Mayor of Strpce: Infrastructure, strengthening the local economy, and the development of Brezovica as priorities

The new Mayor of Strpce, Ivica Tanasijevic, has stated that the priorities of his four-year mandate will include infrastructure projects, the revitalization of the water supply network, the development of the local economy, as well as activating the tourism potential of Brezovica and the Sar Mountains.

In an interview with Kosovo Online, Tanasijevic said that cooperation with central institutions is crucial, and that he expects them to recognize Strpce as a serious partner working in the interests of all citizens.

He also noted that his door will always be open to everyone—regardless of nationality, language, or political affiliation.

What are your priorities in office, and what are the main challenges facing the municipality?

My first priority is concrete, everyday issues: roads, water supply, sewage, public lighting, and municipal hygiene. Citizens must see changes in their neighborhoods and streets, not just on paper. A significant portion of the municipal budget will be directed toward revitalizing the water supply network in all settlements, which I see as the top priority.
The second important direction is the development of the local economy—support for small businesses, farmers, raspberry growers, beekeepers—as well as activating the tourism potential of Brezovica and the Sar Mountains.
The third priority is improving healthcare and social protection, with special care for the most vulnerable, including the opening of a hospital in Donja Bitinja.

The biggest challenges are a limited budget and the ability to respond to all the needs of our citizens. Another challenge is the departure of young people, unemployment, and the registration of the municipal public utility company. These are real challenges, but with good organization and cooperation, we can address them step by step.

What can the citizens of Strpce expect over the next four years?

Citizens can expect an accessible mayor. The door of my office will be open to everyone, regardless of nationality, language, or political affiliation. They can expect more order and transparency, clear information about how the municipal budget is spent, and what is being done on the ground. They can expect us to address concrete problems—improving water supply, road and lighting infrastructure, working conditions, healthcare, education, and environmental protection. I will not promise miracles overnight, but I do promise persistent daily work and an honest approach toward every citizen.

How do you see cooperation with the central authorities?

For us, cooperation with central institutions is essential. Many projects—from roads and water supply to resolving the status of the Brezovica Ski Center—cannot be implemented without the support of higher levels of government and international partners. My approach will be constructive; we will come with clear projects and plans. We expect the central authorities to recognize us as a serious partner working in the interest of all citizens.