Sitemap

Saša Jovanović, President Of The Municipality Of Merošina

Driven By A Good Team & Strong Vision

Merošina has always occupied an ideal geographical position, with the City of Niš on one side and the City of Prokuplje on the other. However, as of two years ago, it has also had great leadership, which has utilised the close proximity of two highways – Belgrade-Skoplje and Niš-Priština – to entice numerous investors and improve the lives of residents

Prior to being appointed municipal president, Saša Jovanović – as a member of the then temporary governance body – kept abreast of all happenings, problems, plans and projects. This ensured that he was able to immediately launch the implementation of existing projects, but also to create major plans, which he reveals in this CorD interview.

Following many years of stagnation, Merošina is finally striding forward with assured steps. What has changed in that respect?

It is true that everything started to improve as of two years ago, but we don’t deserve all the credit for that, because we also had major support from the state.

Admittedly, we had well-worked projects that we used to apply to all ministries and we received funds, but workers’ income taxes remain our main source of revenue. Over the course of just one year, revenues generated from income tax increased by 30 per cent, which also means that employment is on the rise, while tax collection is increasing, as are revenues from property taxes and our own and ceded revenue.

However, I must stress that no leader – whether in business, medicine, culture or local government – can achieve anything on their own if they don’t have a good team. And in Merošina we have a good team.

It seems as though the entire municipality is a major construction site. Are we being deceived by the impression?

No, you are correct… A lot of work and construction is happening in our city, and we also have big plans. Construction permits have been secured for the reconstruction of the Jastrebački Partizani Primary School and the building housing the social work unit, but also for the reconstruction and extension of the Municipal building. Strategic importance is given to the construction of a faecal sewer network covering approximately 67 kilometres, while we’re also planning to construct a water supply network on the territory of the municipality.

We are also preparing two industrial zones for investors, which already have the required road and water infrastructure, while work on the sewer system is underway

Priorities also include the infrastructure equipping of the Mramorsko Brdo business zone, covering an area of 55 hectares. In the meantime, we’ve reconstructed Industrijska Street, the settlement of Batušinac is being tarmacked and we’ve secured 34 million dinars from the budget for new works. I also have to mention the construction of a preschool institute, increasing the capacity of the wastewater treatment system, improving energy efficiency, the “Help at Home” project, wastewater management, as well as two capital projects: reconstruction of the highway section from Merošina to Prokuplje and the Niš-Pločnik section of the Niš-Priština highway.

Has the example of your municipality also shown that investing in infrastructure is the best way to entice investors?

We are also preparing two industrial zones for investors, which already have the required road and water infrastructure, while work on the sewer system is underway. We have mostly attracted domestic companies and one mixed Italian-Serbian firm, MING Kovačnica [MING FORGING], which should employ 60 workers in its first year of operations. They plan to increase their capacity in the year ahead, so they’ve already established cooperation with the dual education department of the Technical School in Prokuplje. Another Italian-Serbian company is building a 2,500-square-metre production facility and will manufacture recycling machines. They buy the land – we don’t give it to them for free. There’s also a company from Niš that’s purchasing five hectares and will employ another 100 workers.

Miktronik, the general representative of Bosch for Serbia, has already launched its operations in Merošina, while two more Serbian companies have also entered the industrial zone and we’re awaiting the arrival of Fero Stil, Livnica Stil and some other companies, so we have no problem with unemployment. Anyone wanting to work can find a job.

Nikola Pejović, Umka Cardboard Mill General Manager

Sustainability and Quality as Foundations of Trust

The Umka Cardboard Mill boasts a rich tradition dating all the way back to 1939, when it was first established to produce paper and...

Miodrag Kostić Endowment

Palace of Science Welcomes Visitors

Thanks to Miodrag Kostić’s gift to the Serbian society that’s worth over 25 million euros, an area of 5,500m² in one of Belgrade’s most...

dm drogerie

CSR Marks Milestone Year for dm

Retail chain dm drogerie markt, a leader in corporate social responsibility in Serbia, concluded its anniversary year with numerous humanitarian activities and monetary and...

Kathrine Decorzant, general manager, JTI Adriatica

Benchmark for Success

JTI represents one of the largest Japanese investments in Serbia and the country’s leading tobacco company, which has been recognised as a Top Employer...

European Motorcycle Sales Surge in 2024

In 2024, Europe's five largest motorcycle markets saw a notable increase in sales, fueled by the demand for urban...

A New Front in the Trade War

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is stirring fresh tensions, particularly with...

Austrian Business Cooperation in Serbia

The annual survey by Advantage Austria on the business climate in Serbia for 2024 confirms the stability and growth...

The Hermitage Days are Being Held Again in Belgrade in 2025

The Hermitage Days in Serbia represent a unique international cultural project that will take place from February 19 to...

Djokovic into Australian Open Semifinals After Victory Over Alcaraz

The best Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic, secured his place in the Australian Open semifinals after an incredibly thrilling...