Citizen Complaint Leads to Cleanup of Neglected Vitebsk Ravine

Vitebsk Ravine Cleaned Only After State Intervention: A Case of Neglect During Beautification Year Vitebsk, Belarus – A neglected ravine near Gapeyev Creek in Vitebsk remained littered with trash and overgrown despite the city's 2025 beautification efforts. This situation only changed after a citizen complaint prompted intervention from the State Control Committee. The Committee's website confirms the cleanup, highlighting the issue of bureaucratic hurdles in maintaining public spaces. "Even in the Year of Beautification, the ravine was only cleaned after a push from the State Control," stated the video's author, Vitebskexpert. The video shows before and after images of the ravine, illustrating the significant improvement after the intervention. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of local beautification initiatives and the responsiveness of local authorities to citizen concerns. The State Control Committee's action serves as a reminder of the importance of citizen engagement in maintaining public spaces. The timely cleanup, however, offers a positive note, demonstrating the potential for effective action when citizens voice their concerns.