Revival of Chernobyl-affected territories, development of industrial potential and medicine of the region was discussed in Gomel today. The President met with the people who can be easily relied upon to develop this part of Belarus.
Many efforts have been made to breathe new life into the long-suffering land of Gomel. It wasn't easy. But the logic of the President was simple - Gomel people must live with dignity. As a result, we have not lost these territories - on the contrary, we are developing and supporting them in every possible way. We have not lost production, we have preserved our competences and people. Step by step they create comfortable conditions for those who live and work in the region.
Igor Cheshik, Director of the Institute of Radiobiology of Belarus, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor: "The heavy burden of Chernobyl consequences lay mostly on Gomel Region. It seemed like there was no future here. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes."
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "I remember those times, when we were struggling to overcome the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe, when we were barefoot and hungry. I decided that this place should not be left alone. It was not easy to make decisions about the post-Chernobyl territories, we did a lot to convince them that they should live here."
From those 90s to the present day, the President has made it a rule to visit the south of the country every year. This is the only way to understand and feel how the territory is being revived. Over the years, they have learned how to grow clean products, did not stop building roads, gasify cities, did everything to provide high-tech medical care, did not abandon the enterprises - on the contrary, helped in every possible way, supported their renewal. Alexander Lukashenko himself used to live in the south for 2-3 weeks every year!
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "More than 20 years have passed and we did the right thing, we saved Gomel Region."
The land of Gomel was not very happy with the fertility , the yield is not equal to that in the western or central parts of the country. But you can squeeze more out of this land if you put your hand to it.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "The government should consider the issue of land reclamation, primarily in Gomel Region. These lands need to be saved. They'll give you a good harvest."
Need a program to revive a village in the Gomel region
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "We need to work out a program in terms of cultivation of crops, improve the amelioration here."
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "You have close relations with Russia and Ukraine - it is necessary to use it - from sale of vehicles to food deliveries."
In recent years, Gomel workers implemented very ambitious ideas like the construction of a mining and processing plant at Petrikovskoye deposit. Upgrading of Mozyr Refinery will result in a much higher yield of oil products. Creating a new generation of technology on Gomselmash, production in Svetlogorsk, modernization of the metallurgical giant and woodworking enterprises. All together, these are real growth points for the region and the country.
"We looked at the development of our own economy, industry, gave our people an opportunity to earn. People live well, though you’re not rich, you're not oligarchs. But we know how to live and we live on our land," the President said.













