During a working trip to Mozyr District on 2 August Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko set a task to provide necessary assistance to the people in the storm-hit areas, BelTA has learned.

“We need to look at the situation on the ground. People should get all necessary help they may need,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The president instructed to check everything with the provision and allocation of timber, slate, and other construction materials necessary for rebuilding works. The head of state received some information on this matter and asked the responsible officials to report him back.

Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed to thoroughly examine each case and provide the necessary amount of construction materials. “You know what the warehouse stocks are. Brigades are working there (in the storm-affected areas). They should not sit idle due to a lack of rafters, battens or slate,” he said.

Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko assured the president that there was not a single day of downtime, with the works carried out on a tight schedule.

“You two [together with the State Control Committee] should take a reality check. Is it a problem to talk to people? Not just to report on the lack of slate or battens. We just need to take a good look at the situation,” the president instructed.

Hearing the words of gratitude from the governor, Aleksandr Lukashenko interrupted him by responding: “There is no need to thank. The main thing if people will express gratitude.”

The head of state was briefed on the progress of reconstruction work in the oblast, including social facilities. “When the works are over, everything should be checked. Those responsible for mismanagement will be held accountable.  If they need something, they should get it, but only after all the checks are over,”  the Belarusian leader said.

“You must do it, whatever it takes. Everything will be checked. There is no place for idle talk. No lies. You will answer if you lie,” the Belarusian leader warned.

As for the energy sector, the president was informed that all villages had been reconnected through permanent power lines without the need for power generators. “It is good if all villages and households are connected to electricity. The main thing today is to provide all households with electricity,” he said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also stressed the need to replace all old power lines. “Everything that has broken down or got old need to be replaced with new ones,” the head of state said.

The storms in mid-July damaged not only villages and infrastructure, but also cemeteries. “Cemeteries should be put in order,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Of course, the task is not the first priority but it should be fulfilled. Cleaning up works, removing fallen trees, restoring monuments - all this should be done in cooperation with residents.

The head of state also focused on the processing of damaged and fallen forests and gave an instruction to launch reforestation works. Individuals, labor collectives, and students should also be involved in this effort. “We should complete reforestation operations next year. We should make plans and schedules during the winter. This is the only way we can salvage these empty patches,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.