In Nikšić, this year will be a year of construction and development of the city, and the focus will continue to be on supporting families, education, improving infrastructure and living standards, said the President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, Nemanja Vuković.
In an interview with the MINA agency, he said that the Municipality of Nikšić made significant strides last year, and that one of the greatest achievements is the trust of citizens, which, as he said, is felt at every step.
Vuković stated that the local government has placed special emphasis on social support and improving the quality of life of the citizens of Nikšić.
"We have introduced free school supplies for all elementary school students, benefits for newborns, and additional support for families with three and four children," said Vuković, emphasizing that these steps are not only help for families, but also a strong message that Nikšić is a city that values family and invests in the future.
He said that Nikšić looks different today – it is more beautiful, more functional and better organized.
"We have reconstructed key roads such as Voja Deretića Street and the Vidrovan - Jasenovo Polje road, we are continuing work towards Zaborje, while the Nikšić - Kuside section is already in the final phase," said Vuković.
He pointed out that the western stand of the stadium has been opened, the building of Radio-Television Nikšić has been completed, and that the reconstructed King Nikola's Castle will soon be opened, which will be a place of culture and pride for all the people of Nikšić.
Vuković singled out the closure of the Mislov Do landfill - an ecological black spot that had been endangering the health of Nikšić citizens for decades - as a particularly significant achievement.
"Although we have achieved a lot, we are aware that several projects are awaiting implementation and we have already included them in the plans for this year," said Vuković.
He said that the budget for these projects was mostly focused on social services and development projects, because they believe that these are the pillars of progress and unity in the city.
"The citizens of Nikšić can be sure that everything we promise, we do with the aim of achieving it," said Vuković, adding that the focus remains on supporting families, education, as well as improving infrastructure and living standards.
He pointed out that they carefully planned the budget for this year to ensure the smooth functioning of all services that citizens need most, from utility needs to social programs and infrastructure projects.
"Since we took on the responsibility of managing our city, we have treated the city treasury like a homemaker, aware that every euro is valuable and must be invested in a way that brings the greatest benefit to our citizens," said Vuković.
He said that they had shown transparency and responsibility in spending public money and said that this would continue to be the case in the future.
"Although there are challenges, we are not giving up on our ambitious plans. Our goal is for every project, from the smallest to the largest, to contribute to the quality of life in Nikšić, because we believe that our citizens deserve the best," said Vuković.
He said that this year, like the previous one, will be a year of construction and development of the city.
Priorities in the coming period, according to Vuković, will be the completion of the modernization of the road network, the construction of new sports fields, and the development of urban areas.
"We are also focusing on improving public services, modernizing schools and kindergartens, as well as investing in green projects that will contribute to environmental preservation," Vuković said.
As he added, the plan includes the reconstruction of Baja Pivljanina Street and the neighborhood between Petea Proleterska and Danilo Bojovića Streets, the rehabilitation of streets in the inner city core, the rehabilitation of the basketball court at the Milija Nikčević Elementary School, the modernization of local roads in the municipality, the improvement of riverbeds, and the development of playgrounds for small sports in Župa.
"In cooperation with state authorities, we are planning the construction of a Sports and Recreational Park with a jogging track around Trebjesa (2,5 million euros), the construction of a new kindergarten (two million), the adaptation of the congress hall and stage area in the House of Revolution (2,3 million euros)," said Vuković.
He said that the plan is to build the second phase of the fire and rescue center with a tower, renovate the Hadži-Ismail mosque, and adapt the children's dispensary of the Nikšić Health Center.
Vuković pointed out that the Municipality of Nikšić, in partnership with the European Union (EU), will implement one of the most significant infrastructure projects.
"Namely, the second phase of the sewage network for the settlements of Rubeža-Oštrovac-Dragova Luka and Ćemenca, which will benefit 10,5 thousand of our fellow citizens, will be built thanks to an EU grant," said Vuković, stating that 70 percent of the necessary money for this project was provided with the support of the EU and the European Investment Bank.
He said that the tender for the works will be announced this or next month, and will be announced by the Municipality in cooperation with "Prokon" and the Ministry of Ecology.
"This infrastructure project will also contribute to the establishment of a fully operational wastewater treatment plant in the Municipality of Nikšić, which will ensure the long-term protection of the Zeta and Bistrica rivers and have a significant positive impact on the environment, public health and overall improvement in the quality of life," Vuković assessed.
He said that he would strive to make cooperation with the EU even more intense and fruitful, given that the European future is something that, as he said, everyone wants and is working on.
Speaking about investments in the development of culture, Vuković said that Nikšić, as a city of culture, always has the obligation and privilege to invest money in the preservation and development of cultural heritage, but also in encouraging contemporary artistic creativity.
"Culture is what connects us, inspires us and makes us recognizable, and that is why we will continue to invest in projects that preserve our identity, while at the same time opening up space for new ideas and talents," said Vuković.
He added that significant funds are also being invested in the development of sports and improving the environment.
"We are aware of how much these segments contribute to the quality of life in our city. We are especially proud that allocations for these areas continue to grow year after year," said Vuković.
When asked whether there are any new, incentive measures planned for young people, so that they would leave Nikšić as little as possible, Vuković said that young people are the heart and energy of the city, and that investing in them means investing in the future of Nikšić.
He said that the goal of the local government is to provide young people with everything they need to stay in Nikšić, feel fulfilled, and have the opportunity to develop their talents and realize their dreams.
"We are placing special focus on creating modern spaces for young people - from innovation centers and creative industries, to sports and cultural facilities," said Vuković.
As he added, they are also working on strengthening cooperation with the private sector in order to create new jobs and enable young Nikšić residents to find employment in their city.
"We want Nikšić to be a place where young people feel a sense of belonging, security and inspiration to create a better tomorrow, not only for themselves, but also for the entire community," said Vuković.
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