EU-funded construction of social housing buildings for Roma families in Kakanj and Banovići starts

Within the framework of the EU funded project “Roma Action II phase”, the foundation stone for the construction of the social housing building for eight Roma families in Varda settlement in Municipality Kakanj was laid on 18 August and on 24 August in Municipality Banovići for two buildings for eight Roma families.

Project aims to support the implementation of the revised Roma Action Plans in BiH 2013-2016 by improving living conditions and social inclusion of the marginalised Roma population with a proactive involvement of the local authorities at all levels and other local stakeholders.

Massimo Mina, Head of Operations Section for Social Development, Civil Society and Cross Border Co-operation at the EU Delegation to BiH welcomed the commitment of all involved in the project emphasising the importance of Roma inclusion in the society, and stated: “The housing issue is one of the biggest priorities, but other measures are also needed for improvement of the situation of Roma population, including education, health protection and employment. The Roma Action project will also address these issues and provide 70 Roma families with grants to improve their economic status”.

The project will address infrastructure issues too concerning out-door utility (re)connections for eventual improvements on sewage system, water and electricity supply, and/or access roads to the benefit of the whole local community, not only Roma population.

Nermin Mandra, Mayor of Kakanj noted that so far four social housing buildings have been constructed in Municipality Kakanj within different projects, and there will be more construction works.

“It is a great pleasure that we are finally working towards resolving housing, and other issues of Roma people in Varda settlement. Besides the social housing building,a new playground for children will be also constructed”, added Mayor Mandra.

Total of 149 housing units for vulnerable Roma families were (re)constructed in 14 municipalities/cities across BiH in the first phase of the Roma Action project.

In the second phase of this project, in total 140 housing units will be (re)constructed in 9 flood-affected municipalities/cities across BiH (Tuzla, Gračanica, Banovići, Kakanj, Zavidovići, Zenica, Bijeljina, Modriča, Brčko District BiH).

The EU provided EUR 2.5 million for the second phase of the project and the local authorities (beneficiary municipalities) are co-funding it in the amount of EUR 327,227. The project is implemented by Hilfswerk Austria International (HWA) in cooperation with Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB) and BiH Association Kali Sara – Roma Information Centre.

Europa.ba