First migrants to be admitted to new Lipa camp today

(Patria) - Although the Bihać City Council accepted Lipa as a new location for migrant accommodation back in November last year, the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina gave their consent only after the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic in BiH, in order to move several thousand migrants from the streets of Krajina cities.

Although the first relocation of migrants was announced back in March, it did not happen. According to official announcements, the first migrants are expected to be admitted to the new Lipa camp today, so intensive work is underway to make the camp operational. 50 tents have been set up at this location, which should accommodate 1000 migrants.

Given that the authorities do not want the situation from Vučjak to be repeated, the opening of the Lipa camp is delayed. The issues of electricity, water, and sewage have been resolved, and the green light from the health sector is still awaited, writes BHT.

The Cantonal Institute for Public Health points out that they receive daily reports from DRC and IOM on the health status of migrants in the reception centers. A triage of migrants will be carried out at the entrance to Lipa, and a quarantine facility will also be operational. Lipa is primarily intended for the reception of migrants who are on the streets of Bihać and lack basic conditions for a dignified life.