Tetovo, 26 October 2022 (MIA) – Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Naser Nuredini, Swiss Ambassador Veronique Hulmann, UNDP Resident Representative Armen Grigoryan and Tetovo Mayor Bilal Kasami inspected Wednesday the construction works for prevention of floods in village Shipkovica, in order to prevent flash floods similar to the ones in 2015, which claimed six lives. “This is an exceptionally important project, primarily in the interest of the population’s protection, sustainable and inclusive growth by improving the resilience of communities in the Polog region to flood disasters. By undertaking measures arising from comprehensive studies and risk assessment plans, we are using prevention by reducing the threat of flash floods, floods, landslides, to which this area is susceptible. We are increasing the resilience and readiness of local communities to manage natural disasters similar the fatal one in 2015. The project originates from the need to put in place technical solutions at locations where housing settlements are built,” said Minister Nuredini. The project of regulating the 3.6km long terrain susceptible to flash floods is funded by the Government of Switzerland and the national Budget, implemented by UNDP. “The Swiss government programme includes a comprehensive set of mitigating measures and resilience-building measures resilience to floods in the Polog region,” said Ambassador Hulmann and added it aims to replace ad-hoc response to floods and traditional approaches for flood control. UNDP Resident Representative Grigoryan said risks should be managed not only disasters, adding that local authorities should plan strategically and be prepared for swift response to crisis and the protection of people and commodities. Mayor Kasami said that considering the commitment to create the best living conditions for all people living in the municipality, “this support literally means their life.”