Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev announced municipal infrastructure improvements worth 1,8 million EUR in the mining town of Makedonska Kamenica, where the Sasa lead and zinc mine marks its 50th anniversary and the 10th anniversary since it was re-started. The new infrastructure investments, Dimitriev said, are on top of the six million EUR reconstruction of the old Kocani - Makedonska Kamenica - Delcevo road, that is prone to landslides even though it is one of the main links between Macedonia and Bulgaria.

"The infrastructure projects will include building a culture center, daycare center for children with special needs, building between the Sasa mining village to Meckarska Maala, several local roads and reconstruction of central streets. Additionally, we began work on the road to Kocani and Delcevo, a 31 kilometer stretch which is a significant link for people living in this region, which should be fully reconstructed in 18 months", said Dimitriev.

Dimitriev is in Makedonska Kamenica for the ceremony to mark 50 years since the lead - zinc mine was opened. The ceremony also marks 10 years since the mine was re-started, after financial problems caused its closure. Mining in this ore rich region dates back to the Middle Ages, with Germanic, Saxon settlers believed to have been brought to professionalize mining in the 17th century, leading to the name of the mine.

Mayor Darko Mitevski said that the town has full support from the Government in improving its infrastructure, building a new open market, square, sports centers and reconstructing water lines and roads. Mayors from across the eastern region are expected at the Sasa mine ceremony.