Young, strong, promising: Novopolotsk meets its 63rd anniversary with confidence in the future
Novopolotsk is a special city in the Vitebsk region, if not in Belarus as a whole. Traditionally, it ranks among the leaders in the socio-economic development of the northern region. The past year confirmed this: even with COVID restrictions and a global economic downturn, including in the petroleum products market, it managed to achieve high development indicators in many areas and thus earned the right to be included in the Vitebsk Regional Honor Board. We discussed the city, its development, and other relevant topics with the Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, Dmitry Demidov.
— Dmitry Vladimirovich, in your opinion, what are the cornerstones of the city's achievements?
— Cohesion and purposefulness, the readiness to move towards a goal shoulder to shoulder. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. We saw how the situation was developing, so the heads of all enterprises, regardless of their ownership, were set on active, hard work, despite all pessimistic forecasts. This attitude helped achieve good results both then and now: in the first quarter of 2021, revenue growth exceeded 150 percent, and sales profitability was 2.7 percent.
The current year is particularly important for us. A large-scale investment program at Naftan OJSC is being completed. Work is being carried out under pressure on petrochemical enterprises from the EU and the USA. However, the people of Novopolotsk know how to overcome stressful situations.
We focus our efforts on maintaining sales markets and developing new ones. The city administration and the workforces of all sectors work closely together, and there is understanding at all levels of interaction. The mood is work-oriented. The city will fulfill its tasks.
— In connection with the political situation, the local authorities, on behalf of all Novopolotsk residents, made a number of statements clearly defining their attitude to the ongoing events…
— Indeed, it so happened that it was in the Year of National Unity that the city vividly expressed its position. But it could not have been otherwise. Novopolotsk was built by representatives of over 50 nationalities. They came from all corners of the Soviet Union. This left a mark on the aura of the place and the character of its residents. Friendly
In 2017, the plant launched a complex for processing contaminated PET bottle waste into special flakes, or PET flex. It is mainly exported to Russia. The volumes are increasing year by year, the enterprise director Sergey Velyugo is pleased:
— Compare, in 2019, 460 tons of such flakes were produced, in 2020 — already more than 510 tons. In addition, the production of sand-polymer products has been mastered: paving slabs and curbs. The basis is crushed caps, labels and plastic, which we mix with dry sand of the finest fraction... There are only three such productions in Belarus.
Currently, the enterprise is working on processing worn-out tires and producing rubber technical products from them. For example, coatings for children's and playgrounds, sports facilities, stadiums... For the Vitebsk region, such a product is innovative, which means there will be demand.
The biomechanical plant is part of the housing and communal services system and serves Novopolotsk, Polotsk and Polotsk district. The enterprise collects about 80 thousand tons of garbage per year, sorting and extracting maximum benefit from it. Today, the task is to return about 30 percent of secondary material resources into circulation, the interlocutor states:
— By 2025, this figure should double. The concept for the creation of 29 interregional waste collection sites in Belarus will help. One of these complexes is to be built on the basis of our enterprise. This implies the construction of a regional landfill not only for Novopolotsk and Polotsk, but also for Ushachi, Rossony and Polotsk districts, a waste sorting plant (on the territory of the landfill), a composting site, as well as the production of pre-RDF fuel, processing of bulky waste to obtain fuel and energy resources.
One of the largest specialized enterprises in the country and the city of Novopolotsk are contemporaries. Trust No. 16 was at the origins of the northern oil giant, building hundreds of petrochemical complex facilities. The city's holiday is precisely their day, believes the trust's general director Yakov Starodubov:
— The start of our history is the first tent pitched by young builders of an all-union shock construction project. In 1971, a significant event occurred not only for the trust but for the entire country: the enterprise was awarded the Order of Lenin! However grand it may sound, our task today is to honorably continue the work of our predecessors, to build houses that people want to live in, reliable buildings with a quality mark.
— Dmitry Vladimirovich, in your opinion, what are the cornerstones of the city's achievements?
