SLAVGOROD, 27 April (BelTA) – Time has shown that the decision to rehabilitate the Chernobyl-affected areas was the right one, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said when talking to residents of the town of Slavgorod and Slavgorod District, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that 26 April is the tragic day for the Belarusian people. "The Chernobyl disaster occurred through no fault of ours. We did not build that plant. Neither did we operate it. But it happened so that it was us who had to build a new life in the affected areas after the Chernobyl accident,” Alexander Lukashenko underlined. He recalled the difficult period immediately after the Chernobyl disaster when people with their families were driven away from their homes. It was a very difficult period in the life of the Belarusian people.
The President noted that about 15 years ago, he took a decision to rehabilitate the affected territories. Over the years, it became clear that it was the right decision. It is confirmed by the fact that the birthrate in Slavgorod District, which was hit by the Chernobyl disaster, is now higher than in the entire Mogilev Oblast. New families are created, children are born, which means life goes on.
The country pays great attention to the demographic situation. No matter how hard it was, the state supported and will continue to support large families, the head of state underlined. "I thank you that 15 years ago you heard me, that you continue living in your native land, have children, work," he said.
"So we have done wisely having saved the land," said the President.
He explained that the purpose of his visit to Mogilev Oblast, and Slavgorod District in particular, is to meet with people, talk to them, to see how they live, and learn about their concerns.
SLAVGOROD DISTRICT, 27 April (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko laid flowers at the monument in the Alley of Memory of Abandoned Villages, BelTA has learned.
The President talked to the Chernobyl accident clean-up workers. He stressed the need to support this category of people. Alexander Lukashenko drew particular attention to the need for further development of the Chernobyl-affected regions.
On this sad day of 26 April when the accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the President of Belarus traditionally visits the affected regions, talks to people, gets acquainted with the work of local enterprises. This year was no exception. The head of state visited Mogilev Oblast, and Slavgorod District in particular
In 2014 Slavgorod District was allocated Br24.1 billion on the social and economic development from the national budget under the state program to mitigate the impact of the catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. These funds were used to build over 38km of gas pipelines and to extend gas supply networks to 21 residential houses. In addition, more than 1,300 children received free health improvement and sanatorium treatment under the state program last year.