The project aimed at improving the system of flood prevention in Surcin, funded by the EU through its Assistance for Flood Relief in Serbia Programme, kicked off today and is scheduled to complete by the end of March 2017.
The European Union has allocated EUR441.500 for the clearing of 64km-long river canals in Surcin and Obrenovac. The works are being carried out by the Austrian Development Agency.
“This EU-funded project is of great importance for the municipality of Surcin and the neighbouring municipality of Obrenovac. Upon the competition of works we will no longer fear floods such as those we faced in May 2104,” President of Surcin municipality Stevan Susa said.
These drainage canals have never been cleared before, so the first phase of works includes the removal of vegetation overgrowth, followed by dredging works and scooping out accumulated mud. The depth of the canals will thus be restored, allowing the drainage of large quantities of water caused by heavy rainfall or flooding.
“The works include clearing of 21 km of canals in Surcin and over 40 km in Obrenovac. We have thus far increased the capacity of 11 pumping stations in Obenovac and we are planning to fix the pump in the Surcin neighbourhood of Progar,” Project Manager Fabio Drago said.
The European Union has allocated more than EUR170 to help Serbia deal with the aftermath of floods that hit the country in May and September 2014 through its IPA 2012 and IPA 2014 pre-accession funds.
