Government to award RSD 0.5 billion in flood grant aid

BELGRADE - The Serbian government adopted the program of grant aid for businesses in the flood-affected areas in the amount of RSD 0.5 billion, Director of the Government Office for Reconstruction and Flood Relief Marko Blagojevic said in Obrenovac on Monday.

The funds will be allocated for facilities damaged in the May floods, primarily micro and small-sized enterprises, as they are identified as being most in need of assistance, he said.
"Out of this amount, RSD 180 million, or EUR 1.5 million, will go to the businesses in Obrenovac," he told reporters in this Belgrade municipality hit hardest by the floods.

The program is to be carried out by June 1, 2015 in a total of 120 municipalities affected by torrential rains.

Blagojevic noted that RSD 6 billion were invested so far in the recovery of Obrenovac, including nearly RSD 2 billion in government aid for families whose homes were damaged in the floods.

Serbian Economy Minister Zeljko Sertic said that he expects around 700 firms to receive the one-off financial aid based on the government decision.

He noted that the government had previously adopted a special program worth RSD 1 billion in support of the flood-affected businesses, allowing them to apply for funds and favorable long-term loans through the Development Fund.

Norwegian Ambassador to Serbia Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said that this country has so far allocated EUR 4 million for the reconstruction of public facilities, and helped to restart agricultural production in the areas affected by the floods.

He added that the Norwegian government will set aside more funds to support 127 businesses in the local community.

Head of the Obrenovac municipality Miroslav...