Ambassador Alley in Sarajevo targeted by vandals: Plaques and trees destroyed

(Patria) - Ambassador Alley, one of the most beautiful promenades in Sarajevo and the only one of its kind in Stari Grad, has once again been targeted by vandals. This time, numerous plaques with the names of ambassadors were destroyed, and a linden tree was also damaged.

For years, the Stari Grad Municipality has been investing funds in the maintenance of Ambassador Alley, but irresponsible individuals continue to destroy this promenade despite numerous calls to stop the vandalism. The plaques bearing the names of ambassadors who planted linden trees in the previous period have once again been targeted.

The Department for Investments and Communal Affairs of the Stari Grad Municipality conducted an inspection of Ambassador Alley from Bentbaša to Dariva and determined that six plaques were destroyed. Three stone plaques were completely torn from their bases, while three others were damaged to the extent that they also need to be replaced. One stone plaque with the name of an ambassador was found along the bank of the Miljacka River, and another was found broken on the grass next to the wall. Additionally, one linden tree was uprooted from the ground. It was also determined that the stone wall above which the linden trees are planted was damaged in several places, and a certain number of stone tiles are missing from the wall.

"Such behavior by individuals and the need to destroy public property is incomprehensible and unacceptable. The Stari Grad Municipality calls for greater police engagement to stop these incidents, protect property, and provide safety for citizens visiting Ambassador Alley. We also call for greater engagement and involvement of the Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas of Sarajevo Canton, which manages the Bentbaša Protected Landscape," said officials from the Stari Grad Municipality.

They emphasize that in previous years, significant funds were invested in the maintenance of Ambassador Alley, as well as in repairing the damage caused by irresponsible individuals.

"To put an end to this, three years ago, video surveillance was introduced (Dariva and Bentbaša, and later Peace Park), public lighting was reconstructed, and lighting was installed beneath the plaques with the names of ambassadors. A total of 75,000 KM was invested in this project. It is evident that despite all efforts and investments, greater police engagement and continuous monitoring and patrols of this location are needed," said the municipality.

The Stari Grad Municipality will undertake activities in the coming period to create and install new plaques with the names of ambassadors in order to preserve the dignity of this project and Ambassador Alley itself.