— Cohesion and purposefulness, the readiness to move towards a goal shoulder to shoulder. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. We saw how the situation was developing, so the heads of all enterprises, regardless of their ownership, were set on active, hard work, despite all pessimistic forecasts. This attitude helped achieve good results both then and now: in the first quarter of 2021, revenue growth exceeded 150 percent, and sales profitability was 2.7 percent.
The current year is particularly important for us. A large-scale investment program at Naftan OJSC is being completed. Work is being carried out under pressure on petrochemical enterprises from the EU and the USA. However, the people of Novopolotsk know how to overcome stressful situations.
We focus our efforts on maintaining sales markets and developing new ones. The city administration and the workforces of all sectors work closely together, and there is understanding at all levels of interaction. The mood is work-oriented. The city will fulfill its tasks.
— In connection with the political situation, the local authorities, on behalf of all Novopolotsk residents, made a number of statements clearly defining their attitude to the ongoing events…
— Indeed, it so happened that it was in the Year of National Unity that the city vividly expressed its position. But it could not have been otherwise. Novopolotsk was built by representatives of over 50 nationalities. They came from all corners of the Soviet Union. This left a mark on the aura of the place and the character of its residents. Friendly
Activity, cohesion in difficult situations, teamwork skills, corporatism, pride in one's city – these are traits inherent in our people. I am confident that without such unity, it would not have been possible to create the largest industrial and socially significant regional center.
We see how, hiding behind words about democracy, certain European politicians, solely in their own interests, are trying to gain influence in our country. At the same time, they are not connected with the interests of Belarusians themselves. It is this fact that determines the official position of local authorities, which we have openly expressed in the media.
— Today, Novopolotsk residents are celebrating the city's birthday. Could you share the most interesting features of the celebration?
— Firstly, I would like to note the changed format. City Day will be held as a city picnic in the open air. There will be fewer official events and more activity zones designed for different ages and preferences. A street art festival, sports tournaments, concerts, various premieres, and even an attempt to set a record for cooking the longest shashlik in Belarus – this is far from a complete list of events that await our guests.
Innovations with the prefix "eco"
In the industrial zone of Novopolotsk, there is a special, dynamically developing enterprise. We are talking about PKUP "Biomechplant of Household Secondary Resources," where they not only collect and sort solid municipal waste but also give it a new life.Driver Vitaly Pasikov.
In 2017, the plant launched a complex for processing contaminated PET bottle waste into special flakes, or PET flex. It is mainly exported to Russia. The volumes are increasing year by year, the enterprise director Sergey Velyugo is pleased:
— Compare, in 2019, 460 tons of such flakes were produced, in 2020 — already more than 510 tons. In addition, the production of sand-polymer products has been mastered: paving slabs and curbs. The basis is crushed caps, labels and plastic, which we mix with dry sand of the finest fraction... There are only three such productions in Belarus.
Currently, the enterprise is working on processing worn-out tires and producing rubber technical products from them. For example, coatings for children's and playgrounds, sports facilities, stadiums... For the Vitebsk region, such a product is innovative, which means there will be demand.
The biomechanical plant is part of the housing and communal services system and serves Novopolotsk, Polotsk and Polotsk district. The enterprise collects about 80 thousand tons of garbage per year, sorting and extracting maximum benefit from it. Today, the task is to return about 30 percent of secondary material resources into circulation, the interlocutor states:
— By 2025, this figure should double. The concept for the creation of 29 interregional waste collection sites in Belarus will help. One of these complexes is to be built on the basis of our enterprise. This implies the construction of a regional landfill not only for Novopolotsk and Polotsk, but also for Ushachi, Rossony and Polotsk districts, a waste sorting plant (on the territory of the landfill), a composting site, as well as the production of pre-RDF fuel, processing of bulky waste to obtain fuel and energy resources.
This is interesting
How to raise a conscious consumer? The biomechanical plant knows the answer. Excursions, which can be called industrial tourism, have always been conducted here.
And a year ago, from
opened an interactive class where schoolchildren are taught in a playful way how to sort waste according to the rules.
