The new dormitory of Vitebsk Medical University will be open for occupancy in the 2017/18 academic year
The construction of dormitory No. 7 for 500 people on Frunze Avenue began in February 2016. First, in 2013, an old pre-war building was demolished. The resulting vacant lot was not developed for almost three years, after which the work began. The general contractor was construction department No. 232 of JSC "Zhilstroy", and the customer was the Capital Construction Department of the city of Vitebsk.
"Currently, the 11-story building is almost ready; interior finishing work will be completed this month, and exterior work, including landscaping, will be finished with warmer weather. It is expected that students will be able to move into the dormitory in the new academic year," explained Igor Isachenko.
The university itself finances the lion's share of the construction work. In 2016, about Br64 billion (undernominated) of VSMU funds were spent. And, according to the State Investment Program for 2016, Br10 billion was allocated from the republican budget for the purchase of furniture, household appliances, and equipment. Much has already been delivered, for example, exercise machines for a separate gym, which will be located on the first floor along with a physical education room, a computer class, a large hall for cultural events, and administrative offices. A block of hotel-type rooms is even planned here, where students' relatives can stay. The dormitory is of a block type. Each block includes two living rooms, each accommodating three people, an entrance hall, a toilet, a shower, and a kitchen. Rooms for study and recreation are provided. Even now, passers-by notice the beautifully designed entrance porch, stairs, and entrance with a ramp for wheelchair users – all with wrought-iron railings and fences. An impressive lighting of the building is also planned.
As explained by Olga Syrodoeva, Vice-Rector for Educational and Ideological Work of the university, the commissioning of the first phase will partially alleviate the shortage of places for non-resident Belarusian and foreign students.
"We have four dormitories for Belarusians, accommodating about 2,000 people, and another one for almost 500 people - for foreigners. We also have the "Dvina" complex, which is a hotel and a dormitory for students of the faculty of advanced training. Nevertheless, there are still 1,000 Belarusian students and about 500 foreign students on the waiting list for housing," explained Olga Syrodoeva.
She added that the commissioning of the second phase (i.e., another building) will practically solve the problem of accommodating non-resident medical students. Piles are currently being driven next to dormitory No. 7 for the new construction, which is why, for safety reasons, residents cannot be accommodated in the adjacent building yet. The completion date for the entire complex is 2018. The main expenses are also borne by the university. There is no draft resolution on the investment program yet, but it is planned that the republican contribution will be the same as in 2016.
Ekaterina Knyazeva - BELTA.