Due to frequent fires in Roma neighbourhoods, which took the lives of 12 children in recent years, as of next week, fire extinguishers will be installed in 10 municipalities, that is in 22 neighbourhoods in South Serbia, and Roma community members educated on how to use them.
The project aimed to increase safety in Roma neighbourhoods in view of fire protection titled „Čuvaj se” / „Arak Tut” (Take Care), is implemented by YUROM centar from Nis with the support from EU Progres programme. Fire extinguishers will be installed in Roma neighbourhoods in Zitoradja, Prokuplje, Kursumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Lebane, Vladicin Han, Surdulica, Vranje and Bujanovac.
One of the reasons for fire outbreaks in Roma neighbourhoods are large quantities of secondary waste piled up in backyards or next to housing facilities, as well as outdated electrical installations. Roma neighbourhoods are usually located on the outskirts of towns and villages, whereas connections to power grids are mostly illegal or poorly executed, causing overloads in power supply system.
Apart from fire extinguishers, a group of volunteers will be educated – firefighters in Roma neighbourhoods which will then be integrated in voluntary firefighting groups. Informative material will be handed out to residents who will also have a chance to see educational film on how to deal with fire outbreaks.
“Our goal is to draw the attention of those responsible to do their duty during the heat season and put an end to losing lives and material damage as a consequence to careless behaviour,“ YUROM centar says.
The project aimed to increase safety in Roma neighbourhoods in view of fire protection is funded by European Union, Swiss Government and the Government of the Republic of Serbia through EU Progres programme.
