Skopje, 15 October 2024 (MIA) – Construction works for reconstruction of the student dormitory “Kuzman Josifovski – Pitu” in Skopje, are progressing as planned, having started in April in line with agreement signed by the government on 29 December 2023 with the Austrian company ‘Strabag” as the most favourable bidder in the international tender.

The reconstruction of student dormitory “Stiv Naumov” in Skopje has also recently begun - these are the first two student dormitories being renovated, with a total budget of 17 million euros. Within 18 months from the start of the renovations, both dormitories will be transformed into modern facilities, featuring enhanced sustainability and energy efficiency, which will contribute to a cleaner environment and cost savings.

The project is being implemented with a loan from the German Development Bank (KfW) amounting to 20 million euros and a grant of nearly 5 million euros under the EU’s Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) for the Western Balkans.

These two dormitories are part of the first phase of the project for energy efficient rehabilitation of state-owned student dormitories in the Republic of North Macedonia. In the next two phases, over the next four years, the reconstruction of seven other student dormitories is planned in Skopje, Prilep, Bitola, Shtip, and Ohrid.

All dormitories will have energy-efficient facades, new plumbing and electrical installations, eco-friendly heating systems, energy-efficient LED lamps, a complete renovation of the sanitary facilities, and high-quality safety standards.

Education Minister Vesna Janevska highlighted that the dormitories will be equipped with photovoltaic panels on the roofs, which will lead to substantial energy savings and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“Certainly, what is most important is the enhancement of the student standard, which is extremely significant to us because we believe that the student standard is one of the key components in retaining young people in our country, so they can stay here, build their lives here, and contribute both personally and to their homeland,” Janevska said.

She announced that the reconstruction of the two dormitories (“Kuzman Josifovski - Pitu” and “Stiv Naumov”) is expected to be completed within 18 months from the start of the construction works.

Regarding the other dormitories that need renovation, she noted that negotiations are still underway with the KfW Development Bank and other banks to secure favourable loans so that we can finish all nine of them.

Steffen Hudolin, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, highlighted during the presentation that this investment will greatly contribute to enhancing the quality of student life, fostering sustainable conditions, and improving environmental impact.

“When we look back on our studies, student housing is an important part of our lives; it holds great significance for our potential and development - when we are away from home, we should feel at home,” Hudolin said.

Klaus Müller, the Head of the German Development Bank for Southeast Europe (KfW), emphasized the significance of this project in terms of environmental protection.

“This project has a significant impact, considering that nearly half of the student dormitories will reduce emissions by 400 tons. In addition to energy efficiency, we are also talking about more comfortable student dormitories, which means this is an investment with a comprehensive approach,” Müller said.

After the project and its goals were presented at the headquarters of the Europe House, representatives from the EU Delegation in Skopje and the German Development Bank, along with the Minister of Education and Science, visited the “Kuzman Josifovski - Pitu” dormitory to gain insight into the ongoing activities.

Representatives from the contracting company presented a completed and furnished student room as a model for the appearance of the other rooms in this student dormitory in the center of Skopje.

Photo: MIA