Gradual reconstruction of a student dorm in Skopje, new furniture for the ten state dorms in Macedonia and procurement of washing machines and tumble dryers in dorms are the three capital investments set to be realized this year, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Spiro Ristovski announced Thursday.

These investments, he added, are part of the government's plans and activities aimed at raising standards for students.

"The first investment involves stage-by-stage reconstruction of the largest student dormitory in the country, the Goce Delcev dorm in Skopje. One of its sections has been fully reconstructed, while all construction works have been completed in another section. EUR 180 million has been invested so far in the two blocks of the dorm," Ristovski told a news conference on Thursday adding two other sections would be reconstructed in the next stage, due to be completed either in late 2017 or early 2018.

The process of procuring new furniture in the ten state universities will be completed in three months' time, he stated. "By late April, we expect all dorms in Macedonia to be furnished with new beds, mattresses, tables, chairs and closets."

The third investment is in fact procurement of 50 washing machines and 50 dryers in the dorms. It is intended to be implemented in the first quarter of 2017, according to Ristovski.

"So far, nearly MKD 350 million has been invested in halls of residence across Macedonia. A decision has been made to construct three new dorms - two in Skopje and one dorm in Tetovo. Their construction is expected to be launched in due time," the Deputy Minister stated.