The creation and maintenance of comfortable living conditions in rural settlements is a crucial task for the executive authorities, Chairman of the House of Representatives and Plenipotentiary Representative of the Head of State in the Vitebsk region, Igor Sergeenko, told journalists after a meeting of the Postavy District Executive Committee, which he attended.
The agenda of the meeting included the work being carried out to address the issues of public services in the territory of the Kuropolsky Village Council and the work on the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Postavy district.
Speaking about the first issue, the Chairman of the House of Representatives explained why it was put on the agenda. The village council was territorially enlarged this year. Previously, there were two village councils in this territory.
"This includes 60 settlements and three agricultural enterprises. The issues under consideration are typical for many settlements in both the district and the Vitebsk region," said Igor Sergeenko. "The population is aging, and some settlements are simply disappearing."
Regarding the Kuropolsky Village Council, the Chairman of the House of Representatives noted that out of 60 settlements, more than 50% have no residents or fewer than 10 residents. Nevertheless, there are three large agro-towns and a significant number of villages where between 50 and 100 people live.
"Ensuring, creating comfortable conditions, and maintaining existing ones at a decent level is one of the most important tasks of the executive branch," stressed Igor Sergeenko. "There are several components to ensuring comfortable living conditions, including housing."
Speaking about housing, the authorized representative of the Head of State noted that currently, 46 families are on the waiting list for improved housing conditions in the rural council, which indicates that people are staying in large agricultural enterprises.
Igor Sergeenko named trade as the second component of comfortable living. However, serious criticism was voiced regarding its performance today, primarily concerning consumer demand. In this regard, he remarked that the leadership of Belkoopsoyuz should pay attention to the work of consumer cooperatives in the Vitebsk region, particularly in the Postavy district, where the share of consumer cooperatives in overall trade is currently 5%, a number of premises are vacant, and many shops are closing.
"I don't want to say the situation is catastrophic, but it is quite critical," Igor Sergeenko observed.
Regarding water supply, he noted that the issue of constructing an iron removal station is quite acute. Specifically, one station has been commissioned in this rural council, and the completion of a second is planned by the end of the year. "People also approached me on this issue during a personal reception. This work will continue in the Postavy district next year," he added.
The most important issue is medical care. According to the chief physician of the district, all paramedic and obstetric stations have been brought into proper condition. The material and technical base of the district hospital is being improved, and a new building is under construction, which will be commissioned next year. Overall, there are no serious complaints regarding medical services.
"The next component is transport and roads. Significant funds have been allocated this year, almost twice as much as last year. Taking into account the actual state of affairs and citizens' appeals, the district executive committee is selecting sections that need to be asphalted or gravelled," noted the representative of the House of Representatives.
He paid special attention to the sphere of education. "We will see how the preparation of schools for the new academic year is being completed. All readiness certificates for schools must be signed by August 20," he said, adding that there are no issues with transporting schoolchildren, everything is being resolved operatively.
active.
"A rather important topic is the care for elderly citizens living alone. From meetings and trips around the district, it is evident that these issues are being addressed. The district centre for social services for the population is operating. Assistance is provided, and social workers are assigned," said the authorised representative of the Head of State.
However, according to him, concern is caused by the group of people who are not employed anywhere. In the rural council's database, there are 184 such individuals for various reasons. Of these, according to the chairman of the rural council, 32 people are not employed anywhere, live at the expense of relatives, casual earnings, and require increased attention from the authorities regarding employment.
Regarding the second issue discussed at the district executive committee meeting, Igor Sergeenko noted that 45% of the district's budget is formed by tax deductions from entrepreneurial activities. He pointed out that this year, changes in legislation regulating entrepreneurial activities come into force. Some individual entrepreneurs must make a decision and, in accordance with the law, choose to transition to a different status.
The authorised representative of the Head of State in the Vitebsk region emphasised the correctness of inviting representatives of the largest companies and facilities in the district to the meeting, who could express their opinions.
"I saw that the authorities are keeping the issue under control, and explanatory work is being carried out. 25 individual entrepreneurs are left to decide which form to transition to," said Igor Sergeenko.
In general, he noted, the issues brought before the district executive committee meeting today are important. Comfortable living conditions for the population demonstrate the state's care for pensioners and the elderly, but also allow for staff retention.
As for the harvesting campaign, work in the Postavy district is nearing completion, noted the authorised representative of the Head of State. According to him, completion is planned by August 20. The Postavy district is among the top five leaders in harvesting. The average yield is over 25 centners per hectare. A few more good weather days are needed, and all work will be completed, emphasised Igor Sergeenko.
vitebsk-region.gov.by
