Construction of a new gymnasium in Podgorica will be finished by 2023. By that time, the Capital will also get three new elementary schools, said Minister of Education, Mr Damir Šehović.
Those infrastructure investments are part of the arrangement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), worth €40 million.
Speaking about budget funds for the purposes of education, Minister said that Government had earmarked around 10% more funds and asset conditions for the greatest investment scheme that encompassed over 20 capital projects.
“Project with the EIB entails construction of four schools, reconstruction of three kindergartens and adaptation of ten secondary schools across Montenegro. With construction and reconstruction capacities will be increased by over 3.500 places”, said Minister Šehović.
New gymnasium, worth more than €6 million, with 6.000 square meters, will be in the area of “University center”. New elementary schools will be located in the area of “Zabjelo B”, “Radoje Dakić”, and “Karabuško Polje” urban units.
Mr Šehović said that existing capacity of kindergartens would be almost doubled.
“Works on the kindergarten “Poletarac” in Zabjelo will cost more than €2 million. We will actually get another facility. The second kindergarten in Podgorica will also be reconstructed and upgraded (€600.000). Finally, through investment worth €1,4 million, kindergarten in Kotor will have increased capacities and improved conditions for children and parents”, said Mr Šehović.
The program will include reconstruction of ten secondary schools. Additionally, contemporary equipment worth €2 million will be provided for cabinets in vocational schools.
“We will provide furniture for education institutions and renew computer equipment in every school, a very demanding task”, said Mr Šehović.
Minister reminds that the arrangement with EIB and Development Bank of the Council of Europe is worth around €60 million, with additional funds from the capital budget and €15 million expected from the KfW bank and energy efficiency program.
“As far as the reconstruction part is concerned, over 200 reconstructed facilities are proof that we used Ministry’s budget in the right way”, said Mr Šehović.
Minister insists that everything that has been done in education investment scheme is not just a wish list but a real progress.
From 2016 until today, funds for the settlement of housing needs of employees in education sector, have been increased by 60%, Minister points out.
Mr Damir Šehović confirmed that Council of Europe Development Bank had approved of the new arrangement with Montenegro, worth €17 million, for the purposes of the construction of seven new kindergartens.
“I’m glad that the Bank sees a serious and reliable partner in Montenegro and that it is aware that investing in the youngest population is the best and the most affordable investment”, said mr Šehović.
Mr Šehović said that conditions for raising salaries for the education sector had been set.
“From the beginning of next year, rise will amount to 9%. Starting from 2021, there will be another 3% increase. Although standard of education sector isn’t satisfactory yet, we must notice that a significant progress has been made with the last agreement with the Trade union”, concluded Mr Šehović.
