Czech government to deal with problematic Romany housing estate

The Czech government will deal with the difficult situation in the Janov housing estate in Litvinov, mainly inhabited by Romanies, Local Development Minister Jiri Cunek (the Christian Democrats, KDU-CSL) told journalists today.

The Romanies’ problematic coexistence with the majority population has prompted the rightist extremist Workers’ Party (DS) to stage the recent marches in Janov that led to clashes with the police.

Pointing to what they call Romanies’ abuse of welfare and noisy and disorderly way of life, some locals approved of the extremists’ rallies.

Cunek said that according to the local residents, the situation was coming to a head. Something serious is taking place as their lives and health are threatened, Cunek said.

"At the request of the town hall, we will deal with the situation in a few days’ time," Cunek said.

"First, we will try to create conditions for the work of field workers and the necessary funds should be allocated to Janov," Cunek said.

"EU money within the integrated plan of town development is to help as well. This can yield as many as 150 million crowns for the repair of the local pre-fabricated housing blocks and for the revitalisation of the housing estate," Cunek said.

"The dilapidated part of Janov should look the same as the rest of the town," Cunek said.

However, the contribution will only be provided after it is ensured that the means are not destroyed again soon, he added.