COUNCIL FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF VUKOVAR CONVENES

VUKOVAR, June 7 (Hina) - A council for the reconstruction and development of Vukovar, established in keeping with the Law on Reconstruction and Development of Vukovar, on Friday examined plans and reconstruction and development programmes for this year. #L# The president of the council, MP Branislav Tusek, suggested that the plans and programmes should be made the subject of a wide public debate as soon as possible. Following a government decision, works will continue on the removal of war-damaged buildings in the Vukovar area. Last year 97 buildings were cleared and this year a further 200 buildings will be. Reconstruction is continuing of public buildings. This commenced in 1998 and is financed by Croatian counties and individual donors. Of the 22 buildings on which works began, 12 have been completed and another 10 will be completed by year's end. More than US$16.66 million has been invested to date, assistant public works minister, Ljudevit Herceg, said. Of that, US$9.87 million was invested by counties and donors, while the remainder came from the state budget. A further US$4.10 million is required to complete the works, he added. The Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Town of Vukovar will earmark US$3.20 million for the removal of damaged buildings and the continuation of reconstruction, said Diana Galic, the Fund's president. The same amount will be invested in the establishment of an entrepreneurial centre in Vukovar and other economic projects. Needs are much greater than is materially available, so it was concluded that this year's plans should be brought within realistic limits. (hina) sp sb