Revival build a chain of roads,” commented Mr. Lukashenko, adding that benefits have been preserved for those citizens who have been most affected by the nuclear power plant disaster. In fact, all the money so far allocated as benefits remains within the affected territories — existing as investments into projects. Revival of contaminated lands continues and, according to the Belarusian Emergency Ministry’s D ep ar t ment for L iquid at ion of Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Disaster, a five-year state programme has been launched in 2011; its budget stands at around $2.3bln. By 2015, 21,000 houses and flats will be connected to gas lines, while 42 artesian water wells will be built or reconstructed, in addition to 44 de-ironisation stations for water and 271km of water pipes. In total, 1,314km of roads and streets are to be asphalted, with 61,500sq.m of social accommodation built. The state continues to give targeted financial and non-material assistance to all those residing in the affected territories. The Department for Liquidation of Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Disaster notes that young graduates of higher educational establishments who choose to work in such territories receive a bonus on their salary. Meanwhile, young people from these territories are given preference on entering university (on condition of having equal points) and are given priority for hostel accommodation. Those people who are now disabled due to the Chernobyl catastrophe also receive benefits. Belarusians who worked within 10km of the station (when the disaster occurred) can retire 10 years earlier while those working within 30km are permitted to retire 5 years earlier.
Reviving agriculture and industry
While developing the social infrastructure of the affected territories, the state is simultaneously stimulating their economic development and the revival of industry. Previously neglected agricul-
tural lands are gradually returning to use (excluding those situated within 30km of the station). The process continues; last year, Gomel Region’s Mozyr and Svetlogorsk districts were farmed once again. The Agriculture and Food Minister, Mikhail Rusy, stresses that these decisions were taken after strict radiation assessments, while products grown on the Chernobyl territories are carefully monitored. Special technologies and fodder enable farmers to produce ‘clean’ milk and meat. According to the First Deputy Head of the Department for Liquidation of Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Disaster, Anatoly Zagorsky, permitted levels of radioactivity in the Republic are the strictest in Europe. Industry is also reviving, alongside farming. Mr. Lukashenko visited the Narovlya Plant of Hydro-Machinery (a subsidiary of Minsk Tractor Plant specialising in the manufacture of filter elements for agricultural machinery hydro-systems and high pressure hoses). Several years ago, it
the Chernobyl catastrophe — does not look depressed.
Overcoming radiophobia
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl tragedy, the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant has pushed the world to reconsider safety of nuclear energy. Belarus plans to build its own nuclear power plant, so the theme is topical. Speaking to journalists in Narovlya District, the President stressed that our plans won’t change, since Belarus needs such a station. It will be constructed to meet the strictest security standards. The Chernobyl catastrophe shocked the world but nuclear energy continues developing. Over the past twenty five years, over 120 reactors have been built. Mr. Lukashenko spoke of France as an example, where 80 percent of electricity is generated from nuclear power. He recalled the plans of Russia, Poland and the Baltic States to construct their own nuclear facilities, which are to appear close to the Belarusian border. Why
According to Belarus’ National Statistical Committee, 2,401 urbanised areas — inhabited by 1,140,000 (or 12 percent of the country ’s population) — were situated in the area of radioactive contamination in early 2011 was loss making; now, it turns a profit and is responding to market demand in producing special clothing and bed linen. The new sewing factory has created jobs, while increasing the volume of taxes paid in the district. Private business is also developing in Narovlya; Mr. Lukashenko noted that ‘it’s impossible to send private businessmen to contaminated lands by force’. The arrival of business here means that the land offers working and living conditions. Really, Narovlya District — among the most contaminated from
then should Belarus refuse to develop nuclear energy? At present, our electricity generating facilities rely almost one hundred percent on gas supplies. Our own nuclear power plant will cut this dependence by 4.5bln. cubic metres a year (or 20-25 percent) — a significant figure. Apart from nuclear energy, the country also plans to use more actively local fuels such as coal, wood, peat and oil shale. “A nuclear power plant shall be built in Belarus,” stressed Mr. Lukashenko. “It is only a matter of time.” By Vitaly Vasiliev
2011 беларусь.belarus
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