UCP Activist: Svetlahorsk Plant Is Dangerous, Must Be Closed

Activists believe that three to four accidents occur at the plant every day.

Andrei Smalianchuk, a parliamentary candidate in the Svetlahorsk electoral district # 44, a member of the United Civil Party, advocates for the environmental safety of the region, as well as for new social policy, the implementation of the “Million New Jobs” economic reform program, and independent Belarus.

He spoke with the ucpb.org website about the main concerns of the Svetlahorsk residents today.

- What problems, in your opinion, are the most painful for Svetlahorsk, and require immediate solution?

- The main problem is the ecology, the emissions of the bleached pulp plant. Now I am standing near it, the wind is blowing towards the city. And literally thirty meters from the enterprise there no air to breathe - my colleague and I just shut our noses. It gives pain in the eyes. These are mercaptans - the second class of danger. Almost a combat poison gas, and its effect on the human body is very harmful.

The second problem is the lack of local government. Local authorities do not consult with residents of the city and region. There is no direct communication with them. They decide to do something - and it will happen precisely this way. As a rule, people don’t like what they decide. Moreover, you understand, when issues are resolved collectively, they are much more thoughtful and take into account the interests of many. And social tension is not the same as in the case of a decision without the participation of people.

Another key problem is the lack of fair and free elections. Now people are calling me: “Andrei, we are being driven to voting stations for early voting.” I already discussed this today with the Deputy Chairman of the district election commission. Just the head of the ideological department was sitting in the office. I asked them a question: “Why is this happening ?!” They said: “Let's get the facts.” I turned on the recording of a telephone conversation. They responded: “So let them write a complaint”. I said: “Are you serious? It will mean losing a job - such a system in the country.” I asked the people: “Tell that they were driving you to early voting, to the camera”. “No, let's not do that, because we are afraid of losing our jobs.”

- What needs to be done to solve these problems?

- The plant needs to be closed before it has done any bad. According to our information, three to four accidents occur there every day: some breakouts, equipment failures. Last summer - the collapse of the roof. People have already suffered, even died. The plant must be closed.

It is necessary to allow people to participate in solving local problems. There is a law on local self-government, but it is not respected. There are no levers of influence on the power. If people want to do something, to promote an important topic, then the authorities, ignoring them, do not bear any responsibility thereof. The mayor should be elected to local authorities by the residents of the city, which he will rule, not be appointed from above by the president.

The story of the candidates withdrew suggests that the Electoral Code is interpreted in the interests of one group, and it can be twisted in favor of the authorities, as they want.

Therefore, it is necessary to amend the Code to make the elections truly honest and transparent. It is necessary to cancel the early voting. Leaving only voting at home for people with disabilities. And the money spent on members of the commissions who spend days at the polling stations should be better spent on transport to travel to the places where such people live.