EU renovates 58 houses in Šamac

Reconstruction of 28 priority housing units in the Alžirac settlement in Šamac began this week as part of the European Union's Flood Recovery Programme. The EU-funded works mark the beginning of the reconstruction of the housing stock in this settlement, the EU Delegation to BiH announced, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

Netka Džordžić, a 60-year-old resident of the Alžirac settlement, said that various institutions and organizations had promised reconstruction of the flooded buildings by May.

- Since the EU has now become involved in the reconstruction of our homes, we are confident in the outcome. We gathered today to help the workers with cleaning, if necessary - adds daughter-in-law Slavica.

The Džordžić family is one of 28 families in the Alžirac settlement who lost everything they owned in the May floods, and whose homes were submerged for 10 days. Most of the buildings in the Alžirac settlement were built in 1961 as prefabricated houses with poor construction, which is why the extent of the damage is enormous.

- The settlement is called Alžirac because the poor quality of construction and the shape of the houses resemble the barracks built for soldiers in Algeria. As far as I can remember, these are the oldest houses in Šamac - explains 61-year-old Ilija Nijemčević.

The floods caused additional difficulties for these families, who are already considered the most vulnerable category of residents in this area.

- Families in Alžirac live in a state of social need with low or no income. I receive 67 KM of military disability pension per month, while my wife has no income. We can barely make ends meet and would not be able to afford the cost of house repairs - adds Nijemčević.

For the past five months, these families have been living throughout the Šamac region, in the homes of relatives, friends, or in alternative accommodation provided by the municipal authorities. Now, everyone eagerly awaits their return home. The representative of the contractor in Alžirac, funded by the EU, is confident that their return will be possible within the next four weeks.

Rifat Hadžismajlović, the construction site manager, said that the priority is to repair the roofs and walls.

- We plan to replace all doors and windows, and to install new facades on all units. We also plan to clean the external sewage pipes, as well as pave the yards - he said.

Reconstruction of an additional 30 housing units in Šamac, which began in early October, is in its final phase, bringing the total number of units currently being reconstructed with EU funds in this area to 58. In general, the first phase of reconstruction of priority housing stock funded by the EU in flood-affected areas includes 650 units. Reconstruction of 29 facilities has been completed, while work is ongoing on 321. The selection process for an additional 300 is nearing completion.

- The example of families from the Šamac settlement of Alžirac shows how our thorough analysis and numerous field visits result in the effective and targeted use of EU funds, from which those most in need directly benefit. The news from other construction sites, where work is proceeding according to schedule, is also encouraging - said Andy McGuffie, spokesperson for the EU Delegation to BiH and the EU Special Representative.