The reconstruction works on the Lucka Reka-Javor segment of the main pipeline in Ivanjica kicked off. The European Union and the Government of Switzerland have allocated EUR100,000 for this project through the European PROGRES programme.

The works include the replacement of asbestos pipes in the length of 1,130 metres in an effort to upgrade the system built in 1973. and address the main water supply issue in the Municipality of Ivanjica and thus enhance the quality of municipal services and lives of the local population.

“The project will contribute to a substantial loss reduction we are currently experiencing throughout the grid and eliminate shortages during summer, whereas citizens will enjoy a stable supply of quality water,” said the President of the Ivanjica Municipality Zoran Lazovic. He stressed that the reconstruction of the main pipeline would prevent pipes from breaking and thus significantly decrease the costs of maintenance.

The reconstruction works, which should be completed in three months, are being carried out by the construction company Granit plus from Sevojno which had been selected within the procurement procedure called by the Municipality of Ivanjica.

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.