Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snežana Paunović announced that 28 municipalities received budget funds totaling 2.3 million dinars for local projects, while the four best-performing municipalities were awarded an additional 1.8 million dinars.
Paunović emphasized that although the amount is not large, it has helped these municipalities improve parts of their operations. The funds were allocated from the state budget to assist local governments in addressing community issues.
She noted that the public call for projects revealed a clear picture of citizens’ needs, receiving project proposals worth around 2.3 billion dinars, while only 362 million dinars were actually available for funding. The top municipalities received awards from this limited budget.
Municipalities from Kosovo and Metohija also applied on equal terms as those from central Serbia. Paunović mentioned that despite possible attempts by temporary institutions in Priština to seize these funds, no mechanisms currently exist for that.
Regarding the projects funded, Paunović highlighted a range of initiatives including cultural, religious, sports, and infrastructure projects, especially focusing on kindergartens, which reflect increasing child populations and efforts to reduce waiting lists.
She also pointed out ongoing challenges with water supply infrastructure, especially during dry summer seasons, stressing the need to renovate existing systems and invest in additional water treatment facilities.
