Opinions & Interviews

Kochanova: Minsk development should be planned for decades ahead

MINSK, 9 January (BelTA) – The development of Minsk should be thought through for decades ahead, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova said as she met with senators from Minsk, BelTA has learned.

The meeting touched upon the main priorities of the work of the Council of the Republic members from Minsk. Natalya Kochanova spoke at length about performance of enterprises. “Despite the fact that salaries in the capital are the highest in the country (Minsk is in the lead in this regard) there are companies that fall behind,” she noted. “This is why we should look into the performance of every enterprise in Minsk in order to close this gap. The appropriate tasks have already been set,” she added.

Priority areas of Minsk development include municipal improvement and development of transport connection between Minsk and its satellite towns. “The experiment with construction of housing for Minsk residents in a satellite town [Smolevichi] was successful and the efforts in this area have been stepped up. This is why it is important to organize transport connection. Perhaps, this can be an express tram service,” Natalya Kochanova said. Another important task for 2020 will be to complete construction of several social, cultural and medical facilities, administrative buildings.

All in all, the development of Minsk should be planned for decades ahead to make the city as convenient for its residents as possible, Natalya Kochanova believes. She asked the senators to share their ideas about achieving goals that concern the development of Minsk.

Participants of the meeting also discussed legislative activities. The senators will continue cooperating closely with the House of Representatives and will participate in drafting laws even before drafts are submitted to the Council of the Republic. Public outreach, in particular, personal meetings with people, was also deemed important.

Natalya Kochanova pointed out that she will meet with members of the Council of the Republic from all regions. “Such meetings help us compare notes, discuss important matters, and exchange opinions,” she noted. Moreover, Natalya Kochanova intends to meet with chairpersons of regional, district, and municipal councils of deputies.

“This will be an important and busy year. It will round off this five-year term and lay the basis for the next one, which means that we will need to draw up new programs. Social welfare of our citizens depends on it,” Natalya Kochanova stressed. “We should make sure that the main tasks set by the head of state regarding payment of salary and employment are fulfilled. The parliament and local councils of deputies will work towards it,” she said.

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