The project has been discussed at a meeting between the Grodno city leadership and the administrations of six Lithuanian cities. The Lithuanian partners are keen on organising an international waterway via the River Nieman, with the aim of promoting trans-border tourism. In future, we could enjoy a water connection to Poland via the Avgustovsky Canal, at a cost of about 6 million Euros.
Belarus plans to launch a checkpoint to service the route, and must deepen 18km of the navigating channel, on the Lithuanian side; the river from Grodno to the Lithuanian border is deep enough already. Moreover, passenger vessels are to be purchased.
Another meeting is planned for May, including the signing of a memorandum. Funds will be sought as part of international technical aid, which those taking part in construction invited by tender.
By Yelena Stasova
