OREANDA-NEWS. September 26, 2011. Belarus’ Government has approved the state water supply program – Clean Water – for 2011-2015. The relevant decision is contained in Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. 1234 of 15 September.

The initiative will boost further development of the water supply and disposal system in Belarus, improve the quality of drinking water and wastewater treatment, and help safeguard underground and surface sources of drinking water from pollution. The effort will make the central water supply with drinking water of standard quality better, reduce a negative impact on the environment through construction, upgrade and modernization of water and wastewater treatment facilities.

It is expected that by 2016 an estimated 98% of oblast and regional centers, towns and villages will be provided with drinking water of standard quality. The central water supply will be available in 80% of the agro-towns. Water loss from the central water supply system will reduce by 5%.

The program will be financed from the national and local budgets, with the help of loans provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as other resources.