Belarusian Energy Ministry in for hard-edged reform
New Belarusian Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik must carry out a hard-edged reform of the Ministry, the press service of the Belarusian head of state quoted President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as saying on 22 April.
Alexander Lukashenko underlined the importance of the job because the development of the entire national economy depends on the energy industry. “Unfortunately, the officials that worked there have failed in the execution of their duties and I’ve said it honestly and sincerely,” remarked the President. “Some recognize the situation and my statements, criticism, actions regarding the energy industry, particularly personnel decisions as something more than dissatisfaction with the ongoing processes. They try to impose the point of view that nothing has been done in the Belarusian energy industry recently. A lot has been done! And we owe it to the huge energy industry team. But a lot more has yet to be done”.
“A lot has been done but, I’d say, contrary to the view held by the minister and some officials. And then there are things we cannot tolerate such as corruption and thievery. I warned everyone about it and still do very often. It is unacceptable for me if a minister fails to control the amount of money we spend on modernizing this industry,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.
The President assured that the development of the energy industry will continue in the future. “A project of immense importance is ahead of us – the nuclear power plant. About $10 billion will be invested in building it and the infrastructure around it,” said the head of state.
“I need honest and reliable people, who are dedicated to the country. Therefore, following the well-trodden track is out of the question. A hard-edged reform is needed. A team is working on it following my instruction and you will get involved in it,” added the President.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, he wants everything from A to Z revised, with costs calculated. “The Energy Ministry should get rid of all the unnecessary and non-core expenses right away. Otherwise, they are added to the tariffs, putting more burdens on households and corporations. Therefore, a massive cleanup is required,” said the head of state. “No departmental interests. None whatsoever. You should bear national interests into account. You are now a man of the President, you should look upon the industry from the President’s point of view. And my instruction to you is cleanse the Energy Ministry right away. The Energy Ministry should be brought back into shape, must be downsized to the minimum. It should be fully optimized, with functions delegated to lower levels.”
“I think you don’t have to interfere too much with the day-to-day operation of Belenergo, Beltopgaz. There are specific people, let them be responsible for it. You should take care of control, long-term matters, modernization. So the Ministry should deal with major issues,” advised the President.
Yet Alexander Lukashenko warned that the Minister will be fully responsible for everything going on in the energy industry. “Spending control is the key thing. I expect from you an honest report about how prices in the energy industry are set. You should tell me how they are made up,” said the President. “I am convinced that 30% of the prices is due to sloppiness, mismanagement, monopolism and so on. It means that people cover half of the prime cost instead of 30% now”.
“We will improve the energy industry and modernize it, will find money but schemes must be transparent. You will have to work for it,” concluded the head of state.