Targu-Jiu

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Târgu Jiu is the capital of Gorj County in the Oltenia region of Romania. It is situated on the Southern Sub-Carpathians and serves as the administrative centre of eight localities: Bârsești, Drăgoieni, Iezureni, Polata, Preajba Mare, Romanești, Slobozia and Ursați. According to the 2011 census the population for the municipality is 98,000 of this number 2,693 identify as Roma.  Unofficial estimates place the Roma population as somewhere between 8,000 and 15,000. 
 
There are 3 large Roma settlements in Târgu Jiu: Meteor where mainly Caldarash Roma live and Obreja and Luncilor, mostly populated by Rudari Roma.
 
With the Mayor’s signature on the Letter of Commitment on the 4th February 2014, Târgu Jiu joined the ROMACT programme.  For many years the municipality has been actively involved approaching and solving problems specific to our Roma community.  The administration has developed multiple infrastructure projects, ID and property documents, as well as initiatives to address health problems.  One example can be found in the establishment of a Medical Centre called SPERANTA which offers basic medical services for Obreja community members (it is also open to others).  Another demonstration in municipal commitment to support Roma communities can be found in the establishment of a Roma public office which employs 7 Roma experts (all originating in the 3 targeted communities).  These Roma experts assist Roma community members to access appropriate social services.
 
The municipal commitment and assistance from one of the three communities ultimately led to the drafting and subsequent adoption of a Joint Action Plan for 2014- 2015 which focuses on tackling issues related to education, housing, health and employment.  This Plan will be updated with new measures already defined by the CAG and will be included in the Local Development Strategy.