EU and Switzerland fund the construction of market centre in Doljevac

The first stage of the construction of the Pukovac market centre, which will contribute to improvement and modernisation of the existing green market, was launched in the Doljevac neighbourhood of Pukovac today. After the reconstruction and covering of the 2,000m2 green market is completed, it will have the capacity of 180 stalls. Fifty open and 40 closed stalls, at which fruit, vegetables and mixed goods will be sold, will be ready for use upon the completion of the first stage of the project.

Thanks to this project, for which the EU and Swiss Government have allocated EUR181,400 via the European PROGRES Programme and the Doljevac local government has set aside EUR20,400, farmers in this municipality and the municipalities nearby will be able to market and sell their produce in improved conditions and generate more income. The consequent economic empowerment of agricultural holdings, over 3,800 of them in Doljevac municipality, will contribute to boosting the competitiveness of the local economy based on agricultural production.

“This will be one of the most modern green markets in southern Serbia and farmers in this area will enjoy even better working conditions,” said Doljevac Mayor Dejan Smiljković, who took the opportunity to thank the EU and the Swiss Government for supporting a number of projects in the municipality.

The regulations on the work of the green market shall be taken into account during and after the implementation of the project, which will contribute to compliance with the principles of good governance. The municipal institutions will enact the Rulebook on the work of the green market public utility company, setting of prices, stall allocation and rental and the use of collected funds.

The first stage of construction will be completed in three months. The work is conducted by construction companies selected at a tender called by the Doljevac municipality: EUROKOP Vinarce, as the lead contractor, and Krang-ING Knjaževac and Kran-Inženjering DOO Knjaževac. The completion of the modernisation work will increase the capacity of both green market and local farmers. The number of sellers at the green market is expected to grow from 1,000 to 6,000 after the completion of the second stage of the project, which envisages the construction of shops around the green market.

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 Services (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.).