In the village of Ostrovany, a long-standing challenge is being transformed into a model of sustainability, inclusion, and practical change. Through the project “Participation of Marginalised Roma Communities in the Green Deal”, two apartment buildings in the local Roma community have been equipped with credit-based water meters, giving residents greater control over their water consumption and expenses.
The project goes far beyond infrastructure. It’s about activating the community, building local capacity, and improving living conditions in meaningful, measurable ways.
This important work is being implemented by the support of EUKI – European Climate Initiative.
A Joint Effort That Delivered Results
The municipality played a key role in the process. The mayor Mr. Rastislav Popusa secured funding for additional technical components, which enabled the complete replacement of old, leaking vertical risers in both buildings.
Equally important was the active participation of residents, made possible through the support of the municipal field social workers. Under expert supervision, residents helped carry out the necessary repairs using a self-help approach, installing both the new risers and the credit-based water meters in their own buildings.
“The greatest value of this project isn’t just in the technology, but in the fact that people took responsibility for their homes,”
— Field Social Worker, Municipality of Ostrovany.
Real Impact: Fewer Debts, More Awareness
According to Mayor Popusa, the introduction of the credit-based water metering system has helped resolve a long-standing issue with unpaid water bills in the community.
“People are now more careful with how they use water. Not only did they learn to conserve it, but they’ve also become better at managing their household budgets. Thanks to this project, we’ve seen an increase in financial, environmental, and energy literacy across the community,”
— Rastislav Popusa, Mayor of Ostrovany
Education at the Core
The project also included a hands-on workshop led by experts from Innovative Energy, offering practical tips on how to reduce energy use, save on heating, and conserve water. The session encouraged open discussion and gave residents tools they could apply immediately in their daily lives.
What Comes Next: RESDI’s Long-Term Commitment
This phase of the project may be complete — but RESDI’s work in Ostrovany is only just beginning.
The energy audit carried out during the project revealed not only urgent technical needs but also real opportunities for continued improvement. It provided clear, actionable recommendations for further renovation work — guidance RESDI fully intends to act on.
RESDI is committed to doing everything possible to improve the living conditions of Roma communities not only through technical upgrades but by empowering people to lead change in their own environments.
We believe in the strength of participatory approaches, where community members are treated as equal partners. We bring social innovation into practice not through one-off solutions, but through long-term collaboration that builds resilience, dignity, and opportunity.
RESDI will continue seeking funding and partnerships to support ongoing community-led improvements, so that families in Ostrovany — and beyond — can live in homes that are healthier, safer, and more sustainable.