GOMEL, 15 September (BelTA) – The necessary accommodations will be made available to the pilgrims who remain in the no man's land between Belarus and Ukraine, BelTA learned from Gomel Oblast Governor Gennady Solovei.
According to the source, public organizations of the region have stepped forward and provided some amenities for the citizens, who would like to cross the border into Ukraine. The oblast administration decided to help the pilgrims. “We are deploying modules and tents. It has been decided to bring more food. We will be able to provide about 900 people with food,” the governor said. He assured that clear plans for work in the next few days had been made.
The governor arrived at the location and examined the situation in person. He talked to pilgrims, representatives of the Belarusian Red Cross and the State Border Committee. Gennady Solovei wanted to find out how many people had gathered there, how many kids, and whether there were people in need of medical assistance.
It is necessary to create proper accommodations, primarily for the kids. Four buses will arrive at the location soon where women with kids will be able to spend the night. It is also necessary to create proper sanitary conditions, the governor noted. Instructions have been given to deliver portable toilets to the location. “We will create basic conditions for the people. The rest is up to the Ukrainian side, which decisions will determine further advance of the pilgrims,” the official said.
He noted that philanthropists had decided to pitch in, including agricultural enterprises, meat and dairy industry companies, state enterprises.
Red Cross volunteers also help the pilgrims. Chairwoman of the Gomel Oblast organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Alla Smolyak stressed that there are more than 130 kids among the pilgrims. They will be provided with overnight accommodations and meals.
Gomel Oblast rescue workers have deployed three modules and one tent in the no man's land. Resources from all over Gomel Oblast are being mobilized right now.
A mobile kitchen trailer is expected to arrive.
According to the current information, about 400 more pilgrims are now in Gomel. More pilgrims may come from other regions as well.
Drivers of semi trucks are also in need of proper accommodations. At present about 200 trucks are queuing in the no man's land and the area near the border. Specialists say that the drivers, who have not crossed the Belarusian border yet, will be able to try and cross the border in other border checkpoints.
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko keeps an eye on the situation.
