Bitola, 26 July 2023 (MIA) - EU Ambassador David Geer and advisor of UNOPS for North Macedonia, Gianni Volpin, alongside Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova, Bitola Mayor Toni Konjanovski, Tetovo Mayor Bilal Kasami and Kumanovo Mayor Maksim Dimitrievski, promoted the ‘EU 4 Clean Air’ programme in Bitola on Wednesday. 

The project is worth EUR 10 million, and aims to contribute towards reduced emissions of pollutants and particulate matter in Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo and Tetovo, as the cities most affected by air and environmental pollution, said the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. 

"The project is to improve the heating systems in 70 public buildings in Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo and Tetovo. It will provide 6 environmentally friendly buses for the city of Skopje, as well as 6,000 tree seedlings planted in the four cities. As part of the project, the Skopje District Heating System will be further expanded, and air quality monitoring stations will be delivered and installed," said Ambassador Geer. 

The UNOPS Office in North Macedonia is also a signatory to the 'EU 4 Clean Air' programme, which, according to advisor Gianni Volpin, is aimed towards improving the lives of the citizens.

"Air pollution is one of the biggest health threats to human health. Air pollution is particularly high in the cities of developing countries, and North Macedonia is no exception. In the next three years, with funds in the amount of EUR 10 million, the project is expected to significantly affect the air quality in Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo and Tetovo. Our primary goal is to reduce air pollution and protect the health of the citizens," Volpin said. 

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning sees that awareness of the environment has been increasing in recent years, said Environment Minister Kaja Shukova.

"Only together we can achieve the goals and reduce air pollution. Awareness has increased among citizens, in municipalities, among all partners who can help the Ministry in achieving the strategic goals set in documents in the field of environment. What will be implemented within this project was defined several years ago and will help a lot in the four municipalities," said Shukova. 

Mayors Konjanovski, Kasami and Dimitrievski expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the 'EU 4 Clean Air' project. 

Photo: MIA