ASB in Valjevo – New houses for nine flood-affected families

H.E. Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, visited Valjevo, where he visited some of the most vulnerable families whose new homes were constructed within the ASB implemented project and funded by the EU under headlines the EU assistance for flood relief in Serbia.

Within the project implemented by the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund for Valjevo more than half of million Euros were allocated, including the construction of nine houses, the reconstruction of 16 family homes, and  provision of 60 packages of basic furniture. Moreover 24 micro and small businesses and agriculture households were supported with the necessary building material, equipment, greenhouses, seedlings, etc.

Family homes and Bozidar Miodrag Popovic in the village called Vujinovaca were completely devastated in the landslides which activated in this region during the floods in May 2014. Thanks to the funds provided by the European Union both families moved into new brick house, fully equipped with furniture and appliances.

“The European Union is a major partner of the City of Valjevo, especially in the reconstruction of the damage caused by the great May 2014 floods, which destroyed a large number of households. That is why the European Union has financed the construction of 22 homes in Valjevo, for residents who have lost their entire property. In addition, we have helped the reconstruction of 16 households for families who weren’t able to provide the funds themselves” said Ambassador Davenport.

A new, 80 square meters house was constructed for the four member Popović family – Miodrag (60), Milena (79), Leposava (49) and Dejan (29) – and fully furnished and with new home appliances. The construction started in October 2014 and the new house was finished in May 2015, due to unfavorable winter weather conditions.

Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia also visited the family inn “Devet Jugovica”, in the village of Valjevska Loznica, which was reopened thanks to the donation of the European Union. The Panic family, whose only source of income is the restaurant, received tailor made package of building material, restaurant equipment and furniture. They were out of business for two months, and due to their large credit loans and financial incapability, were not able to fund the reconstruction on their own.

Organization Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), together with partners Housing Center, Initiative for development and cooperation and Foundation “Ana and Vlade Divac”, under the project of the total value of 3 million euros, successfully finished reconstruction of 164 flooded houses and construction of 40 new houses for families most affected by the May 2014 floods in Serbia. Project “Provision of housing reconstruction and economic revitalization to most vulnerable flood-affected families in Serbia” is implemented in nine municipalities in Serbia and funded through the European Union for flood relief in Serbia programme in the total value of 30 million euros.