Cengiz and Autoceste FBiH must find a solution for landslide remediation by February 1st, Markanović family left homeless

(Patria) - Minister of Spatial Planning, Transport, Communications and Environmental Protection of Zenica-Doboj Canton Adnan Šabani hosted a meeting aimed at resolving the landslide problem in the settlement of Mladoševica – Novi Šeher, in the Municipality of Maglaj.

"A year has passed since the landslide became active a few days ago, and the problems remain unresolved. First and foremost, I am referring to the housing situation of the Markanović family, whose house is uninhabitable. Rent payments by the Government of ZDK, or the relevant ministry, and financial and legal assistance from the Municipality of Maglaj, are not solutions for this family who lost their home. Furthermore, the landslide has damaged the regional road under the jurisdiction of ZDK, and at the meeting, we demanded that those responsible compensate for this damage," said Minister Šabani.

The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Maglaj Municipality Maid Suljaković, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Communications, and representatives of the Public Enterprise „Autoceste FBiH“. Although invited, representatives of the company „Cengiz İnşaat Sanayive Ticaret A.Ş.“, the contractor for the Medakovo – Ozimice section of the Corridor Vc highway, did not attend the meeting. This very company, which deposited soil above the landslide without the consent of the investor JP „ACFBiH“, is considered responsible for the damage.

"Colleagues from the Public Enterprise Autoceste FBiH informed us that the Markanović family has filed a lawsuit against them, and that a response is being prepared. Cengiz managers previously stated that they would compensate the family, but now they refuse, and the common stance of all meeting participants is that this is not fair, especially since Autoceste FBiH has already allocated 800,000 euros for landslide remediation, which includes the approximately 500-meter section of the Novi Šeher – Tešanj regional road. The conclusion of the meeting is that JP ACFBiH will try to find a solution with the contractor, Cengiz, by February 1st, 2026. Otherwise, I personally, as announced by Mayor Suljaković, will file criminal charges against those responsible, and let the Prosecutor's Office investigate. Fortunately, there were no human casualties in this landslide, otherwise, some individuals would have been behind bars long ago," said Šabani.

It was concluded that it is necessary to accelerate technical and administrative procedures, and to clearly define the obligations and responsibilities of all involved entities, in order to implement concrete remediation measures as soon as possible and ensure the protection of property and the safety of the population. The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Transport, Communications and Environmental Protection of ZDK will continue to actively monitor this case and, in cooperation with other institutions, insist on the implementation of the agreed conclusions in the interest of the citizens of the Municipality of Maglaj and the wider public.