Building to live
Everywhere you look in Novopolotsk, you see the contribution of JSC "Construction and Installation Trust No. 16". Bright multi-story buildings, industrial facilities, and other objects are all the result of the labor and great love of builders for their hometown.One of the largest specialized enterprises in the country and the city of Novopolotsk are contemporaries. Trust No. 16 was at the origins of the northern oil giant, building hundreds of petrochemical complex facilities. The city's holiday is precisely their day, believes the trust's general director Yakov Starodubov:
— The start of our history is the first tent pitched by young builders of an all-union shock construction project. In 1971, a significant event occurred not only for the trust but for the entire country: the enterprise was awarded the Order of Lenin! However grand it may sound, our task today is to honorably continue the work of our predecessors, to build houses that people want to live in, reliable buildings with a quality mark.
And a team of over a thousand successfully copes with this task. Every year, thanks to Trust No. 16, Novopolotsk and Polotsk are growing with multi-story buildings. Builders from the oil city also work at facilities in other regions. Yakov Alexandrovich states:
— For example, in 2020, we completed a 60-apartment building in Braslav. The reconstruction of the "Urbany" automobile border crossing point of the Polotsk customs became an interesting experience. By the way, our production base and qualified personnel allow us to erect buildings and structures of any purpose, complexity, and number of stories.
— Can it be said that Novopolotsk is a city that was almost entirely built by the trust? — I clarify.
The interlocutor nods in agreement:
— About 90 percent of the entire city's housing stock is our work. At one time, the trust built schools, kindergartens, hospitals and health resorts, houses of culture, hotels, shopping centers, and much more. This year, we will commission four multi-story buildings in Polotsk. We are currently preparing to put into operation a 10-story building in microdistrict No. 10 "A" of Novopolotsk and move on to the development of microdistrict 8 "A".
Good news for future residents! In 2022, the enterprise plans to start building apartments with free layouts. This will be a completely new series of houses, the development of which is currently underway.
The hospital serves not only Novopolotsk but also the attached population of the Polotsk district.she. Specialized medical care is provided to ten (!) regions of the Vitebsk region. 17 inter-district centers, departments, and offices operate on the basis of the institution. The hospital structure includes 12 medical and preventive organizations, lists the chief physician Irina Shemenkova:
— Four healthcare organizations are responsible for inpatient care, and another seven operate outpatient services, designed for 2440 visits per shift. There are 859 beds available, including 93 for day care.
Irina Georgievna is confident that she is very lucky with her team. The coronavirus test, which the Novopolotsk medical workers are enduring with honor, has confirmed this. In 2020, more than 2140 people were treated for COVID-19 in the oil city. In five months of this year, about 1120, the interlocutor states:
— Our doctors, nurses, and junior medical staff are doing their best to get patients back on their feet. Some may call working during the pandemic a test of strength, but I believe we are simply calmly and confidently doing our duty, understanding that medicine is primarily a calling, a field where there are no random people. Our pride and hope are numerous dynasties: Sosnoviki, Kurash, Mechkovskie, Nekrasovy, Yarotskie, Fialko, and many others. Sincere gratitude to all our medics for their professionalism, camaraderie, and humanity!
The material and technical base of the hospital is constantly being improved. One of the significant events was the opening of an inter-district angiographic office. It receives patients with acute coronary syndrome around the clock, not only from Novopolotsk and Polotsk but also from five other districts. Medical re-equipment will continue to ensure that medical care in Novopolotsk remains high-quality, accessible, and comparable to that provided in regional centers and even the capital.
Strong ties of common interests connect all spheres with the plant. In education and science, it is enough to mention Polotsk State University and the recently created petrochemical cluster, in history – to recall events related to the construction of the Belarusian petrochemical city. A separate topic is Naftan's contribution to the city's economy. In essence, their development goes in parallel. A landmark project of last year was the launch of the elemental sulfur production unit using the Claus method, which was immediately called the lungs of Novopolotsk. The unit reduces pollutant emissions from the plant by 14 thousand tons per year, reducing actual sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 40 percent. The unit uses the most modern European technologies. Products from it are shipped to related enterprises of the Belneftekhim concern – Gomel Chemical Plant and Grodno Azot.
