site.btaSocial Policy Minister Gutsanov Launches Construction of New Assisted Living Facility in Popovo
Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov launched the construction of a new specialized support centre and three residential buildings for adults with intellectual disabilities in Popovo on Friday. He said that funds invested in the social sector are investments in the future. The Popovo Municipality project, worth over BGN 5.8 million, provides for the construction of four one-storey buildings offering community-based care, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said.
The Centre for Specialized Support will serve 60 people with disabilities and their families. Each of the new residential buildings will accommodate 15 adults with intellectual disabilities, offering improved living conditions, personal space and kitchens where residents can prepare their own meals.
The construction of the new senior care facilities in Popovo is part of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry’s initiative to reform and ensure quality, accessible care for older people and persons with disabilities nationwide. The investment is financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Gutsanov said that everyone deserves to live in decent conditions, which is why the Ministry team has launched a large-scale programme to renovate all 81 homes for senior citizens, with nearly BGN 400 million invested. He added that more than 250 new social services will be opened under this programme.
Popovo Municipality will receive BGN 6.3 million in funding. "Besides this centre, the Municipality has secured funds for a new electric vehicle for social services and a new energy-saving system," the Minister added.
The new residential services will allow Popovo Municipality to provide better living conditions and quality care for residents of the Home for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in the village of Medovina, which is scheduled to close by 2027.
Popovo Mayor Lyudmil Veselinov pointed out that the nationwide deinstitutionalization process began in 2002. "At that time, we had to close four children’s homes. It was difficult, but we moved forward," he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was jointly performed by Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov, Popovo Mayor Lyudmil Veselinov, Targovishte Regional Governor Yoan Peev and Dimitar Atanasov from the construction contractor.
/DD/
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