Lukashenko: The state will do its best to address housing issues of its people

MINSK (BelTA) - The state will do its level best to address the housing issues of its people, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as spoke to the workers of Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark) on 7 April, BelTA has learned.

One of the workers of the company said that more than 3,000 people working at MAZ need to improve their living conditions and wondered about the shared construction prospects.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that there are several ways to address the matter. Dwelling can be built either with the help of people's finances, or the company's funds, or through joint investment by both workers and the company. House building companies are ready to work with the minimal profitability of 5%. In this case one square meter of the new housing will cost about $500. “As for the budgetary funds, I cannot promise them tomorrow. There is a queue and one needs to wait,” said the President.

The head of state stressed that the government allocated funds to MAZ to support the company. “If we start talking about the money that needs to be allocated for housing construction, we should understand that these resources will be taken away from doctors and teachers. Their salaries are lower than the average wage at MAZ today,” the President noted.

“There are other options as well. If they are acceptable for the budget, I will support you. We will do our best to do the maximum. Let the Director General and the Trade Union Committee of the company think on the first steps here. If it is possible, we will support you,” said Alexander Lukashenko.