Aleksandr Lukashenko makes working trip to Mogilev Oblast

The motorways that lead to oblast capitals of Belarus will be rebuilt by 2015, Vice Premier of Belarus Anatoly Kalinin told President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during a working visit to Shklov District, Mogilev Oblast.

The head of state was also informed about the development of the national motorways network till 2020. The efforts are expected to produce a network of improved comfort roads with better traffic safety. Aleksandr Lukashenko gave instructions to secure proper quality of the work and wise spending of the available funds.

While in Shklov, Aleksandr Lukashenko unveiled the renewed bridge over the Dnepr River. Built in 1962, the bridge had accumulated various defects that had affected safety and the operating life of the bridge. In addition, the bearing capacity and the external dimensions of the roadway had fallen below modern standards, necessitating the bridge’s reconstruction. So far the pillars and the framework have been rebuilt, the bridge deck has been reworked, the sidewalks, light fixtures, and approaches have been redone. As a result, the bridge is now a reliable part of the transport network that crosses the Dnepr River. The renewed bridge has also opened up prospects for developing the river’s right bank and has laid down the foundation for further social and cultural development of the Dnepr River area, one of the most picturesque areas in Belarus.

The Shklov bridge over the Dnepr River is an important part of the government program “Belarus roads 2006-2015” and one of the key components in the development of the nationwide transport infrastructure.

The head of state also got familiar with the social and economic development of Shklov District, talked to Shklov residents and to the workers representing the road construction enterprises that had taken part in the bridge reconstruction.

The conversation also touched upon the implementation of investment projects, including in agriculture, in Shklov District. The head of state confirmed that his views had not changed: an investor that operates in Belarus must meet his or her commitments while the cooperation itself has to be profitable for the investor and the state. “Our interests must be observed faultlessly,” the Belarusian leader clearly stated.

The President also took a live interest in the development of the district’s production sector, in particular, paper production. According to the local administration, the newsprint mill operates steadily. The paper mill Spartak is mastering the designed capacity well. There are plans to further advance the industry in the district.

The conversation touched upon agricultural products and their sales on home and foreign markets. Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “There is enough of everything now. Products should be transported to meet demand to be sold at a high price in order to secure normal salaries for the people”.

Mogilev Oblast Governor Piotr Rudnik said at present the average salary in the oblast exceeds Br3.2 million. There are plans to raise it up to the equivalent of $500 by the end of the year. Aleksandr Lukashenko warned once again that higher salaries must be accompanied by better labor productivity and performance of enterprises. “Nobody is going to give or print easy money for you,” said the Belarusian leader.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also took a live interest in problems of local residents. Changing his itinerary, Aleksandr Lukashenko took a walk along a central street in Shklov, approaching and talking to people not far from the rebuilt bridge. The head of state also dropped in at a local food store to get familiar with the available product choice.

This evening the head of state is expected to visit the traditional celebration Kupalye (Alexandria Gathers Friends). A show “Slavonic round dance on Kupalye” by artists of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine will be one of the central events during the celebration.