Lukashenko pledges to oversee Minsk’s improvement progress

The head of state stressed the importance of landscaping Minsk during the Year of Improvement. "How things are in Minsk will reflect on the rest of the country. Vladimir Yevgenyevich [Kukharev], this doesn't mean we just need to sweep the streets or plant trees. It is important that every square meter in Minsk is utilized efficiently and that specific individuals, enterprises and organizations bear responsibility for this," the president instructed.  

For example, an educational institution was put in charge of the improvement of Victory Park in Minsk. The head of the institution is responsible for this task. "The same applies to enterprises. I have mentioned this many times. You need to determine the area that each enterprise will be responsible for, and they should keep the area neat and tidy," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state explained that keeping the city tidy is not merely about aesthetics but about people's health. "What will happen if we, for example, do not collect leaves ? Everything will rot, and the decay, along with all the accumulated infections, would be inhaled by people. We are concerned about people's health. Therefore, it is important to keep not only one's home but also all public spaces neat and tidy. Every piece of land must be someone’s responsibility," the president emphasized.
 
This requirement also applies to residential areas. "The inner y must be landscaped and well-maintained, including courtyards. Set tasks for heads of the district administrations. They must see to it that this requirement is fulfilled strictly because if a person falls ill, we treat them for free, spending huge amounts of money. So let's start here," Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

As for the appearance of buildings, the president tasked organizations occupying the ground floors to maintain the facades in proper condition. "There are commercial structures or state enterprises on the ground floors of almost every building. We once agreed: the facade is their responsibility. We are no longer burdening them with helping residents repair interiors or balconies. Let them take care of the facades at their own expense. If anyone needs help, they can apply to the city authorities," the head of state said.

"All these issues must be addressed to make Minsk even more beautiful and attractive. Then other cities will follow suit and use Minsk as a model," the president pointed out.

He also cited the improvement of the area around the Svisloch River as an example. During the national clean-up day, the head of state participated in the landscaping of the People's Unity Park and planted an alley of 80 trees there. "This place will be beautiful over time. Everything around it should be beautiful. The river banks must be well-groomed so that people can come and relax," Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.

"Appropriate decisions and measures regarding improvement must be taken, and they must be implemented. I want to take this opportunity to warn everyone that we will take very serious control over improvement in the country," the head of state emphasized. "We align our words with actions. We have declared this year as the Year of Improvement, and this is not empty words. Everything must be well-kempt: roads, buildings, surrounding areas, enterprises... Dilapidated things must be demolished. If we need anything new, we must build it." The president expressed readiness to provide financial support to Minsk if necessary: "If the city lacks some money (preferably a small amount), we can lend it and you will repay it next year."