Smiljevići landfill to be concessioned, sustainable waste management needed

(Patria) - Minister of Public Utilities, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton Mladen Pandurević held a meeting regarding the consideration of possible models for a long-term solution to the Smiljevići landfill issue.

The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly Elvedin Okerić, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk, Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism Nasiha Pozder, Director of the Cantonal Agency for Investment Attraction and Privatization Adnan Jašarević, Director of KJKP "Rad" d.o.o. Sarajevo Emir Dobrača, as well as representatives of the Novi Grad Sarajevo Municipality, the Institute for Development Planning, and the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton.

During the meeting, the need to establish a systemic and long-term sustainable solution for managing the Smiljevići landfill was discussed. Various models for improving the existing system were considered, including the possibility of granting a concession or public-private partnership, as potential legal and organizational frameworks.

Regarding the concession model, one of the possibilities considered was taking over the entire landfill management system through the application of modern technologies, including mechanical-biological waste treatment, production of electricity and thermal energy, use of solar panels, utilization of landfill gas, and other technological solutions.

Meeting participants emphasized that any future solution must be based on applicable regulations, protection of public interest, fulfillment of all administrative, technical and environmental conditions, and full participation of competent institutions and the professional public.

Minister Pandurević informed those present that the Ministry has already held meetings with representatives of several companies engaged in waste treatment, with the aim of reviewing available experiences, technological solutions and possible forms of cooperation.

It was emphasized that the issue of the Smiljevići landfill requires a serious and coordinated approach from all levels of government and competent institutions. The meeting was of a preparatory nature, with the aim of timely inclusion of all relevant and competent actors in the process of making quality and sustainable decisions.

Activities will continue through cooperation between Sarajevo Canton, the Federation of BiH, competent institutions, the Novi Grad Sarajevo Municipality, KJKP "Rad" and expert bodies, in order to consider available options and prepare the best model for managing the Smiljevići landfill.

Additional meetings are planned for the second half of the month, when a visit is expected from a foreign company that has expressed interest in submitting an unsolicited proposal for the concession award, according to the Ministry of Public Utilities, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton.