Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Project for the construction of family houses for socially disadvantaged Roma families
Municipality of Radnevo
Background
The idea for the project originated as an experiment for solving the complex problems of the Roma population in Radnevo, whose living standard is very different from the rest of the citizens. The problem with the Roma population is not only local but very complicated at national level as well.
The crisis within the Roma community affects all parameters of the individual and group existence: deterioration of the economic status; poor housing and education standards etc. All these factors require active involvement and specific policy on the part of state institutions and local authorities.
The idea for the project originated as an experiment for solving the complex problems of the Roma population in Radnevo, whose living standard is very different from the rest of the citizens. The problem with the Roma population is not only local but very complicated at national level as well.
The crisis within the Roma community affects all parameters of the individual and group existence: deterioration of the economic status; poor housing and education standards etc. All these factors require active involvement and specific policy on the part of state institutions and local authorities.
Practice
In 1993 the Municipality of Radnevo develops a project for the construction of houses for socially deprived Roma families. The idea is prompted by a multitude of factors regarding this enthnic group:
- high rate of unemployment and low income;
- poor professional qualification and education level;
- large number of members belonging to one family;
- poor living standard and poor housing conditions.
The existing social welfare service in the municipality is not capable of guaranteeing housing provision for the socially disadvantaged families. The Municipality of Radnevo project is directed to a change in this respect. It envisions the creation of a small complex of 73 houses:
- 50 one-family houses of 50 sq.m. area each;
- 23 two-family houses of 80 sq. m. area each.
Chief designers are Katya and Blago Stoevi from Stara Zagora, who won the competititon announced. The project started at the end of 1999 funded by the municipal budget.
To facilitate the investment activity for the implementation of this idea, support is sought in terms of crediting from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe. With a decision No. 110 of 03.10.1996 the Council of Ministers approves partial funding of the project through a loan of 547 000 USD from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe. The National Assembly also gives its approval for the loan contract.
On 25.10.1996 the Representative for Bulgaria at the Council of Europe presents the project, which is recommended for approval and funding. On the basis of decisions taken, the Municipality also supports the project from its own funds amounting to 120 000 leva, thus completing 6 buildings and part of the infrastructure.
On making the necessary estimations, it becomes clear that the funds needed amount to 1 436 000 USD, to be shared between the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe and the municipal budget (or the state budget) at a ratio of 38 % to 62%.
To continue the project funding, a proposal is made to the government institutions that the Municipality of Radnevo be exempt from payments to the central state budget (within the framework of the project), so that construction could be resumed. The contract for the request of this important loan has been sent to the Ministry of Territorial Development and Public Works.
In 1993 the Municipality of Radnevo develops a project for the construction of houses for socially deprived Roma families. The idea is prompted by a multitude of factors regarding this enthnic group:
- high rate of unemployment and low income;
- poor professional qualification and education level;
- large number of members belonging to one family;
- poor living standard and poor housing conditions.
The existing social welfare service in the municipality is not capable of guaranteeing housing provision for the socially disadvantaged families. The Municipality of Radnevo project is directed to a change in this respect. It envisions the creation of a small complex of 73 houses:
- 50 one-family houses of 50 sq.m. area each;
- 23 two-family houses of 80 sq. m. area each.
Chief designers are Katya and Blago Stoevi from Stara Zagora, who won the competititon announced. The project started at the end of 1999 funded by the municipal budget.
To facilitate the investment activity for the implementation of this idea, support is sought in terms of crediting from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe. With a decision No. 110 of 03.10.1996 the Council of Ministers approves partial funding of the project through a loan of 547 000 USD from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe. The National Assembly also gives its approval for the loan contract.
On 25.10.1996 the Representative for Bulgaria at the Council of Europe presents the project, which is recommended for approval and funding. On the basis of decisions taken, the Municipality also supports the project from its own funds amounting to 120 000 leva, thus completing 6 buildings and part of the infrastructure.
On making the necessary estimations, it becomes clear that the funds needed amount to 1 436 000 USD, to be shared between the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe and the municipal budget (or the state budget) at a ratio of 38 % to 62%.
To continue the project funding, a proposal is made to the government institutions that the Municipality of Radnevo be exempt from payments to the central state budget (within the framework of the project), so that construction could be resumed. The contract for the request of this important loan has been sent to the Ministry of Territorial Development and Public Works.
Results
The model of integrating and supporting the socially disadvantaged Roma families in the Municipality of Radnevo shows its effectiveness. The needs of this ethnic group are numerous but the most significant one is the lack of housing and unemployment. Concrete steps are made and 6 buildings are already constructed, which house those strongly in need. An agreement for a loan from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe has been developed.
The model of integrating and supporting the socially disadvantaged Roma families in the Municipality of Radnevo shows its effectiveness. The needs of this ethnic group are numerous but the most significant one is the lack of housing and unemployment. Concrete steps are made and 6 buildings are already constructed, which house those strongly in need. An agreement for a loan from the Social Development Fund to the Council of Europe has been developed.
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