The Main Department of Housing and Communal Services of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee commented on the mechanism for improving social standards in the field of housing and communal services

The Main Department of Housing and Communal Services of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee commented on the Decision of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee dated March 29, 2021 No. 135 "On Amending the Decision of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee dated July 25, 2011 No. 464" in the field of housing and communal services, which has entered into force.

The above-mentioned decision was made in development of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated December 14, 2020 No. 720.

These regulatory documents specify 7 social standards in the field of housing and communal services.

1. The proportion of the population with access to centralized water supply systems: in cities and urban-type settlements from 2021 – 85%, from 2026 – 100%; in agro-towns from 2021 – 50%, from 2023 – 70%, from 2026 – 85% (previously, for agro-towns, the percentage of the population with access to centralized water supply systems was at least 50%; after the amendments, the requirements have been tightened, and from 2026, the service standard will be 85%).

2. Standard for heating residential premises – at least 18 °C (the service standard has not changed).

3. Standard for hot water temperature – at least 50 °C (the service standard has not changed).

4. Standard for hot water supply – daily (until 2025, in exceptional cases, taking into account available financial and technical capabilities, while ensuring compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, it is allowed during the inter-heating period to supply hot water according to schedules approved by local executive and administrative bodies, but at least two days a week). The service standard "daily" has not changed.

In accordance with the decision of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee dated March 29, 2021 No. 135, the social standard "Hot Water Supply Standard" and the service standard "in exceptional cases... at least two days a week" are permitted only until 2025. Before the adoption of the above-mentioned

5. Specific weight of illuminated streets – at least 85% (previously, the service standard was at least 80%).

6. Specific weight of streets with improved pavement – at least 60% (the service standard has not changed).

7. Availability of public restrooms in cities and urban settlements – at least one facility per 1,000 people (the service standard has not changed).