Approximately Br900 million will be allocated for the improvement of local roads in 2017-2020, Finance Minister Vladimir Amarin told reporters after a meeting with the President on the development of local roads, a BELTA correspondent reports.
Approximately Br900 million will be allocated for the improvement of local roads in 2017-2020, Finance Minister Vladimir Amarin told reporters after a meeting with the President on the development of local roads, a BELTA correspondent reports.
"Approximately Br900 million will be allocated for capital repairs and the improvement of local roads in the period from 2017 to 2020. These will be funds from the republican road fund and local budgets. First of all, funds from the state duty levied for the admission of a motor vehicle to participate in road traffic will be directed," said Vladimir Amarin.
Funds received from the collection of state duty will account for approximately 40% of the budget allocated for road repairs. "Today, this duty is distributed in the ratio of 61% to the republican budget and 39% to local budgets. From 2018 to 2020, this distribution will be at least 50% to 50%," the Finance Minister noted.
In turn, Transport and Communications Minister Anatoly Sivak announced that repairs to the local transport network will be included in the relevant current state programme for the five-year period. "Until now, our programme only included republican roads. The draft programme has already been prepared, and tasks for local roads will be specified here," explained the head of the department. "Previously, local roads were developed under regional programmes."
At the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the efficient use of funds. To this end, it is necessary to adopt well-thought-out technical solutions. "At the end of last year, the President tasked the Ministry of Transport with developing solutions for various types of roads and various types of repairs. Such constructive standard solutions have been developed. They will be legalised through the programme, and the application of these solutions will allow for the efficient expenditure of funds," added Anatoly Sivak.
According to him, the Head of State noted that the acceptance of works on the repair of local roads should be independent. For example, republican highways in the country are supervised by the Belarusian Road Engineering and Technical Center. "It is necessary to extend these conditions to all roads that will be repaired and modernized now," the minister noted.
The President also instructed to compile a detailed list of roads that need to be put in order, to determine a clear work plan and their cost. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, 6 thousand km of roads need repair. However, according to Alexander Lukashenko, if approached correctly on financing, reduce costs and find opportunities, it will be possible to put up to 7 thousand km in order with the same funds. At the same time, it is important to comply with quality standards and not to extend deadlines.
The Head of State warned that he intends to visit the regions in the autumn, to personally familiarize himself with the progress of work and to study how various categories of roads are being restored.
Governors have been appointed responsible for the repair and modernization of the local transport network. Authorized ministries and the State Control Committee will perform supervisory functions.