Skopje, 13 March 2025 (MIA) - Eleven municipalities in the country will receive grants totaling USD 350,000 from the Technical Documentation Fund (TDF) to develop technical documentation for new projects. The mayors of Gradsko, Krushevo, Makedonski Brod, Novaci, Pehchevo, Studenichani, Tearce, Chaska, Chair, Ohrid and Shtip signed agreements on Thursday that will help them strengthen the capacities of their local self-governments.

Speaking at Thursday's agreement signing event, Minister of Local Self-Government Zlatko Perinski pointed out that the project is of exceptional importance for smaller municipalities that face limited human resources, lack of quality project ideas, and are in need for preparation of documentation.

"Undoubtedly, this is an investment in the development and future of municipalities, in improving the quality of life of citizens and in sustainable economic development. With this initiative we are making a significant step forward in creating more functional, competitive and sustainable local communities. We continue to work dedicatedly towards strengthening municipal capacities, because strong municipalities mean a strong state," the Minister said. 

Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jain stressed that Sweden remains a steadfast supporter of the country's European integration.

"Every EUR 1 invested in the TDF mobilized an additional EUR 5 of funding for the construction of concrete infrastructure projects in municipalities, totaling EUR 16 million for the full implementation of 23 municipal infrastructure and development projects. This is only a small part of its full potential, which can only be realized if there is commitment from local and national institutions," she said. 

UNDP Resident Representative Armen Grigoryan said that by the end of the current second phase of the project, about USD 3 million will be invested in the preparation of over 130 sets of technical documentation. 

"So far, the project has supported 90 such sets. We are pleased that on the basis of these projects, municipalities have implemented funding for many of them through various national and international funding mechanisms," said Grigoryan.  

Regional Development Bureau director Daut Memishi expressed gratitude to all partners who have contributed to the successful implementation of the process, noting that the municipalities are already actively working on collecting the necessary data.

"This platform enables a transparent and efficient process of awarding funds, and its functionality makes it a valuable resource for future initiatives. The preparation of technical documentation for 11 selected projects is already at an advanced stage, and the municipalities are actively working on collecting the necessary data. This process will not only enable successful implementation of projects, but will also strengthen the professional capabilities of municipal teams, increasing their capacities to manage future investments," Memishi pointed out. 

The project "Building Municipal Capacity for Project Implementation" is implemented by the United Nations Development Program - UNDP with financial support from Sweden and the Regional Development Bureau, with the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) as partners in the project. 

Photo: Ministry of Local Self-Government