Kochanova on improving life in Belarus’ regions: we need quality infrastructure

Quality infrastructure improves living standards and makes life outside big cities more alluring, said Natalya Kochanova, the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, at a meeting of the Regional Authorities Interactions Council in Glubokoye (Vitebsk Region). The meeting was focused on residential construction and infrastructure development in towns and localities with 20,000 residents or less.
According to Ms. Kochanova, small towns dominate Belarus’ urban settlement structure: out of 115 Belarusian cities, 95 are small localities populated by 5,000-20,000 residents. 94 of those are towns and 23 are classified as urban-type settlements.

“They are an important part of our country and society’s multi-faceted structure and key links in regional economies. They serve as organisational, business and service centres for the countryside, and preserve our cultural heritage. Talking about infrastructure, we should understand that it’s vessels where a settlement’s blood circulates. It means healthcare, education, trade, culture, sports facilities. It means modern roads that ensure safe and comfortable traffic and, most importantly, connectivity between towns and smaller settlements and villages,” she explained.

“Infrastructure helps retain population and attract new residents, ensuring good conditions for further development. Effective residential construction management becomes vital amid urbanisation, globalisation, and transition to new economic models: it doesn’t just mean comfortable living, it’s the key to strong and sustainable regional development. That’s why this area is a priority for the Council of the Republic as the chamber of territorial representation," she said.