Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

The project aimed at improving the system of flood prevention in Surčin, funded by the European Union through its Assistance for Flood Relief in Serbia Programme, started on 3 March, and it is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2017. The European Union allocated EUR 441,500 for the clearing of 64km of river canals in Surčin and Obrenovac. The works are being carried out by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

“This EU-funded project is of great importance for the municipality of Surčin and the neighbouring municipality of Obrenovac. Upon the completion of works, we will no longer fear floods such as those we faced in May 2014,” the President of Surčin municipality Stevan Šuša said.

These drainage canals have never been cleared before, so the first phase of works includes the removal of vegetation overgrowth, followed by excavation and extraction of accumulated mud. The depth of the canals will thus be restored, allowing the drainage of large quantities of water caused by heavy rainfall or flooding.

“The works include clearing of 21 km of canals in Surčin and over 40 km in Obrenovac. We have thus far increased the capacity of 11 pumping stations in Obenovac, and we are planning to fix the pump in the Surčin neighbourhood of Progar,” said the Project Manager, Fabio Drago.

The European Union has, through its IPA 2012 and IPA 2014 pre-accession funds, allocated more than EUR 170 million to help Serbia deal with the aftermath of floods that hit the country in May and September 2014.

Source: United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS)