Opinions & Interviews

Rusy highlights transformation of Pripyat Polesie

GOMEL, 11 August (BelTA) - Pripyat Polesie has changed beyond recognition, Mikhail Rusy, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Legislation and State Administration of the Council of the Republic, told the media during a visit to Petrikov District, BelTA has learned.

As coordinator of the development program for the Pripyat Polesie regions for 2025-2030, Mikhail Rusy heard a report from Chairman of the Petrikov District Executive Committee Yevgeny Shkrobot on the implementation of the measures outlined in the program. Following the discussion, the sides agreed on a set of measures to help the district meet the target indicators set by the government.

Mikhail Rusy noted that the second development program for Pripyat Polesie is now being actively implemented. “The head of state visited this region in the early years of his presidency, and even then it left a deep impression on him. He noted its tourism and natural assets. Surely, what impressed him most were the people and their mentality. After visiting several districts, a decision was made to adopt a well-designed development program to ensure exemplary order in these areas. In 2010, the first decree was signed, determining the development priorities and pace for six districts in Pripyat Polesie, three from Gomel Oblast and three from Brest Oblast,” he said.

A great deal was accomplished during that five-year period, Mikhail Rusy stressed. “This region has changed beyond recognition: major industrial enterprises were built, dozens of dairy farms were constructed, Polesie was fully supplied with gas, road networks were laid, and attention was paid to healthcare and the social sector, while its tourism potential was brought into focus. And people are grateful for this,” he said.

In particular, the Gomel Oblast districts saw significant growth in their key social and economic indicators during that period. “Revenue increased sevenfold, export potential grew 5.5 times, and more than 1,500 new jobs were created. Most importantly, these regions now have more settlements with populations of over 1,000 people than other areas. People felt the attention and support and stayed in their native places,” he said, citing examples.

“Later, the head of state decided to give another impetus to the development of Polesie. The aim was to consolidate all efforts and resources so that results could be seen immediately, rather than stretching construction projects out over years. The president stressed that facilities should be opened every year so that people could see and understand that the program was working. Extensive land reclamation is under way, land management is being improved and healthcare facilities are being built,” Mikhail Rusy said. “For example, in Lelchytsy District, the health and recreation center, sports grounds, and leisure center have been renovated. In David-Gorodok, the 180-bed hospital was preserved and brought into order literally within a year. Gantsevici has also been included in the new program: a swimming pool will be commissioned soon, and renovations of the district hospital have begun. People are very happy and feel the support. Reconstruction has also begun at the district central hospital in Zhitkovichi and at the city hospital in Pinsk, which will be brought into excellent condition in 2026-2027. All these matters are under control,” he said. According to Mikhail Rusy, the development programs have created conditions for a decent quality of life in these areas. “Now it is important to give the people of Polesie an opportunity to earn money. The economy of these regions is also important,” he added.