Skopje, 5 September 2024 (MIA) - Municipalities will have Mden 6 billion (EUR 100 million) at disposal by the end of 2024 for local development projects, part of the EUR 250 million that the Government will allocate for this purpose.

The public call at which municipalities can apply has already been released, based on criteria and procedures set by the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Ministry of Sport and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told a press conference on Thursday that the funds will have a direct impact on the economic growth of municipalities and a better quality of life for citizens.

"I urge municipalities, regardless of the political affiliation of mayors, to take part in the call. This is a Government of all citizens and our goal is to improve the lives of all citizens. These funds mean more projects, new boulevards and streets, schools, kindergartens, sewerage systems," said PM Mickoski flanked by Minister of Local Self-Government Zlatko Perinski.

According to him, this is the first project of such volume for the infrastructure development of municipalities.

"There have been infrastructure projects in the capital before, but never for all municipalities and with an amount such as this one. I am aware that a large portion of the municipalities are facing real problems related to infrastructure projects and capital investments," said Mickoski.

The PM added that the entire process will be transparent and open for the public.

Minister Perinski said the funds, secured through the recent Budget revision, would be operational as of October, transferred to separate accounts and distributed through six ministries.

Local self-governments can apply with one or more infrastructure projects in the fields of culture, sport, environment, road infrastructure, social policy and education.

"The public call is already available at the websites of the Ministry and the Government, as well as published in two newspapers," said Perinski.

The funds will be allocated through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and Ministry of Sport, with a Coordination Body set up within the Government to monitor the whole process.

Photo: Government