Living conditions for millions of Hungarian citizens can be improved27 March 2013
In recent years 20 projects have been started all over the country in the framework of the urban social rehabilitation of the New Széchenyi Plan. In total nearly HUF 24 billion EU funding can be spent on the renewal of the underdeveloped quarters in Kecskemét, Hódmezővásárhely, Kaposvár, Nyíregyháza, Debrecen, Győr, Szolnok, Veszprém, Tatabánya, Székesfehérvár, Dunaújváros, Szigetszentmiklós among others and in four districts of Budapest.
The New Széchenyi Plan devotes particular attention to the alignment and renewal of legging city districts affected by social problems. Involving the socially disadvantaged smaller communities in the economic and social circulation of the city is especially important since by this the living conditions of the people living in the area are significantly improved. That is also why facilitating the employment of the population through various programmes and trainings plays a key role during the projects.
The nationwide programme involves 12 cities in the countryside. In Kecskemét, for example, the renovation of 12 council flats, the construction of a new playground, a sports court and bus shelters will be implemented. In Hódmezővásárhely, among others, the facades of 7 blocks of flats will be renovated, school and parish house reconstructions will be carried out and in the new community centre the inclusion of the local population will be ensured. In Kaposvár particular attention is paid to supporting child welfare and youth protection. In Nyíregyháza the objectives are day-nursery, kindergarten and school renovation and programmes will also be organized to facilitate integration into the labour market, community development and crime prevention. In the seventh biggest city of our country the energy modernization of 10 concrete blocks of flats will be carried out in the future.
The new community house will be a new asset to Debrecen and a new park, a playground and a sport court will be built for health promotion purposes. In Szolnok nearly 50 flats will be renovated, public security and green areas will be increased. In Veszprém the rehabilitation of concrete blocks of flats, landscaping, the renovation of educational institutions and recreational activities will be carried out. In Dunaújváros the energy costs of 765 flats could be reduced and besides the renovation of the local playground and sports area, public utility developments and the installation of a public video surveillance system will also be implemented. In Szigetszentmiklós the Attila József housing estate can stand out with its new looks and the support of elderly residents is given high priority in the Pest County settlement.
In Budapest social rehabilitation will be conducted in four districts. In Józsefváros, as a continuation of the Magdolna Quarter Programme, 28 residential buildings will be renovated affecting 770 social rented flats. Furthermore, 13 blocks of flats will be partially renovated. In addition, in Rákospalota, Ferencváros and Csepel, for example, the renovation of residential buildings, concrete blocks of flats and schools will be carried out.
City areas renovated in the framework of the New Széchenyi Plan and the related programmes can ensure long term solutions for the social inclusion of local residents. The majority of the projects to be implemented are in 100 % or almost fully funded by the European Union.