To prepare Polotsk for the Belarusian Written Language Day, additional funds need to be raised
– The work has begun, approaches to solving the tasks have been determined. And now we must fully implement what we have planned: to improve every inch of our native land like true owners who love their region and care for its prosperity, – said Nikolai Shevchuk, Chairman of the Polotsk District Executive Committee, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.
He emphasized that the main problem is the insufficient volume of funding. The authorities see a way out of the situation in attracting additional funds, holding "subbotniks" (voluntary workdays), which will help to put things in order not only in the city but also in all settlements of the district, recreation areas, memorial complexes, and industrial enterprises. By the Day of Written Language, repair work must be carried out in educational, cultural, sports, and tourism institutions, and facilities of republican and regional ownership must be brought into proper condition.
Alexander Mikhalevich, Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee, presented a detailed analysis of the situation. He noted that the preparation for the Day of Written Language in Polotsk region began in May last year. 12 working groups coordinate the actions of all interested parties on landscaping issues, conducting comprehensive inspections of territories weekly and taking measures to eliminate identified violations. Weekly reporting days of rural executive committees in one of the settlements of the district have also become a practice.
For 2017, 4.2 million rubles have been allocated for landscaping work in Polotsk and Polotsk district. What will this money be spent on?
Capital repairs are envisaged
streets of the city, asphalt paving and arrangement of tile sidewalks. The plans include the reconstruction of the fountain on Francysk Skaryna Square, as well as current repairs of the monuments to the Liberators of Polotsk, the 23rd Guardsmen-Grigoryevtsy, and, of course, the first printer himself. In addition, it is planned to asphalt 20 courtyards, equip 20 new container sites, update bus stops, and asphalt sections of central streets with a total area of over 27 thousand square meters.More than 2.7 million rubles have been allocated for the current maintenance and repair of landscaping facilities, street and road networks, and lighting of settlements for this year.
Of course, not all problem issues will be resolved. To date, there is a need for asphalting 206 out of 377 city streets, reconstruction or major repairs of 150 courtyards out of 290 available. The reclamation of the territory of the former brick factory with an area of 10 hectares, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction, has not been completed.
By Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated December 17, 2007, No. 647, the Comprehensive Program for the Development of Polotsk for 2008-2015 was approved. Of its 36 points, 23 measures have been implemented, and 4 are in the implementation stage. The main reason for the non-fulfillment of the program is the lack of funding.
In conditions of limited budget funds, the implementation of investment projects helps to transform urban areas. In particular, a full-cycle Renault auto center and the "Manezh" multifunctional shopping and public center have been built at the entrance to Polotsk from the direction of Glubokoye and Minsk, next to which a parking lot for 630 cars has been equipped.
In addition, the district executive committee actively cooperates with European organizations on the implementation of international projects. One of them, "From Energy Efficiency to Urban Mobility," allowed for an extensive study of the transport communication system and the development of a city cycling scheme. 40 thousand euros were allocated for the organization of a bicycle zone with a total length of 11 km. Within the framework of the "GorSvet" project (budget of 1.6 million euros)
– Project and estimate documentation for the modernization of street lighting is currently being developed, and a contractor for decorative lighting is being selected.
– I am sure you will do everything possible to ensure that the holiday is held at a decent level and that guests feel at home, – summing up, said First Deputy Minister of Information Igor Lutsky. He advised to pay special attention to ensuring safety, providing for backup power supply, not forgetting to create a barrier-free environment when carrying out work, and also to inform the public as much as possible about where the money will be directed, including that earned from subbotniks.
Larisa Malashenya. Photos by Dmitry Osipov, from the archive of "Vitebskiye Vesti".