This year is also special for the plant. In the autumn, Naftan intends to receive its first products at the delayed coking complex. The largest project in the history of the enterprise is in the final stage. The entire chain of interconnected technological units of the complex is undergoing start-up and adjustment tests. Full implementation of the project will increase the depth of oil refining to 90 percent, the yield of light oil products – to 65, obtain new types of products, as well as reduce the environmental impact and achieve improvements in industrial safety.ost. All of this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the city's ecology and economy. It will also strengthen "Naftan's" image, as the enterprise has earned a strong business reputation among partners from near and far abroad during its operations. An important aspect of such authority is linked to a high corporate culture, which always centers on the working person. The bilateral relations connecting "Naftan" and each member of its team represent a series of mutual obligations: the employee must responsibly and conscientiously perform their duties and adhere to the principles of corporate culture. The employer, in turn, guarantees proper working conditions, various measures of moral and material incentives, and social support. It is important that this system justifies itself. As an example, it is sufficient to mention the operation of the enterprise's social facilities: a polyclinic, a sanatorium, a children's health resort, and a departmental Palace of Culture. The latter has been one of the centers of creative life in Novopolotsk for over 50 years. Annually, before the pandemic, about 300 events were held at the Palace of Culture, including those of national importance. Not only factory workers and their children, but also all interested residents of the city develop their talents here. Such care yields results, reflected in the creative and sports victories, and production achievements of the team.
The merits of the factory workers do not go unnoticed! Eight representatives of the enterprise have been awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Novopolotsk." In total, this title has been awarded to 45 citizens. And today, this cohort will be joined by the name of Sergey Fyodorovich Altukhov, whose life has been connected with working at the plant for 38 years. Having progressed from an operator of a technological installation in catalytic production to the Deputy General Director (for Production), he worthily continues the glorious traditions of "Naftan's" front-runners.
— For example, in 2020, we completed a 60-apartment building in Braslav. The reconstruction of the "Urbany" automobile border crossing point of the Polotsk customs became an interesting experience. By the way, our production base and qualified personnel allow us to erect buildings and structures of any purpose, complexity, and number of stories.
— Can it be said that Novopolotsk is a city that was almost entirely built by the trust? — I clarify.
The interlocutor nods in agreement:
— About 90 percent of the entire city's housing stock is our work. At one time, the trust built schools, kindergartens, hospitals and health resorts, houses of culture, hotels, shopping centers, and much more. This year, we will commission four multi-story buildings in Polotsk. We are currently preparing to put into operation a 10-story building in microdistrict No. 10 "A" of Novopolotsk and move on to the development of microdistrict 8 "A".
Good news for future residents! In 2022, the enterprise plans to start building apartments with free layouts. This will be a completely new series of houses, the development of which is currently underway.
Trust No. 16 is uninterruptedly supplied with materials by its own branch – the large-panel housing construction plant. In 2015, a major modernization was carried out here. To utilize the plant's capacities, additional products are manufactured on its lines: from small reinforced concrete products to power line supports. Since 2019, they have been successfully exported to Russia.
The dynamics are positive!
The staff of the Novopolotsk Central City Hospital includes over 2600 employees. A friendly, competent, and responsible staff goes on duty daily to ensure people's health.The hospital serves not only Novopolotsk but also the attached population of the Polotsk district.she. Specialized medical care is provided to ten (!) regions of the Vitebsk region. 17 inter-district centers, departments, and offices operate on the basis of the institution. The hospital structure includes 12 medical and preventive organizations, lists the chief physician Irina Shemenkova:
— Four healthcare organizations are responsible for inpatient care, and another seven operate outpatient services, designed for 2440 visits per shift. There are 859 beds available, including 93 for day care.
