DM1 MILLION INVESTED IN RECONSTRUCTION OF 2 E. CRO MUNICIPALITIES

( Editorial: --> 9166 ) DARDA, KNEZEVI VINOGRADI, July 22 (Hina) - About DM1 million will be invested in the reconstruction of several infrastructure objects in Darda Municipality in eastern Croatia as part of the Return Assistance Programme, which was established and is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Programme is implemented by the International Organisation for Migrations. It envisages the restoration of one part of the extant street lighting in Darda and Mece, and the setting up of new street lighting in Darda and Ugljes, municipal deputy head Tomislav Ilic said on Wednesday. The House of Culture in Darda will also be reconstructed, as will local roads, among else, he added. About 1,000 persons returned to the area to date and 150 houses were reconstructed, Ilic said. In Knezevi Vinogradi Municipality, the USAID will finance the reconstruction and building of several infrastructure objects and small enterprise projects worth DM875,000. Another DM400,000 will finance the construction of waterworks in Suza and Zmajevac, villages in eastern Croatia mostly populated by Hungarians. According to Knezevi Vinogradi municipal head Denes Soja, about 400 families returned to the area so far. Some 30 family houses are currently being reconstructed, he added. USAID's Return Assistance Programme is worth US$13.7 million in total, and is aimed at inciting the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes in Croatia's formerly war-affected areas. (hina) ha 221154 MET jul 98