The reconstruction works on the Ljupce Spanac elementary school in Bela Palanka have started. The European Union and the Swiss Government have allocated EUR62,393 for this project through the European PROGRES programme, whereas the Municipality of Bela Palanka has earmarked EUR19,331 for roof replacement and refurbishment of the basement.
Once the project has been implemented, the students and staff of this educational institution will enjoy substantially improved working and learning conditions. And given that the EU and the Swiss Government had already funded the drafting of main reconstruction design for the school, all preconditions for a complete renovation of the facility have now been met.
“The reconstruction of schools in our municipality will create better learning conditions for our children,” Goran Miljkovic, the President of Bela Palanka municipality, said and added that thanks to excellent cooperation established through the European PROGRES programme so far five infrastructure projects were implemented, including a draft of the main design for expansion and upgrade of the surface water drain, overhaul of public lighting system as well as a draft of the detailed regulation plan for the industrial zone Murica 2 in Bela Palanka.
The European Union and the Government of Switzerland will support the activities of the European PROGRESS programme, which contributes to the sustainable development of the South and South West Serbia, with a total of EUR24.46 million. Approved projects will be aimed at strengthening local administration creating a favourable environment for the development of infrastructure and economy as well as improving the implementation of social inclusion and employment policy. The programme is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Service (UNOPS).
The municipalities included in the programme are as follows: Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Nova Varos, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raska, Sjenica and Tutin in South West Serbia, as well as Prokuplje, Blace, Zitoradja, Kursumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Vlasotince, Lebane, Medvedja, Crna Trava, Vranje, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Vladicin Han, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Brus, Aleksinac, Gadzin Han, Doljevac, Merosina, Svrljig, Babusnica, Bela Palanka and Knjazevac in South East Serbia.
