Seven families from Obrenovac who lost their homes to May floods, were given keys to their new houses, built and furnished thanks to EU funds. Apart from the reconstruction of primary and secondary schools, renovation of over 100 houses and other assistance, the EU also finance the construction of another two houses in Obrenovac, due for completion by the end of 2014.
“Thanks to EU funds and UNOPS implementation, five primary and secondary schools have so far been successfully reconstructed and equipped, and over 100 houses renovated apart from construction of new homes, whereas the preparations that would enable assistance to some 50 families and 30 small and micro enterprises are ongoing,” said Graeme Tyndall, UNOPS Serbia Project Centre Manager.
Ivanovic, Korac and Nesic families have already moved into their new homes, while the remaining four families will receive new furniture and move into their new houses by the end of the week.
Construction and furnishing of nine houses in Obrenovac were financed by the European Union with 253.000 euros, through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Two additional houses, whose construction has just recently started, are due for completion by the end of 2014.
Sladjana Ivanovic’s family of four moved into the new 80-square-metres house and obtained furniture and appliances thanks to EU donation.
“After nearly seven months, European Union gave us more than we had expected. Beds, closets, a cooker, a vacuum cleaner came in today…“ Sladjana Ivanovic said.
The Korac family will also celebrate New Year in their new house of 60 square metres in size.
“Although the new house is somewhat smaller than the one we lost to the floods, it is stll quite enough for me and my wife. Construction quality is good, we have received new furniture and after seven months of living at our relatives’ house, we finally have a roof of our own,“ said Mile Korac.
Programme EU Assistance for Flood Relief in Serbia, worth 30 million euros, is funded by European Union from its IPA funds. The funds are allocated for the construction of new homes, reconstruction of public institutions, private homes and roads and revival of economy and agriculture in 24 municipalities seriously affected by the floods: Bajina Basta, Valjevo, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Jagodina, Kosjeric, Koceljeva, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krupanj, Lazarevac, Loznica, Ljubovija, Mali Zvornik, Obrenovac, Osecina, Paracin, Svilajnac, Smederevska Palanka, Trstenik, Ub, Cacak, Sabac i Sid. All field activities are implemented by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the organisations HELP, ASB and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in coordination with the Government Office of the Republic of Serbia for Reconstruction and Flood Relief.
