Reconstructed building of the Public Preschool Institution Majke Jugović was officially opened today in Doboj, thus also symbolically marking the start of a new school year. This kindergarten was heavily damaged in devastating floods in May this year, and now reconstructed as a part of the EU Floods Recovery Programme, funded by the European Union. The cost of reconstruction amounted to BAM 124,000 (€ 63,400), and the works included replacement of all electrical and water installations, installation of new toilets, doors and windows and floors, restoration of walls, and a new facade.
“EU is committed to help the communities in flood-affected areas to return to normal life as quickly as possible by repairing key infrastructure such as educational and preschool facilities as the key priority. Rehabilitation of this kindergarten is a part of that commitment and we are delighted to see it up and running again. We hope the premises will provide a healthy and stimulating surrounding for children to play and learn for many years to come,” said Melvin Asin, the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Majke Jugović Kindergarten provides services for 130 children, and reconstruction of the old building of this kindergarten is also ongoing. The works there, in the amount of BAM 400,000 (€ 204,500), include also roof repair. The opening of the second facility, which accommodates 150 children, is scheduled for 1 October 2014.
“Thanks to funding of the European Union, as a part of the Floods Recovery Programme, we have provided the youngest ones in our community with a better childhood, while the family, as a pillar of any society, can now be even bigger and happier”, said the Acting Director Ms. Slavica Živković.
EU Floods Recovery Programme was launched so as to restore normal living conditions in local communities and ensure that the aid reaches the most vulnerable ones in the aftermath of floods in May. Funds will be used to restore public services and infrastructure, reconstruct housing units for the most vulnerable ones, and for social and economic recovery of local communities. The value of the overall programme was 43.52 million, of which 42.24 million were provided by the European Union.
This assistance is a part of the funds that the European Union pledged to at the donor conference in Brussels in July. Activities are to focus on reconstruction of 4,000 housing units for approximately 14,000 residents, rehabilitation of key public services and infrastructure (including schools, medical facilities, water supply and sewer, and smaller roads and bridges) at 50 sites, as well as providing assistance to retain and generate around 2,000 jobs in flood-affected areas. Beneficiary selection will be based on the Recovery Needs Assessment and a public call is soon to be announced, with special emphasis on the most vulnerable population categories, such as the elderly, families with children and persons with special needs.
The programme is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
ST/ photo Europa.ba
