European Union and Switzerland continue to support Presevo municipality and its reception centre for refugees. The latest donation, garbage truck worth EUR70,000, has been awarded to PUC “Moravica”.
European Union and Swiss Government have over the past six months, through the European PROGRES development programme, secured EUR171,000 to enhance the capacity of Presevo reception centre. The assistance included 900 blankets, 700 sets of linen and 350 pillows, 10 mesh containers, one water tank and 15 portable toilets.
“European Union has been continuously supporting not only Serbian Government, but also smaller NGOs which make effort on the ground to help refugees and migrants and make their long and arduous journey more easier,” said Head of Operations III at the EU Delegation Ričard Maša on the occasion of handing over the keys to the garbage truck.
He added that in the months behind us, it was key to ensure those people had a place to rest, especially in winter months, whereas now, the support was being gradually aimed at host municipalities.
“Our goal is to decrease the inevitable pressure on local utility companies. Truck donation is an example of concrete support to the municipality in its attempt to respond to migrant crisis,“ said Maša.
Photo: UNOPS
Presevo Municipality President Ragmi Mustafa thanked the EU and Swiss Government for being the first to recognise the needs of local self-governments in this particular emergency situation.
Garbage truck donation is of immense importance because it will allow us to maintain a satisfactory level of hygiene in the Municipality and reception centre, Mustafa said.
Director of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Serbia Isabel Perich said Serbia’s efficiency and humane approach in taking care of refugees set an example to other countries in the region.
“I would especially like to commend efforts made by Presevo in trying to respond to migrant crisis and genuine solidarity shown by citizens of Presevo for migrants and refugees,” Perich said.
