18.09.2024

The Minister for Communities and Return, Nenad Rašić, accompanied by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and representatives from the Municipality of Dragaš, participated in the ceremony of starting the construction of four new houses for families who returned to the municipality of Dragaš. This project is part of the RRK VI project scheme, a long-term partnership between the Ministry of Communities and Return, IOM and the European Union Office in Kosovo. This project aims to help the return and reintegration of families who have experienced displacement due to conflicts and socio-economic difficulties. 

The families that will benefit from the construction of new houses are the family of Nagip Ibrahimi, Fitmije Bislimi, Kamir Rexhiqi, and the family of Emina Vehapi. For these families, the project represents an opportunity to start a new life in safer and more stable conditions, after many years of living in great difficulties.

Nagip Ibrahim's family has four members, for more than a decade, had moved to Novi Pazar after the 1999 war. After returning to Kosovo in 2014, they settled in Nagip's brother's house, as theirs the house was completely destroyed during the war. Nagipi is disabled and lives on social assistance, not having the financial means to rebuild his house. For this family, the construction of the new house of 62 square meters means a big step towards a more stable and independent life.  

Fitmije Bislimi, originally from the village of Krstac, moved to Belgrade after the 1999 conflict, where she lived until 2009. Lack of employment and inadequate housing conditions in Belgrade prompted her to return to her native village. She is the beneficiary of a new house of ​​45 square meters. For Fitmije, this construction represents a new beginning after many years of life in difficult conditions.

Kamir Rexhepi from the village of Radesh lived with his family of six-members in Belgrade until 2012. Due to the complete destruction of their house during the conflict, they lived on rent, unable to rebuild the destroyed house. The RRK VI project will offer him and his family a new house of ​​75 square meters. Kamiri and his family are looking forward to the completion of the construction, which will give them the opportunity to finally return to their homeland.

Emina Vehapi’s family of four-members from the village of Zlipotok, is the beneficiary of a house with ​​62 square meters. After returning from Serbia in 2012, her family lived in her brother-in-law's house, as their house was completely destroyed during the war. Emina and her family have experienced difficult years, facing a lack of shelter and support. Now, thanks to this project, they will have the opportunity to live in a new and safe house.

In his speech during the ceremony, Minister Nenad Rašić emphasized the importance of this project and the ongoing efforts to support the return and reintegration of displaced persons. According to him, the construction of these houses is only part of the work done to help these people return and have a stable life in their homelands. After the completion of the construction of these houses, he said that the next steps should be considered, including the inclusion of the returnees in the social and economic life of the country. To be successful returnees, these individuals must have opportunities for employment and full inclusion in society. He emphasized that projects for economic development will continue and invited all communities to respond positively to the call to be involved in these projects. This is an opportunity not only to provide housing, but also to create conditions for families to be independent and contribute to the development of their community.

The RRK VI project is one of the most important initiatives in supporting displaced families in Kosovo, offering not only safe housing but also harmonized aid packages with food, food items, firewood, furniture, as well as generating packages of income.  Construction of these four houses in the municipality of Dragaš is an important step towards fulfilling these goals.