Lukashenko wants district development strategies to rely on small projects

The head of state noted that it does not make economic sense to set up large manufacturing facilities in small towns, as it was, for example, in Miory. Such facilities employ a large workforce thus creating personnel shortages in agriculture.

"You, like a vacuum cleaner, are sucking a huge number of working hands out of villages Yet we need to feed people. Vitebsk Oblast must provide for itself. We need people in the fields to work. Therefore, this is not the way we will go. We will not build such production facilities in small towns or near these towns," the head of state said.

The president considers that the best option is to set up small production facilities for a maximum of 60 jobs in every district. The appropriate instructions have been communicated to the heads of the district executive committees.

As for the construction of social facilities (kindergartens, schools, hospitals, etc.), the state will take care of this, Aleksandr Lukashenko assured. The state, according to him, will also try to provide support with the construction of housing. Yet the president suggested that citizens should mainly rely on their own strength and on an employer's assistance."You need to earn and build housing together with your enterprise. We will support your company with rental housing projects,” the president said.

He also drew attention to grassroots initiative of people and their responsibility for the development of the district in which they live: "Remember that the main driving force is you. You work, earn, build housing with the help of the state and take care of your land. You. Don't expect someone to come to you and do something for you. This is your place, for you and your children, where you will live and work."