Opinions & Interviews

MINSK DISTRICT, 15 November (BelTA) - Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko demands that Minsk and Minsk Oblast authorities pursue a well-thought-out policy aimed at the improvement of the appearance of the Belarusian capital and its outskirts. The President made the statement when visiting a transport and logistics center in Minsk District on 15 November, BelTA has learnt.

“A reasonable approach should be developed when shaping the appearance of the city and its outskirts,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the number of those who would like to receive land plots for construction purposes has been recently on the rise. “We should use the land which is still free, especially in the city. It does not mean that we should build a nine-storied house in someone’s backyard because it will infuriate people. We have many empty land plots inside the ring road,” Alexander Lukashenko added.

The head of state suggested using parcels of land located under power lines. “If there are investors and if they are satisfied with the lands under power lines let them buy it. Let them move these power lines closer to the road where nothing more will be built and let them put this land into operation,” the President said.

The same goes for other parcels of land which, after a clean-up, may be used for construction, too. “There are enough people who are eager to take these pieces of land and clean them up,” the Belarusian head of state is convinced.

Alexander Lukashenko reiterated his invariable demand that agricultural lands may not be used for construction: “Agricultural lands cannot be used for these purposes. It is better to free a bit of land from forest than to take up agricultural land.”

The head of state gave an instruction to put in order lands in the city and its outskirts. He stressed the importance of building multi-storey car parks near the ring road and creating a uniform appearance of markets and other sales areas. Alexander Lukashenko also asked to take into account aesthetic aspects when it comes to placing advertisements.