TUTIN – On April 12, 2018, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a U.S. government agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Serbia inaugurated a new, 200 cubic meter reservoir in Tutin.

“USAID provided $1.3 million to help Serbian municipalities affected by the migration crisis,” said USAID Serbia Mission Director Azza El Abd. “In the municipality of Tutin, USAID provided $75,600 to build a new reservoir that helps ensure a sufficient, reliable quantity of potable water for the residents of Velje Polje and the migrants staying in the Asylum Center in Tutin.”

„The residents of Tutin, and migrants, deserve clean, healthy water and this is why we need to continue to listen to the needs of local communities, especially in collaboration with international organizations that are more than willing to help solve concerete problems of our citizens,“ said Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Branko Ružić. “With this project, among others, we also want to express our gratitude for the humanity and solidarity towards migrants,” added Ružić.

“The municipality prepared the technical documentation for the new reservoir. It’s been built with USAID assistance and is now connected to the water network”, stated the Mayor of Tutin, Kenan Hot.

The Tutin water reservoir project is part of the Enhancing Local Resilience to the Migration Crisis program, funded by USAID and implemented by UNDP.

“We assist local communities in Serbia to turn the migration crisis into a development opportunity, and to become more resilient to future challenges,” said Steliana Nedera, UNDP Serbia Deputy Resident Representative.