CSS: Inadequate Civil Protection Organization in FBiH Despite Solid Citizen Contributions

(Patria) - Yesterday was marked by interventions in 21 cities and municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), as stated in the
regular report of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, a review of the situation for August 12/13 until 10 AM. Fires were recorded in all cantons, and in some municipalities and cities, there were multiple fire sites that are persistently being fought, primarily by firefighters, but also by citizens whose property and personal safety are threatened.

In all these cases, a lack of quality equipment is noticeable, and we are witnessing rather primitive means in some instances, where with superhuman efforts and often by exposing the lives of engaged individuals, attempts are made to contain the fire and defend the safety of people and their property, as well as valuable forest resources, so essential for a balanced ecosystem, according to the Center for Security Studies (CSS).

"Extinguishing fires in inaccessible terrains, which are largely caused intentionally or by negligence of the human factor, is a particular challenge in BiH, as evidenced by the unproductive political squabbles of recent days. Contributions from all legal entities and citizens in FBiH for a special fee for protection against natural and other disasters amount to 0.5% of the net salary of an employee, whether full-time or engaged in temporary, occasional jobs or service contracts. This amount is distributed such that 15% belongs to the FBiH, 25% to the cantons, and 60% to the municipality where these funds were generated or paid.

The budget of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, with 213 employees, amounts to approximately 24.8 million KM and is higher compared to the previous year by almost 8 million KM. A good portion of the funds, besides employee costs (8.2 million KM), relates to transfers to other levels of government and foundations (over 7 million KM).

What is particularly concerning is that less than 10% of the funds (2.37 million KM) are allocated for the procurement of much-needed equipment.

A similar example can be observed in the case of the Civil Protection of Sarajevo Canton. The budget of the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo Canton for 2024 amounts to approximately 14.58 million KM, employing 314 people. Approximately 11.69 million KM is allocated for employee compensation and operational costs, while the allocation for equipment is a modest 1.77 million KM.

We can conclude that taxpayers contribute solid funds for institutional revenues, for which they rightly expect to be significantly better protected, along with their safety and hard-earned property, as well as natural resources essential for biodiversity and future generations. Extreme weather conditions, caused by climate change, are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, and if we do not establish quality structures and investments, we risk potentially irreparable consequences for our environment and society," state CSS.