50th Anniversary of the Vileika-Minsk Water System: At a district event in Vileika, archivists from Molodechno uncovered the chronicle of the large-scale construction of the hydraulic structure

The 50th anniversary of the Vileika-Minsk Water System, a grand hydraulic engineering project that forever changed the life of the capital and the entire region, was celebrated in Vileika. An exhibition opened in the exhibition hall of the Vileika Museum of Local History, becoming the central event of the anniversary celebrations.

The meeting brought together local government representatives, construction participants, residents of villages submerged during the creation of the Vileika Reservoir, museum curators and archivists, local historians and journalists, and the general public. The atmosphere was filled with memories, pride, and respect for those who accomplished a true labor feat half a century ago.

The exhibition tells the story of the «project of the century» through a living history of human courage, scientific thought, and harmony with nature. It is based on three conceptual blocks. The first is a historical and documentary exhibition. Archival photographs and videos literally show how the land was reshaped: canals were dug, dams were built, and a new riverbed was created. The second is scientific. The private collection of geodetic instruments belonging to Geokart LLC reminds us that the seemingly simple idea of »diverting water» was based on years of research, complex calculations, and the work of engineers. The third is a natural and cultural exhibition. Artworks and materials depicting the rich wildlife showcase the beauty of the new landscape born of construction.

Archivists from Molodechno played a special role in preparing the exhibition. They presented a virtual exhibition based on archival materials, «Sources and Horizons. 50 Years of a Waterway», and participated in the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of preserving the documentary memory of the construction. A film by the BSAKFFD about the large-scale construction of the hydroelectric complex was also shown to those in attendance.

For reference: the issue of Minsk’s water supply became a pressing issue in the post-war years. Design work began in the early 1960s, and the final route was approved in 1964. Construction of the system began in April 1968, with the Vileika Reservoir—one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the country—as its centerpiece. The main work was completed by the end of 1975, and on January 16, 1976, a large rally was held involving the republic’s government, party officials, the public, and construction workers. Following its completion, the canal’s gates were opened, and water flowed toward Minsk.

1. Archivist Maria Ivanovna Mechkovskaya during the presentation of the exhibition «Origins and Horizons». 50 Years of the Waterway»

2. Fragment of the museum exhibition

3. Raisa Konstantinovna Filistovich, a resident of the village of Rybchino, which was flooded during the construction of the Vileika Reservoir

4. A representative of Geokart LLC during a tour

5. Exhibits from the private collection of geodetic instruments of Geokart LLC

6. Inna Zenonovna Pudakevich, Director of the Zonal State Archive in Molodechno, and participants in the construction of the Vileika-Minsk Waterway during the event