International Relief and Development (IRD) is pleased to announce that Mr. Douglas Menarchik, Assistant Administrator for Europe and Euroasia, visited Arilje municipality on June 13. In Arilje he was hosted by Major Zoran Micovic. At 13:00 Mr. Menarchik and Mayor Micovic officially opened the reconstructed bridge and road in Arilje, a project funded by the American people through USAID and the Community Revitalization through Democratic Action—Economic (CRDA-E) program. In Western Serbia CRDA—E is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).

Arilje is a progressive, business-oriented municipality. Over the past two decades, however, basic infrastructure deteriorated due to lack of funds for new investments and maintenance. Key economic infrastructure needs repair to support economic development, which is a priority of the local government. During Arilje’s local economic development program with IRD, the agriculture area road section Mirosaljci-Latvica-Kotraza was identified as important because it is the shortest route to the main markets for 90 farms that grow apples, plums, potatoes, and raspberries, and 14 companies involved in food production and wood processing.

To improve market access for agriculture producers and wood processors, USAID through IRD undertook this project worth of $560,000. The American people provided $290,000; Arilje municipality provided $270,000. Reconstructed road and bridge on the Moravica River will improve the time, quality, and achieve cost-savings for agricultural growers in the region. The project will contribute to overall economic development and new jobs in the area. Mr. Menarchik and Mayor Micovic made brief remarks. The opening was also attended by Slavenko Djokic, recently named IRD Chief of Party in Serbia.