The web portal Roma Times continues with its series of exclusive interviews. This time with the current Roma mayor of the only Roma municipality in Europe - Shuto Orizari

Roma Times: Mr. Dudush, your second term as mayor of the municipality of S. Orizari is already running out. Objectively, how satisfied are you with the activities carried out so far in the municipality?

Kurto Dudush: Considering the fact that we are a municipality with the smallest budget in RSM, I think we have achieved a lot. Here I would list activities that are of crucial importance for our municipality to improve the quality of life and improve the environment:

Protection from flooding of the lower part of Shuto Orizari, 5.2 km storm drain, reconstruction of all main roads throughout the settlement, led smart lighting, construction of children's parks, lifting and permanent removal of all landfills in the inner part of our municipality, reconstruction and reconstruction of the two primary schools, a new kindergarten and many other projects.

RT: In your opinion, in which field did you achieve the most, and in which field were expectations not fully met?

KD: Shuto Orizari was a neglected municipality from its establishment until before my appointment, despite the aforementioned numerous activities, there is still a lot to be done, but we do not stop here, we continue at the same pace until all the set goals are met.

RT: What is currently your biggest priority and focus in your work?

KD: We place priority no. 1 on detailed urban plans, the need to bring plans is of crucial importance, a service that we should provide to the citizens, to enable the municipality to expand but also to strengthen the economic development of our municipality by planning of a new commercial industrial zone in which we see potential for future employment, in fact, the potential that we have in our municipality of many young unemployed Roma is also our asset.

RT: How do you evaluate the cooperation with the state (the Government) so far, and does it take enough care of the priorities of the Roma community - with a focus in S. Orizari?

KD: As the only Roma mayor and the only Roma municipality in Europe and beyond, every government, including the current one, should and can help more than what they are practicing at this moment, all the circumstances should be taken into account, the situation in which the Roma community finds itself in us, but also outside our country and to strive to be an example in the region, as with us they have a partner who is ready with a team and projects to enable the realization of all the requests of the European Commission (economic and social rights, housing, education , employment, culture and the position of Roma women).

RT: Do you plan to run for another term as mayor in the municipality of Š. Orizari?

KD: On this question, I would let the citizens have their say, my mandate is until November 2025 and of course if the citizens ask me to do so, it is my obligation to continue with the positive changes for our community and modernization of our municipality.

September 12 is the day of the municipality of Shuto Orizari. Shuto Orizari began to develop after the catastrophic earthquake of 1963. After the reconstruction of Skopje and its surroundings, the place where today's settlement is located, the predominantly Roma population began to settle. Today, Shuto Orizari is one of the outskirts of today's Skopje. With the gradual shaping of the settlement, the Municipality of Shuto Orizari is beginning to take on the appearance of an urbanized suburban neighborhood. Over time, Shuto Orizari acquired its own administrative and cultural institutions. In 1996, Shuto Orizari, together with the village of Gorno Orizari, formed an independent administrative unit, the municipality of Shuto Orizari.

May it be celebrated for many years to come.