Over $19.5bn spent on alleviating Chernobyl catastrophe consequences in Belarus

MINSK, 27 April (BelTA) – Over $19.5 billion has been spent on alleviating consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe in Belarus, BelTA learned from First Deputy Head of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry (Gosatomnadzor) Leonid Dedul.

Gosatomnadzor coordinates the government's policy in overcoming consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Leonid Dedul noted. “We've travelled quite a lengthy road starting with taking prompt protective measures, rehabilitating the affected territories and ending with taking measures to revive the territories. A total of over $19.5 billion has been allocated for implementing these measures within the framework of the relevant government programs,” the official remarked.

The sixth program is being implemented now. It is designed to run in 2021-2025. Its budget is close to Br3 billion. The program provides for over 80 measures and projects. Its realization is aimed at enabling the social security of the population, observing radiation safety requirements, and accelerating the social and economic development of the affected territories in addition to their revival, Leonid Dedul said.