European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia David McAllister and European Union Ambassador to Serbia Michael Davenport attended the opening of kindergarten “Decja radost”, whose reconstruction following the May 2014 floods was financed by the European Union with approximately EUR240.000.
During May 2014, flooding destroyed children premises and playrooms, kitchen and administrative offices of this pre-school institution’s largest facility. Reconstruction works included the replacement of damaged joinery and floors, plastering, paving, repairing of the roof and facade. Following the reconstruction of the facility, some 450 children from Svilajnca once again enjoy proper playing and learning conditions.
“I wanted to make certain of the results of EU’s efforts in recovery of devastating floods that hit Serbia last year. Following my visit to Svilajnac I can tell my colleagues in European Parliament that the money aimed at reconstruction was well-spent, and the European Union has shown solidarity with Serbia ever since the floods had started,” said European Parliament rapporteur David McAllister.
“I am particularly pleased with the reconstruction of kindergarten because it represents a cooperation between the EU and two private foundations – B92 and Novak Djokovic. We will continue our efforts in removing the consequences of the floods, and pay special attention to preventive measures in order to prevent future disasters,” said EU Ambassador Michael Davenport.
“It is a great pleasure to see the entire job of reconstructing “Decja radost” kindergarten finally finished, with the assistance from numerous donors, because, once again, kids and their teachers have a quality facility to play and work in,” said President of the Municipality Predrag Milanovic.
“A lot of efforts were made in the past nine months, and with the great help of good people, institutions and companies, Svilajnac has a kindergarten to be proud of anew,” said Veran Matic Chairman of the Board at “Fond B92”.
After the May 2014 floods, the European Union allocated around EUR1.3 million for the construction of 11 houses and renovation of 90 households, reconstruction of Agricultural and Veterinary School, Grammar School and kindergarten “Decja radost”, support to 42 micro and small enterprises and 600 agricultural producers in Svilajnac. Municipality of Svilajnac has awarded EU Ambassador with Recognition Letter for all the support during flood relief. Today, McAllister and Davenport also paid a visit to Kokovic family who had their new 65 square metre home constructed thanks to EU funds, after their old home had been destroyed in floods.
