The bridge in Uzinska near Teslić, which was destroyed during the floods in May this year was reopened today. The bridge was reconstructed with funds from the European Union and Teslić Municipality. The funds invested by the EU Floods Recovery Programme amounted to BAM 38,431, which includes BAM 7,819 utilised for the protection of the river banks and arrangement of the riverbed, while the Teslić Municipality participated to the reconstruction of the bridge with BAM 25,000.
The bridge was officially opened by the Mayor of the Teslić Municipality, Milan Miličević, and the Programme manager of the EU Floods Recovery Programme, Edis Arifagić.
„We are very grateful to the European Union and UNDP for the support in removing the consequences of the floods we have suffered. The reconstruction of the bridge brings huge benefit for the residents of the Petkovići settlement and other neighbouring places, because this bridge is their only real link to the rest of the municipality. We hope to continue this successful cooperation in other fields as well, aiming to ensure a better life for our citizens“, said the Mayor of Teslić Municipality, Milan Miličević.
The local road to Rajševo, also damaged in the floods, has also been rehabilitated under the EU Floods Recovery Programme with the amount of BAM 18,679. The rehabilitation works included construction of a supporting wall and reconstruction of the road.
„Rehabilitation of infrastructure is one of four basic components of the EU Floods Recovery Programme, because it enables people in the affected areas to return to their normal daily activities. Out of the planned 100 local roads and bridges included in the Programme, we have so far completed rehabilitation works on 23 infrastructural projects, including bridges, water supply facilities, and roads. Additionally, 33 infrastructure projects are currently ongoing and 18 more are planned. According to our estimate, at least 30 roads and bridges will be completed by 31 December 2014,“ said the Programme Manager of the EU Floods Recovery Programme, Edis Arifagić.
The EU Floods Recovery Programme was launched 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 are used to restore public services and infrastructure, rehabilitation of housing units for the most vulnerable people, and for social and economic recovery of local communities. The value of the overall programme is 43.52 million, out of which 42.24 million is provided by the European Union.
This assistance is a part of the funds that the European Union pledged at the donor conference in Brussels in July 2014. Activities are focused on rehabilitation of 4,000 housing units for approximately 14,000 residents, and 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 is based on the Recovery Needs Assessment and a public calls, 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).
For more information, visit the EU Floods Recovery Programme feature page