Irina Georgievna is confident that she is very lucky with her team. The coronavirus test, which the Novopolotsk medical workers are enduring with honor, has confirmed this. In 2020, more than 2140 people were treated for COVID-19 in the oil city. In five months of this year, about 1120, the interlocutor states:
— Our doctors, nurses, and junior medical staff are doing their best to get patients back on their feet. Some may call working during the pandemic a test of strength, but I believe we are simply calmly and confidently doing our duty, understanding that medicine is primarily a calling, a field where there are no random people. Our pride and hope are numerous dynasties: Sosnoviki, Kurash, Mechkovskie, Nekrasovy, Yarotskie, Fialko, and many others. Sincere gratitude to all our medics for their professionalism, camaraderie, and humanity!
The material and technical base of the hospital is constantly being improved. One of the significant events was the opening of an inter-district angiographic office. It receives patients with acute coronary syndrome around the clock, not only from Novopolotsk and Polotsk but also from five other districts. Medical re-equipment will continue to ensure that medical care in Novopolotsk remains high-quality, accessible, and comparable to that provided in regional centers and even the capital.
Novopolotsk is young, promising, and developing. And it cannot do without its own maternity hospital. In five months of this year, 793 babies were born here. Of these, 262 are from Novopolotsk, five more than in 2020. The dynamics are positive!
This is Our Enterprise
The team of Naftan OJSC numbers more than 10,000 people. With employees of the subsidiaryx unitary enterprises – even more. In fact, this is more than a tenth of the population of Novopolotsk. One way or another, the fate of every local family is connected with the enterprise. Just as Naftan's activity is inseparable from the city that arose because of it.
Sergey Altukhov.
Strong ties of common interests connect all spheres with the plant. In education and science, it is enough to mention Polotsk State University and the recently created petrochemical cluster, in history – to recall events related to the construction of the Belarusian petrochemical city. A separate topic is Naftan's contribution to the city's economy. In essence, their development goes in parallel. A landmark project of last year was the launch of the elemental sulfur production unit using the Claus method, which was immediately called the lungs of Novopolotsk. The unit reduces pollutant emissions from the plant by 14 thousand tons per year, reducing actual sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 40 percent. The unit uses the most modern European technologies. Products from it are shipped to related enterprises of the Belneftekhim concern – Gomel Chemical Plant and Grodno Azot.
This year is also special for the plant. In the autumn, Naftan intends to receive its first products at the delayed coking complex. The largest project in the history of the enterprise is in the final stage. The entire chain of interconnected technological units of the complex is undergoing start-up and adjustment tests. Full implementation of the project will increase the depth of oil refining to 90 percent, the yield of light oil products – to 65, obtain new types of products, as well as reduce the environmental impact and achieve improvements in industrial safety.ost. All of this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the city's ecology and economy. It will also strengthen "Naftan's" image, as the enterprise has earned a strong business reputation among partners from near and far abroad during its operations. An important aspect of such authority is linked to a high corporate culture, which always centers on the working person. The bilateral relations connecting "Naftan" and each member of its team represent a series of mutual obligations: the employee must responsibly and conscientiously perform their duties and adhere to the principles of corporate culture. The employer, in turn, guarantees proper working conditions, various measures of moral and material incentives, and social support. It is important that this system justifies itself. As an example, it is sufficient to mention the operation of the enterprise's social facilities: a polyclinic, a sanatorium, a children's health resort, and a departmental Palace of Culture. The latter has been one of the centers of creative life in Novopolotsk for over 50 years. Annually, before the pandemic, about 300 events were held at the Palace of Culture, including those of national importance. Not only factory workers and their children, but also all interested residents of the city develop their talents here. Such care yields results, reflected in the creative and sports victories, and production achievements of the team.
The merits of the factory workers do not go unnoticed! Eight representatives of the enterprise have been awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Novopolotsk." In total, this title has been awarded to 45 citizens. And today, this cohort will be joined by the name of Sergey Fyodorovich Altukhov, whose life has been connected with working at the plant for 38 years. Having progressed from an operator of a technological installation in catalytic production to the Deputy General Director (for Production), he worthily continues the glorious traditions of "Naftan's" front-runners.