Actuality

The Kingdom of Norway provided EUR 1.5 million for the reconstruction of interior rooms of the Sports and Culture Centre and improvement of its functionality. The works included reconstruction of the sports hall, main and small theatre stage, gallery and library, and the reconstruction project was implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Reconstruction of the Sports and Culture Centre was also supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation with the donation in the amount of USD 100,000 to outfit the sports hall and EUR 35,000 for the park arrangement.

Prime Minister Vučić and Ambassador Bjørnstad visited the rooms of the Sports and Culture Centre and attended an exhibition opening, sports fair and a concert, the first activities in the renovated centre which receives around 850,000 visitors a year.

"Two years ago, this facility was destroyed, and today it looks much better than before the floods owing to our Norwegian friends who provided a large amount of funds. The Kingdom of Norway provided more than EUR 2.3 million for the purpose of renovating structures in Obrenovac. Furthermore, we are also grateful to the UNOPS, without whose support we would not have done much in the reconstruction efforts following the floods", said Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić.

"Successful reconstruction of the Sports and Culture Centre is the results of arduous efforts of all partners, with a significant contribution of the municipality and a high level of professionalism of the UNOPS team. Cooperating closely with the Government of Serbia, local self-governments and the European Union, Norway supported reconstruction of key infrastructure and helped small-sized enterprises restart their work. I am pleased that we could help, since that is what friends are for, to help in need", said Norwegian Ambassador to Serbia Arne Sannes Bjørnstad.

"This is a big day for Obrenovac, since the Sports and Culture Centre has now been returned to the children and audience owing to the help of the Kingdom of Norway", said Obrenovac Mayor Miroslav Čučković.

Reconstruction of the Sports and Culture Centre Obrenovac ensures reopening of the sports hall with the capacity of 1,750 visitors, the main theatre stage and also the galleries. Disabled persons now have the access to the amenities of the Sports and Culture Centre, while improvement of the existing systems will ensure easier and more efficient maintenance of indoor areas and reduction of costs.