Equipment Support by TİKA to the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center located in northern Montenegro with fire extinguishers, rescue equipment, and personal protective clothing support.

Sandžak (also known as Sanjak) region is one of the lowest regions with public investments in Montenegro. Poor infrastructure, lack of equipment in services as provided by the local administration, and lack of qualified personnel are among the most common problems in the region.

Within the scope of activities carried out by TİKA, equipment and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were provided to the fire department of Žabljak Municipality in 2016 and Gusinje Municipality in 2018. In addition, Basic Fire Brigade Training activities were also organized with the participation of the fire brigade personnel of Žabljak, Gusinje, Plav, and Berane municipalities in 2021.

Providing support to surrounding municipalities in addition to a primary area of responsibility for about 500 km², the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center was provided with fire extinguishers, rescue equipment, and protective clothing by TİKA. Among the participants of the delivery and acceptance ceremony as held in the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center were Nihad Canovic, the Mayor of Plav, Besim Gutiç, Director of the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center, the students who were in Montenegro within the scope of the 2022 Experience Sharing Program (TPP) at that time as well as TİKA personnel.

In his speech during the ceremony, Nihad Canovic, the Mayor of Plav, thanked TİKA for its support. Abdurrahman S. Toprak, TİKA Montenegro Coordinator, stated that the Plav Municipality Protection and Rescue Center would be more prepared for response in case of any emergency and disasters that may occur in Plav, which is one of the key destinations for nature tourism. Toprak also added that further projects intended for the region would continue.