Belarus president explains utility rates problem, promises criminal prosecution

MINSK (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made a few comments about the current situation concerning tariffs on housing and public utility services in Belarus on 23 February. The head of state raised the matter while talking to representatives of the diplomatic corps after laying a wreath at the monument in Victory Square in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

In particular, addressing the ambassador of Russia to Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the statements about utility rates the day before had received a wide public response in Russia. The President explained that government officials had been instructed to analyze the situation concerning utility rates and to make precise calculations.

“After we set rigid rates they started fiddling with the figures and introducing some coefficients,” said Alexander Lukashenko while referring to the processing of solid municipal waste as an example. According to the President, waste processing is a profitable business, with many companies vying for a license. There is no need for people to pay for it, said the President.

“It means they have been falsifying reports in order to steal state budget money using legal means. But those people will be prosecuted,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. He went on saying that the state of affairs will be straightened out in Belarus.