Efendić explained: All KJKP Rad machines intended for cleaning Novi Grad broke down, we hired private companies!

(Patria) - The mayor of Novi Grad municipality, Semir Efendić, addressed the public on social media regarding the snow removal situation, explaining the circumstances that arose due to the breakdown of KJKP Rad machines intended for Novi Grad.

"Mechanical maintenance of local roads in the municipality of Novi Grad, as in previous years, has been entrusted to the company KJKP Rad. Unfortunately, this company is clearly no longer what it once was, as out of the six machines designated for the municipality of Novi Grad that started cleaning last night, not a single one is operational anymore! One by one, they all broke down in less than 24 hours!

Due to the aforementioned circumstances, for which there is no justification as the machinery should have been ready and serviced on time at KJKP Rad, the municipal services today called several private companies from the Novi Grad municipality who have provided their machines, and thus cleaning of the most critical locations has commenced. Some companies were ready to provide vehicles immediately today, while others will do so tomorrow, with a minimum of 6 to 8 machines expected to be operational while we wait for Rad to repair their machines.

If we had contracted the maintenance of local roads with other companies, we would have been accused of doing so deliberately in favor of private contractors and intentionally harming a public company, but it is clear that someone has already done that. KJKP Rad had years of experience in maintaining all parts of Sarajevo, including Novi Grad, but it is evident that those times are behind us.

For the upcoming period, it will be necessary to conclude winter maintenance contracts with private companies, purchase our own machinery, and find solutions so that we are no longer caught by surprise with every snowfall. Manual cleaning of stairs, bridges, and pedestrian paths has been entrusted to JP Lokom, which can engage about 20 employees for these purposes who normally work on maintaining green areas and summer road maintenance. They were on the ground today and will continue to be in the coming days as long as there is a need for it," Efendić stated.