Municipality

Kikinda

Community

Banatska Topola

Title

Renovation of Banatska Topola Community Center

Problem

The facility hosting Banatska Topola’s community center was very neglected. The roof leaked, the walls lacked insulation, and the humidity threatened to ruin the rooms, furniture, and computers. The electrical and telephone installations were old and presented a fire hazard. As a result of this poor condition, the use of this space was quite restricted, thus essentially leaving the community without a proper space for activities.

Solution

The building underwent extensive renovation which included plastering the interior and exterior of the façade, insulation and repair of floor covers, partial removal and replacement of the ceiling surface, reconstructing the roof through partial beam and tile replacement, replacing wooden doors and windows with plastic and metal ones, painting, repairing the electrical installations, and installing a telephone switchboard system. The central meeting room was provided with furniture.

Impact

Renovating the community center facility significantly helps support the development of civic and nongovernmental organizations in the village. The CDG and CAG committees now have a proper space for work and meetings which, before, took place in a school. Additionally, civil servants in the MZ office within the community center have far better conditions to work and serve citizens, especially considering that this space can now serve as a branch office connected to the Citizens’ Assistance Center in Kikinda. Furthermore, the computers are placed in a more adequate and, for the local population, more accessible space to encourage higher interest among the community for computer activities and stimulate the development of new initiatives.

Beneficiaries

600

USAID Funds

$21,649

Community and Other Contribution

$7,450