A new water tank with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters has been put into operation in Presevo, along with a reconstructed tank of 500 cubic meters, which increased the capacity of drinking water three times. Minister Branko Ružić, US Ambassador Kyle Scott, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration Vladimir Cucić and President of the Presevo Municipality Shciprim Arifi attended the event.

Commissioner Cucić reflected on the beginning of the migrant crisis, when migrants were facing barbed wire in some countries, while at the same time in Presevo, image of a police officer embracing a child from Syria send a message to the world. He pointed out that during the first wawe of migration there was not enough water for the local population, but the citizens of Presevo generously shared with the migrants whichever amount there was available.

USAID, UNDP and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the Municipality of Presevo and the Government of Japan jointly financed the construction of the new reservoir and renovation of the old one.

"Presevo endured a lot of pressure during the migration crisis and local infrastructure is still amortized because of it. The local population, as well as the whole of Serbia, have shown great solidarity with migrants, despite the concern that such inflow will threaten local development," Ružić said.

The Minister pointed out that the joint efforts of the state, local self-government and donors can improve the life of citizens in every municipality in Serbia.

US Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott said that "the US government has provided $ 1.3 million to help the municipalities most affected by the migrant crisis and support their sustainable development."
The project for improving water supply and utility services has been implemented in less than a year and it provides a long-term, steady water supply both for Presevo citizens and the migrants in the reception center.