Chinese Plants in Belarus: The Authorities May Get Into Trouble

This story just begins.

Officials of the Biaroza District Executive Committee (Brest region) have information about plans to build a waste processing plant in the city. The plant will be built by the Chinese according to Chinese technologies.

Does the city need this enterprise and what consequences can its construction bring?

Aliaksandr Kabanau, a public activist and blogger from Biaroza, answers questions of Charter97.org.

- Are you aware of the Executive Committee's plans to build a Chinese waste processing plant? What kind of enterprises is this and how hazardous can it be to the environment of the city?

- Yes, I've heard about it. But I haven't seen any official documentation yet. There are such plans, although the authorities do not announce them.

You know, I am confused by one word ... When we started to study the documents of plants, including Svetlahorsk bleached pulp and Brest battery, I noticed the following pattern: only a word "China" - raises a concern about an affair.

Of course, the technology should be first studied. But so far there is no such information. As soon as it is available, we will immediately give it to technologists and people with special education for an unbiased assessment.

- The situation with oncology is already complicated in Biaroza. What impact will another enterprise built by the Chinese have on people's health?

- Any enterprise, even a pastry one that produces cookies, poses a threat to the environment and human health. Everything depends on the technology of the production process, treatment facilities, their maintenance and frequency of their renewal.

As I said, the use of technologies with the word "China" breeds concern in Belarus. Although in Europe, enterprises with Chinese involvement operate more safely.

- The construction of the battery plant near Brest has triggered an unprecedented protest action in the history of Belarus that has been going on for a year and a half. Co-owner of the plant Lemesheuski is arrested, officials are trying to "wash their hands," while the launch of the plant is suspended by the decision of the Executive Committee. Can another "rebellious city" appear on the map of Belarus?

- It's quite possible. People see that weekly protests bring results. Biaroza can develop every scenario and even turn into another "rebellious" city.

After all, protests in Brest revealed facts of violation of the law, which resulted in the arrest of not only Viktar Lemesheuski but also two officials from the Ministry of Resources. All this can happen in Biaroza as well.

The Brest example is a powerful message to Biaroza officials: guys, don't get into trouble with the Chinese factory, study carefully all the documents, hold a proper public discussion, i.e. before decision-making by the government, not later.

- Will you and your colleagues fight against the opening of this plant?

- Yes. If it is ecologically dangerous. Thanks to Brest, we have already a good knowledge of environmental issues and violations of environmental standards. We know many nuances and pitfalls, and this experience should be used.

The authorities should remember that the Brest battery plant and the entire story with protests is not the end. This story just begins.

- Interviewees of Biaroza say: "I think it's better to build it in Drazdy. It's the best place in Belarus, and the best friend of the Chinese lives there". How do you like this idea?

- This is a rhetorical question, isn't it? The ecology is watched carefully in Drazdy. The health of one person is more important than the health of the whole nation.

- But why have harmful enterprises been recently built in the Brest region?

- I don't think it happens only in the Brest region. Homel also has its problems: Svetlahorsk bleached pulp plant. Mahiliou has Omsk-Carbon. Astravets, Hrodna region - the Belarusian NPP. Shakutsin wanted to build a dubious plant from Amkodor in Barauliany, but people closed down the project.

Harmful plants are being built throughout Belarus. It seems that the environment issue is now on agenda in Belarus. The fight against harmful industries is becoming a priority for activists.

- It became known that you will participate in the fall "election campaign". Why did you make such a decision and what do you want to achieve?

- I decided because I talked to my colleagues and realized that the root of the problems lies in our completely absurd legislation. Ideally, it is necessary to remove people from power who do not meet the needs and requirements of our citizens.

I understand that there are no fair elections in the country and it is almost impossible to get into the "parliament". I will either be not allowed to the registration or voiced will be counted "properly".

My task is to attract the attention of citizens to political and other problems so that they could come to the polling stations as observers, activists and counteract falsifications at maximum.

People should realise that we need fair and transparent elections. It will determine whether harmful factories are built or not, whether people are jailed or not for their desire to breathe clean air. Everything is related.

If you like this article, you can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL 97 1160 2202 0000 0002 1671 1123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail [email protected]