Brest residents are unhappy about the authorities’ decision to build a battery factory in the vicinity of the city. About 8,000 signatures have been collected against the project.
There was not enough room to swing a cat at Tuesday’s meeting with representatives of local authorities and the investor. But the locals were deeply disappointed at its result; they are calling it ‘deceit’ and going to sue the state.
They authorities promised to answer all their questions, but when the locals started to ask whether there are legal ways to pull the plug on the project, Deputy Chairman of Brest regional executive committee declared the meeting closed.
Last week a representative of the city administration said it was too late since the public hearing procedure ‘had already been completed’. Lawyers who represent the citizens, however, believe that the procedure was carried out with violations.
The authorities and the investor reiterate that the fears are groundless. According to them, a state ecological commission considered the project safe.
Well, what is causin the distrust of residents? For example, the authorities said that a paper and pulp mill in Svetlahorsk was also safe for the environment, but later it caused air pollution and overpowering stench in the neighbourhood.
During the meeting, the owner of the would-be plant Viktar Lemyasheuski asked people to send a delegation to his office and promised to show all documents on the project. But when members of the public came to his office, the company’s employees refused to do it.
Another reason is Lemyasheuski’s plant in the Belarusian town of Belaazyorsk. The company is now involved in the criminal case of illegal dumping of lead waste near the village of Zyalyony Bor. Brest residents demand a would-be battery factory be moved to a less populated place.
