235 applications for housing solutions for the veteran population in Zenica-Doboj Canton approved so far

(Patria) - The Ministry for Veterans' Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton continued with the implementation of housing solutions for veteran categories in 2025, through which funds are approved for the construction, purchase, and adaptation of housing for war veterans with special needs, as well as co-financing of costs for building permits, legalization, and connections to infrastructure networks.

For this purpose, funds in the amount of BAM 900,000.00 are planned in the 2025 Budget of Zenica-Doboj Canton, and to date, a total of 235 applications worth BAM 695,853.14 have been approved.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Adnan Sirovica, states that the applications are processed in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Regulation on Assistance in Resolving Housing Issues for Veterans and their Family Members, and the services for veteran-invalid protection of cities and municipalities play an important role in the process as the point of contact for applications from members of the veteran population.

However, he points out a disproportion in the number of received applications, especially concerning the City of Zenica, which is reflected in the unrealistically small number of applications submitted by the local service for veteran-invalid protection for most of this ministry's programs.

Although this is a local self-government unit where almost a third of the population of Zenica-Doboj Canton lives, only six applications for self-employment incentives were forwarded, which were approved, and only one application for housing solutions was submitted!

- We are increasingly receiving calls from beneficiaries from Zenica, asking for their applications to be resolved. I remind you that the services for veteran-invalid protection process these applications and forward them to the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs, which approves the funds. Without delving into the reasons for the delay, I appeal to the City of Zenica to start processing the received applications in 2025, because the rights of members of the veteran population are our common interest - said Minister Sirovica.

He emphasizes that at the same time, 234 applications from beneficiaries from other municipalities were approved - from Visoko (88), Tešanj (63), Doboj Jug (19), Maglaj (17), and Zavidovići (15). Vareš and Kakanj follow with 9 beneficiaries each, Olovo with 5, Breza with 3, and 2 beneficiaries each from Žepče and Usora.

- The Ministry for Veterans' Affairs will continue to support members of the veteran population in the future through housing programs, with the aim of improving their living standards and resolving the housing issues of those most in need of assistance - states the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Adnan Sirovica.