Amel Škulj, rebar worker: We built this tunnel with a song!

Amel Škulj from Kakanj, a rebar worker by profession, employed at "Euroasfalt", is one of the 300 workers who have been working day and night for the past two years on the construction of the most demanding tunnel on the section of Corridor 5C highway from Sarajevo to Zenica. Although it is hard to believe today, Škulj says he didn't work just for a salary; he worked for his people and his country. He was happy today when the end of the second phase of works was officially announced.

- What can I tell you. I am happy. This tunnel is not just a construction for me. It is a part of my country and my people – Škulj tells the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Amel is proud because he is part of a team that, he says, came to the country's aid when the construction of this important corridor was in question. Because, before the Federal Government entrusted the job to domestic construction companies, as many as two construction companies from Slovenia unsuccessfully tried to complete this strategically important tunnel.

Everyone was proud of this construction marvel today, during the official completion of the second, most demanding phase, from the directors of the companies that built the tunnel to the Federal Prime Minister himself, Nermin Nikšić. However, it seems that he has grown closest to the hearts of ordinary workers.

- This is hard work. Dangerous. But when you have good work colleagues, it's not a problem. I came to this tunnel with a song, and I left with one too. I didn't work here just for a salary. I contributed to my country here – says Amel for NAP. He proudly emphasizes that he put a part of himself into the tunnel.

- I worked in Slovenia for several years. But it's not the same. There you work for a salary, for someone else; here you work for yourself, for your country, for your people – says Amel, adding that he regrets that there are not more projects like this in BiH, so that his friends who cannot find work could also be employed.