Lukashenko outlined problems accompanying land reclamation
At the Republican seminar-meeting on restoration and use of reclaimed lands, the President pointed out the existing problems and shortcomings in the field of land reclamation, also mentioning the repeating facts of mismanagement
Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined the key points, “First of all, twenty districts of the country have closed their organisations responsible for land reclamation (5 districts in the Vitebsk Region, 8 – in the Grodno Region, 7 – in the Mogilev Region). Naturally, there has been an outflow of employees, especially of working specialties. Over six years, the number of employees has decreased by 3,500 people, or almost 30 percent. We will not do anything without people.”
The Head of State instructed to determine the optimal number of complexes for each district in accordance with the volume of planned reclamation works. Meanwhile, equipment manufacturers are expected to help with training of the necessary personnel.
The President was outraged by the fact that, based on the results of the inspection, the enterprises of reclamation systems in the Novogrudok, Slonim and Smorgon districts could not use the equipment for six months due to the lack of machine operators.
Another problem that Aleksandr Lukashenko focused on is a high level of wear and tear of reclamation equipment. “There are facts of downtime for a year and a half due to repair work. It is even difficult to image. The most acute situation is observed in the Vitebsk and Mogilev regions,” he said.
The Head of State instructed to conduct an audit of all machinery, “The State Control [Committee] will then inspect. [Agricultural company] heads should explain why this expensive equipment remains unused near a fence. We will make everyone mobilise, and everyone will have to give an answer. This equipment needs to be restored (not for free) and, of course, we will buy new equipment as well.”
Another problem concerns the decline in the quality of work, but – according to Aleksandr Lukashenko – this seems natural against the background of such an attitude to the situation. Unsightly examples continue to be revealed in absolutely all regions of the country.
“Meanwhile, all outrages are topped by the disgusting use of reclaimed lands after their reconstruction,” the Head of State stressed. “For example, 60 hectares of land have again overgrown after reconstruction in two farms of the Postavy District. In the Klichev District, 30 hectares of land were reclaimed and then abandoned, in the Klimovichi District – 25 hectares, and in the Novogrudok District – 6 hectares. There are actually many more such abandoned [lands]!”
The President also drew attention to false records when performing work. “According to the State Control Committee, false records brought Br36,500 to organisations in the Ostrovets District, Br22,000 – in the Kobrin District, almost Br25,000 – in the Oktyabrsky District. Such lawlessness is unacceptable. Not only plans are not fulfilled and lands are not used, but false records are used to later cover such mismanagement. If someone has stayed too long and is too blind to see the conditions we live in now (wartime), then believe me, I have enough power to bring everyone to their senses – both in the Government and in the regional executive committees. I am not threatening you but the situation is such that people rarely understand good words and the tasks set in a calm manner,” the Head of State added.
