The European Union and the Government of Switzerland will through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – PROGRES provide 1.3 million Euros to support implementation of fourteen local infrastructure projects in the South and South West Serbia.
These projects were selected as the best among those submitted in response to the first PROGRES call for financing local infrastructure that was open from the end of February until the end of May 2011. In competition of twenty four projects, on a basis of administrative, programme and technical evaluation of the proposals, PROGRES Steering Committee approved the following projects for funding: “Improving Preventive Health Care for Women and Children” from Nova Varoš; „Green Economy – The Way to Energy Independence“ from Prijepolje; „Replacement of Water Pumps in Suho Polje“ from Sjenica; „Construction of Child Care Cenre“ from Raška; “Expansion of Municipal Kindergarten” from Tutin; “Adaptation of Museum” from Priboj; “Renovation of the Heating Plant in the High School” from Novi Pazar; “Procurement of Waste Collection Vehicle and Street Containers” from Bosilegrad; “Improving Green and Dairy Market” from Bojnik; “Construction of School in Kumarevo” from Leskovac; “Reconstruction of Water Treatment Plant from Lebane”; “Energy Efficiency – Way to Poverty Reduction and Economic Development” from Vladičin Han; “Upgrading of Water Supply in Novo Selo” from Trgovište and “Construction of Indoor Sports Facility” from Surdulica.
The projects will primarily improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply and heating systems as well as conditions in schools, health centres and kindergartens. Several interventions will directly contribute to cleaner environment and economic development. Joint for all projects is that they improve living conditions for the people in the South and South West Serbia.
The total estimated budget, with an average municipal contribution of 30 % instead of minimum 10%, exceeds 2 million Euros.
Construction works will start upon selection of contractors, in accordance with the relevant Serbian Law, and are expected in autumn 2011. Completion of majority of projects is expected in the first half of 2012.