. They will come primarily from district centers. That is why district centers must be developed.”

Another issue Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted was the development of agro-towns. He noted that they can be developed similarly to district centers, not only by creating housing conditions but also by providing opportunities for leisure and personal development. “We need to shift the center of gravity there. Minsk residents will also be pleased, because Minsk will not become overpopulated. For now it is a beautiful city, wonderful for living. Everyone envies it, there is room to breathe,” the Belarusian leader added.