EU PROGRES

Detailed Regulation Plan for the Roma settlement Mala Guba in Prokuplje that was successfully produced with the funds from the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme - EU PROGRES, received recognition at the 22nd International Urban Planner’s Exhibition in Niš. This document involving 5.75 hectares will contribute to creating conditions for development of infrastructure, regulating watercourse and defence from floods as well as address the issues of illegal construction and unresolved property and legal relations.

There are around 270 inhabitants in informal settlement of Mala Guba; more than half are children and the youth. The houses in the settlement are built of low-quality material, frequently even from raw materials without thermal insulation, so the dampness and rain leakage often occur in many households. Most of them do not have electricity or water installations. The Toplica River and the Stražavačka River run through the settlement and their courses are unregulated. Thus, the settlement is exposed to flooding.

In producing this plan the goal was to develop and improve the existing housing, as well as to create the basis for new residential construction and construction of social housing units, raise the level of infrastructure, protect the environment, regulate the watercourse and protect from flooding. The municipal assembly adopted this document at the session held on 8 October 2013 which is when it came into force.

This strategic document was selected as one of the best among the 16 shortlisted plans at the International Urban Planner’s Exhibition organized by the Serbian Society of Urban Planners in Niš on 8-15 November 2013. Yugoslav Institute for Urban Development and Housing “JUGINUS” from Belgrade developed the plan. The European Union and the Government of Switzerland through EU PROGRES allocated EUR 9,193 for this project while the Municipality of Prokuplje participated with EUR 3,457.